Can't Wait For Saturday Who will follow Mendoza as Heisman Trophy winner? Time to do a deep dive

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Jun. 13—***

If all goes well with tickets and I am able to convince my wife to get on a plane in December, I hope to attend the 2026 Heisman Trophy ceremony … for the first time.

I don't really have a bucket list, but if I did being at the Heisman ceremony would be high on it.

With all that in mind, I am fully invested in the award first handed out to Chicago's Jay Berwanger in 1935. The Heisman has been hoisted by 29 representatives of the current 18 Big Ten schools. Yes, adding Southern California did a lot for the Big Ten's Heisman haul.

Last year, it was Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who hit the trifecta: perfect season, won the Heisman and first pick in the NFL draft,

Who follows him?

Over the next couple of weeks, I will count down the candidates. First, my Top 10 in inverse order. Then a handful of wildcards that way include a defensive player or two.

One guy who won't appear on the list: Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby. Though I support him being on the field if the courts allow it, I can't imagine the Heisman voters putting his name on their ballots.

So, here goes:

Why is he on the list?

Not because of what he did against Illinois in Duke's blowout loss at Durham. In that game, he did not live up to expectations.

But he found a new home in the portal with the Hurricanes, where he will find dynamic teammates and a coach willing to let him show his talents.

Mensah has help in Miami, staring with do-everything Malachi Toney. You will see him on this list later. Coach Mario Cristobal also welcomes the return of the running back Mark Fletcher and the addition of receiver Cooper Barkate, who caught more than 1,000 yards worth of passes at Duke.

The Georgia transfer just missed leading the team to the title. Mensah, who is more gifted, has a chance to take the next step.

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