College Football Week 6: Dante Moore Takes Over as Heisman Front-Runner
Heisman Trophy Race Heating Up in Week 6
We’re hitting the midway point of the 2025 college football season, and the Heisman Trophy chase is seriously starting to get spicy. Big performances, shocking wins, and clutch moments are flipping the odds every week — and we’ve got a brand new favorite leading the charge.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, here’s the latest look at the top five names battling for that famous bronze stiff-arm.
Dante Moore, QB – Oregon (+750)
The new king of the Heisman hill is Dante Moore, Oregon’s superstar quarterback. After a thrilling double-overtime 30–24 win over No. 3 Penn State, Moore’s confidence and composure are off the charts.
He earned a 79.5 passing grade in that game, hitting a season-best 85.7% adjusted completion rate. The redshirt sophomore looked ice-cold in the Penn State “White Out,” posting a 92.2 passing grade on third and fourth downs.
For the season, Moore’s sitting at an 81.7% adjusted completion rate (third-best in the Power Four) and an 88.9 passing grade (seventh nationally). If he stays hot, his next big test against top-10 Indiana could seal his spot as the front-runner.
Ty Simpson, QB – Alabama (+850)
Not far behind is Ty Simpson from Alabama. The Crimson Tide QB powered his squad to a gritty 24–21 road win over fifth-ranked Georgia last week. His performance — a 78.8 PFF grade — helped him leap into second place in the Heisman odds.
Simpson’s been lights-out when kept clean, boasting a 92.4 grade from a clean pocket (fifth-best nationwide). He’s tossed 11 touchdowns without a single pick under those conditions. Alabama, now ranked No. 10, faces No. 16 Vanderbilt next — a perfect chance for Simpson to make another statement.
Jeremiah Smith, WR – Ohio State (+1000)
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is the only non-QB still hanging in the Heisman top 10 — and for good reason. The sophomore wideout snagged a touchdown for the third straight week as the Buckeyes cruised past Washington 24–6.
Smith’s putting up serious numbers: four receiving touchdowns (top 15 in the FBS) and 396 receiving yards (19th overall). Oh, and he’s even added a 17-yard rushing TD. This week, he’ll face a Minnesota defense that loves to play man coverage — expect some highlight-reel moments.
Carson Beck, QB – Miami (FL) (+1100)
Carson Beck and the Miami Hurricanes had a bye last week, but he’s still very much in the Heisman conversation. The Hurricanes (ranked third) travel to No. 18 Florida State for one of Week 6’s biggest games.
While Beck’s stats aren’t flashy, he’s been rock-solid — completing 73.2% of his passes (11th best in the nation). A strong showing against FSU could easily bump him into the top three.
Fernando Mendoza, QB – Indiana (+1200)
Fernando Mendoza slipped a bit this week after Indiana barely escaped Iowa with a 20–15 win. His 65.2 passing grade wasn’t great, dropping him from the top spot to fifth in the odds.
Still, Mendoza’s season totals keep him in the mix. His 86.0 passing grade ranks in the top 20, his 16 touchdown passes are tied for second, and his 138.7 passer rating is the best in the Power Four. If he rebounds strongly against upcoming top opponents, he can climb right back up.
Players to Watch
Dante Moore (Oregon): Confidence and clutch play on full display — the kid’s got “Heisman” written all over him.
Ty Simpson (Alabama): Efficiency machine. Needs another big win to stay in the chase.
Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State): Elite route-runner who’s proving WRs belong in the Heisman talk.
Carson Beck (Miami): Quietly consistent; big-time game this week could change everything.
Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): Still statistically elite — just needs to recapture early-season fire.
Betting Tips & Odds
Best Value Bet: Ty Simpson (+850) – Alabama’s momentum and upcoming schedule could boost his chances.
Long Shot Pick: Jeremiah Smith (+1000) – if Ohio State stays undefeated, a wide receiver could sneak into serious contention.
Stay Away: Mendoza (+1200) – Indiana’s offense looks shaky, making him a risky bet right now.
Final Take
The Heisman race is wide open, and Week 6 could shake things up all over again. Dante Moore has the spotlight now, but Ty Simpson and Jeremiah Smith are right on his heels. One huge game — or one slip-up — could change the whole picture.
No matter what, this year’s Heisman battle is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory.