When is the Heisman ceremony tips off Saturday, these four finalists will battle for football’s most prestigious award

The Heisman Trophy ceremony tips off Saturday at 7 p.m. ET in New York, where four elite college football players compete for the sport’s most prestigious individual award. Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love, Diego Pavia, and Julian Sayin will gather at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room for the historic moment. This year marks the first time ABC broadcasts the ceremony live.

Meet the Four Finalists Competing Tonight

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza leads the charge as one of the nation’s most dynamic passers. The junior from Miami, Florida completed 226 of 316 passes for 2,980 yards with a stunning 88.5 QBR rating (third nationally).

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love brings explosive ground-game dominance to the field. The junior from St. Louis carried the ball 199 times and averaged 6.9 yards per carry while adding three receiving touchdowns for the Fighting Irish.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin round out the remarkable quartet. All four finalists earned selection to the 2025 Walter Camp Award finalist list, highlighting their elite status among college football’s brightest young talents.

Historic Prime-Time Broadcast on ABC Networks

This year’s ceremony achieves a major milestone as ABC airs the Heisman Trophy event for the first time in its history. The Heisman Trophy Ceremony Presented by Nissan kicks off at 7 p.m. ET Saturday with Chris Fowler returning as the legendary host.

ESPN presents its 32nd consecutive Heisman Trophy broadcast with expanded coverage featuring college football reporters Holly Rowe and Marty Smith. The ceremony originates from the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City for the fifth consecutive year, creating an elegant backdrop for college football’s biggest moment.

Why Chris Fowler Hosting This Ceremony Remains Unforgettable

Chris Fowler’s storied tenure as Heisman Trophy host spans three decades of college football excellence. The legendary ESPN broadcaster will make history by hosting the 32nd consecutive Heisman Trophy ceremony, a record unmatched in the award’s prestigious tradition since its ESPN debut.

Fowler’s consistency and professionalism have become synonymous with the ceremony itself. His commanding presence and deep knowledge of college football will guide viewers through the evening’s dramatic moments when one of these four exceptional athletes claims the sport’s most coveted individual honor.

“This year marks the 91st Heisman Trophy Ceremony, and for the first time on ABC, bringing college football’s signature award to an even wider audience than ever before.”

— ESPN Press Release, Official Statement

Will Tonight’s Winner Surprise the College Football World?

The suspense builds as voting concluded after conference championship games were played December 5-6. The four finalists represent different offensive philosophies from elite programs, creating genuine uncertainty heading into tonight’s announcement.

Mendoza’s statistical dominance at quarterback contrasts sharply with Love’s exceptional rushing efficiency at the position where running backs have dominated recent Heisman races. Tonight’s winner will be determined by voters who valued either quarterback excellence or elite ground-game production this season.

Sources

• ESPN – Official 2025 Heisman Trophy Ceremony Coverage
• The Heisman Trust – Official Award Announcement and Finalist Information
• CBS Sports – Player Statistics and Rankings

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.