Latino stars headline this year’s Heisman race in a twist for the CFP era

Finalists for the Heisman Trophy – awarded to the top player in college football – have been announced. The list includes running back Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish, quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers, quarterback Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores and quarterback Julian Sayin of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Heisman will be presented Saturday night.

Two Latin American finalists in Heisman Trophy

Two of the finalists come from Latino backgrounds. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, whose family traces its roots to Cuba, has driven Indiana to the top spot and into the front row of the 12-team CFP field. He has thrown for 2,980 yards and owns the national lead with 33 touchdown passes, while also running in six scores.

Quarterback Diego Pavia, of Mexican heritage, has delivered a standout year for Vanderbilt, setting a school record with 3,192 passing yards and 27 touchdowns.

Running back Jeremiyah Love ranks fourth in the Bowl Subdivision with 1,372 rushing yards. He is fifth in yards per game at 114.33 and third in rushing touchdowns with 18. The Fighting Irish, who finished ninth in the rankings, will not appear in the College Football Playoff and declined to take part in a bowl game.

Quarterback Julian Sayin kept Ohio State in the top spot for much of the season. He threw for 3,329 yards and 31 touchdowns, tying for second place nationally.

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