The Heisman race continues to heat up as the PCFB regular season barrels toward its final stretch. What was once a wide-open race is starting to crystallize into a battle between a handful of elite playmakers who have carried their teams through defining moments.
Let’s break down this week’s updated Top 5 Heisman Rankings, including who’s rising, who’s slipping, and who’s quietly building momentum for a late-season push.
1. Caden Durham – RB, LSU
Stats: 157 carries, 1,668 yards, 13 rushing TDs; 24 receptions, 303 yards, 3 receiving TDs
Durham continues to sit atop the Heisman leaderboard, and for good reason. He’s been the most consistent offensive force in the country, averaging over 10.6 yards per carry, a staggering number for any level of football. His breakaway speed and vision have turned LSU’s ground game into a weekly highlight reel.
He’s also been more than just a rusher — Durham’s 300+ receiving yards show his versatility and importance in the Tigers’ offensive identity. What separates him from the pack is his ability to take over games single-handedly; he’s topped 200 yards from scrimmage four times this season.
If he keeps this pace and LSU continues to win, Durham could very well become the first running back to hoist the Heisman since Derrick Henry.
Stock: 🔼 Steady as the nation’s most explosive player.
2. DJ Lagway – QB, Florida
Stats: 2,491 passing yards, 26 TDs, 3 INTs; 86 rushes, 757 yards, 7 rushing TDs
The reigning Heisman winner is still very much alive in the race. Lagway has been the Gators’ heartbeat once again, showing his signature blend of power, poise, and playmaking in clutch moments. Florida’s narrow win over Missouri in the rain was another chapter in his growing legacy — a performance defined by resilience more than stats.
Lagway’s efficiency remains elite, and his dual-threat impact continues to define Florida’s offense. With over 3,200 total yards and 33 combined touchdowns, he’s on pace for another monster season.
If Florida keeps climbing the rankings and Lagway has another “Heisman moment” game down the stretch, a repeat could very well be in the cards.
Stock: 🔼 Rising again after another clutch week.
3. Kevin Jennings – QB, SMU
Stats: 2,563 passing yards, 32 TDs, 2 INTs; 86 rushes, 285 yards, 4 rushing TDs
No player in the country has risen faster in recent weeks than SMU’s Kevin Jennings. After sitting just outside the top three in previous polls, Jennings now surges into serious Heisman contention. His 32 passing touchdowns lead the nation, and he’s thrown just two interceptions — a remarkable combination of volume and efficiency.
Jennings has been the driving force behind SMU’s high-powered offense, making big-time throws and consistently producing explosive plays. The Mustangs may not have the national spotlight of an SEC or Big Ten team, but Jennings’ numbers are impossible to ignore.
If he leads SMU to a conference title and finishes strong statistically, he could challenge for the top spot by season’s end.
Stock: ⬆️ Fastest riser in the Heisman race.
4. Dylan Raiola – QB, Nebraska
Stats: 2,422 passing yards, 30 TDs, 1 INT; 68 rushes, 126 yards, 4 rushing TDs
Raiola remains a model of efficiency. His 30-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio is the best in college football, and he’s the key reason Nebraska remains a top-15 team in the PCFB rankings. While his rushing numbers are modest, his command of the offense and ability to avoid turnovers have been elite.
The one thing holding Raiola back in the Heisman race is the same thing that elevates him: his steadiness. While he rarely makes mistakes, he also hasn’t had a signature “wow” performance that grabs national headlines. If Nebraska pulls off a major upset or wins out, that could change fast.
Stock: ➡️ Consistent but needs a Heisman moment to climb.
5. Bo Jackson – RB, Ohio State
Stats: 116 carries, 679 yards, 7 rushing TDs; 49 catches, 571 yards, 3 receiving TDs
Jackson rounds out the top five thanks to his all-purpose versatility. While his rushing numbers aren’t as gaudy as Durham’s, his impact as a dual-threat back has kept Ohio State’s offense dynamic. His 49 receptions lead all running backs in the nation, and he’s often been the Buckeyes’ safety valve and big-play weapon rolled into one.
If Jackson can finish the year strong and Ohio State makes a late playoff push, he could sneak back into the top three. But for now, he’s more of an outside contender.
Heisman Race Outlook
With just a few weeks left, this year’s Heisman race feels destined for a photo finish. Caden Durham remains the frontrunner, but Lagway and Jennings are closing fast. If either leads their team to a major win down the stretch, we could see a shakeup at the top.
Meanwhile, Raiola lurks as the ultimate wildcard — a flawless stat line and a potential marquee moment away from vaulting into serious contention.
For now, it’s Durham’s trophy to lose… but as every Heisman voter knows, November is where legends are made.
