The heisman trophy ceremony takes place tonight in New York City, marking college football’s most anticipated individual award presentation and closing another historic season with one final spotlight moment.
This year’s ceremony represents the 91st presentation of the Heisman Trophy, continuing a tradition that honors excellence, leadership, and performance at the highest level of college football. Four finalists are in attendance, each arriving in New York after standout seasons that reshaped expectations for their programs.
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When and where the ceremony is held
The ceremony is being staged in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room, a venue that has become a familiar setting for the award in recent years. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with a live national broadcast that culminates in the official announcement of the winner.
The New York location adds to the prestige of the evening, placing the finalists in the heart of one of the world’s most recognizable cities as they await the results of nationwide voting.
How to watch the ceremony in the United States
U.S. viewers can watch the full ceremony live on ABC beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET. The broadcast is also available through live-streaming options tied to ABC access for viewers who prefer to watch on mobile devices, tablets, or computers.
The program typically runs through finalist introductions, highlight packages, and on-stage interviews before the winner is revealed, making it a full-event broadcast rather than a brief announcement.
Meet the 2025 Heisman finalists
Four players were officially invited to New York as finalists, representing a mix of powerhouse programs and breakout seasons.
- Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame
- Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
- Diego Pavia, Quarterback, Vanderbilt
- Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State
The group reflects the modern Heisman landscape, where elite quarterback play dominates the conversation while exceptional skill-position performers can still break through with undeniable production.
Fernando Mendoza’s defining season at Indiana
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza enters the ceremony following one of the most significant seasons in program history. Indiana completed an undefeated regular season and captured the Big Ten Championship, achievements that placed Mendoza squarely in the national spotlight.
Mendoza’s year was defined by command of the offense, efficiency in critical moments, and leadership that translated into wins against top-tier competition. His ability to manage games while delivering explosive plays helped Indiana maintain consistency throughout the season.
Beyond team success, Mendoza’s individual recognition has already been cemented with national honors, reinforcing his standing as a legitimate contender for college football’s top individual award.
Diego Pavia’s impact at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia transformed expectations for the Commodores with a season built on versatility and toughness. His dual-threat ability forced defenses to account for both his arm and legs, creating matchup problems that fueled Vanderbilt’s offensive resurgence.
Pavia’s presence among the finalists highlights how the Heisman conversation extends beyond traditional powerhouse programs. His performance brought national attention to Vanderbilt and showcased how individual excellence can elevate an entire team’s profile.
Julian Sayin and Ohio State’s offensive firepower
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin arrives in New York after producing one of the most statistically impressive passing seasons in the country. Operating within a high-pressure environment, Sayin delivered consistent performances that kept the Buckeyes among the nation’s elite.
His accuracy, decision-making, and ability to deliver in big games helped Ohio State remain a national contender throughout the season. Sayin’s finalist status reflects both individual production and the expectations that come with leading one of college football’s most visible programs.
Jeremiyah Love carries the running back tradition forward
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love stands out as the only non-quarterback finalist this year. His inclusion underscores the value of sustained excellence at a position that often faces steep competition from quarterbacks in Heisman voting.
Love powered Notre Dame’s offense with consistent rushing production, scoring ability, and versatility as a receiver. His performances were central to the Irish’s offensive identity and game control, particularly in high-stakes matchups.
The complete Heisman voting picture
While only four players attend the ceremony, the official voting results extend beyond the finalists. The top 10 finishers provide a broader view of the season’s elite performers across multiple positions.
The remaining players finishing in the top 10 include standout defenders, wide receivers, and quarterbacks whose seasons earned national recognition and votes from across the country.
This depth reflects a year rich in talent and competitive balance, even as one player ultimately claims the trophy.
What happens during the live broadcast
The ceremony follows a familiar but carefully structured format designed for a national audience:
- Introduction of the finalists
- Season highlight features for each player
- Interviews and reflections on their journeys
- Presentation of voting results
- Announcement of the Heisman Trophy winner
The buildup emphasizes the human stories behind the statistics, giving viewers insight into the players’ paths to New York.
Why the Heisman Trophy still matters
Winning the Heisman Trophy is more than an individual honor. It becomes part of college football history, linking the recipient to decades of legendary names and unforgettable seasons.
For programs, the award brings national prestige and long-term recognition. For players, it represents the highest level of acknowledgment for excellence at the collegiate level.
As tonight’s ceremony unfolds, one finalist will step forward to join that exclusive lineage, closing the chapter on the 2025 season with a moment that will be remembered for years.