Heisman Heat Check Week 10: Best and Worst Performances, Plus Updated Top Four

A wild Week 10 shook up the college football landscape, and several players made sure their names were heard loud and clear. Some helped their Heisman cases while others might have played their way out of the conversation.

Who Shined?

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

We finally got the long-awaited statement game from Manning. Last week’s showing against Mississippi State was solid, but this time it came against a higher caliber opponent and from the opening snap he was in complete control. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns, mixing quick reads and deep shots with poise. It felt like the moment Texas fans had been waiting for.

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Sayin continues to fly under the radar despite putting up elite numbers. The freshman completed over 80 percent of his passes again and carved up Penn State’s tough defense for 316 yards and four touchdowns with more scores than incompletions. His calm efficiency is quite impressive as he continues to lead the most dominant team in America.

Darian Mensah, QB, Duke

Duke went toe to toe with Clemson in Death Valley and came out on top thanks largely to Mensah’s heroics. The transfer delivered 361 passing yards and four touchdowns in a back-and-forth thriller. He was the highest paid transfer in last year’s class and he’s proving every dollar was worth it.

Who Struggled?

Turbo Richard, RB, Boston College

The Eagles actually had a chance late in the game at what would have been a shocking win over Notre Dame. But their run game couldn’t do anything and the upset bid faltered.

Richard finished with 26 yards on 16 carries, an average of 1.6 per attempt. The offense moved the ball through the air at times, but the run game was a flat-out liability and much of that blame falls on Richard.

Tayven Jackson, QB, UCF

Baylor dominated from the opening drive and Jackson never found a rhythm. UCF managed only three points while Jackson threw two interceptions and posted a 9.5 QBR. It was one of the toughest outings of his season and the Knights never had a chance.

Max Cutforth, QB, Boise State

Cutforth stepped in when starting QB Maddux Madsen got injured and admittedly, that’s never an easy spot. But Cutforth struggled much more than expected. He completed only a handful of passes for 106 yards, threw two interceptions, and finished with a quarterback rating of just 4.0. Once Madsen went down, Boise’s offense went with him.

My Heisman Four As Of Today:

1. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Tide were idle this week and Simpson holds steady at number one. He has been lethal in clutch moments, combining accuracy, leadership, and an ice cold demeanor that has Alabama right in the thick of the playoff hunt.

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Another dominant win for Indiana and another efficient day for Mendoza. His stat lines are not always flashy, but the Hoosiers keep winning and he is the steady hand driving it. If Indiana keeps winning, Mendoza will be in New York as a favorite.

3. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Sayin’s precision is becoming the story of the season. PFF grades him as the most accurate passer in the nation, best on deep throws, best against the blitz, and best on third and fourth downs. The Buckeyes’ offense runs through him and his numbers back it up. Incredible stuff for a freshman, and he deserves strong consideration at this point.

4. Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M

The Aggies had a bye but Reed remains a major player in the race. His performance against LSU still resonates and with Missouri up next, Reed has another chance to strengthen both his Heisman resume and A&M’s postseason hopes.

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