Heisman Trophy Voter Sparks Controversy With 'Laughable' Ballot

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Heisman Trophy Voter Sparks Controversy With 'Laughable' Ballot

A Heisman Trophy voter is going viral on social media for his controversial final ballot on Sunday morning.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night. He became the first quarterback in program history to do so. Mendoza became the first Hoosiers player to win the prestigious award since its inception in 1935. The Hoosiers quarterback finished with 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes, topping Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 points), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 points) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points).

But those four were not the only players to receive Heisman Trophy votes. In fact, several players ended up finishing with votes inside of the top three.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 30: Caleb Downs #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts after intercepting the ball during the third quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images)Ben Jackson/Getty Images

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs finished at No. 1 in the ballot of college football writer Mike Wilson.

He shared his full ballot on Sunday morning:

  1. Caleb Downs, safety, Ohio State
  2. Fernando Mendoza, quarterback, Indiana
  3. Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver, Ohio State

Fans criticize the ballot

Downs is perhaps the best defensive player in the country. But should he have come in at No. 1 in the ballot?

"I've seen a lot of "journalists" with bad takes but..my goodness., this is next level. Brother Wilson here covers Tennessee… Anyone see their game vs Vandy?" one fan wrote.

"Laughable," one fan added.

"Watched Diego Pavia annihilate the team he covers. Not worthy of a spot on the ballot. Phew. (Side note, I do kind of like Downs first, let’s get weird)," one fan added.

"Ballot malpractice. All you have to do for the rest of this person’s career is show this vanity ballot putting Caleb Downs as number one and be done with the conversation," one fan added.

Is it a reasonable Heisman Trophy ballot or is this something to address?

This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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