Ducks Attack Message Board Forum

The sport now demands that a dual-threat quarterback do wondrous things on the football field, and is congratulated for his pass yards and carries by winning a bronze statue. This year, however, no such player seems to exist. I listened to Bruce Feldman recently say that Diego Pavia - a player who went 10/19 for 129 yards, no TDs and one INT this weekend - would be his selection. That really speaks to the lack of elite talent this season.

Dante Moore, John Mateer, Jeremiah Smith, and others have gotten momentum at various moments, but none of it has lasted.

Fernando Mendoza is the Vegas-favorite and I'd have to agree. He has delivered zero Heisman moments and there are probably schools who would rather have their guy over him, but he's managing his way through a winning team and his stats look pretty good. Might just win it by default.

Fernando was my first thought after reading the question.

Duck07 wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2025 8:14 am Fernando was my first thought after reading the question.

Same

It's Mendoza's to lose at this point.

If Dante can close really strong, especially with signature performances at Iowa, vs USC and at UW (no one will care what he does against Row The Boat U) AND we win out he might at least sneak onto the finalists.

I haven’t been following him that closely and it makes me puke to say this, but Caleb Downs is that rare mix of elite brains and elite athleticism on the D. It would be nice to see him get some love because he is a DUDE.

bdkipe wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2025 4:11 pm If Dante can close really strong, especially with signature performances at Iowa, vs USC and at UW (no one will care what he does against Row The Boat U) AND we win out he might at least sneak onto the finalists.

I haven’t been following him that closely and it makes me puke to say this, but Caleb Downs is that rare mix of elite brains and elite athleticism on the D. It would be nice to see him get some love because he is a DUDE.

It would be an ideal year for a non QB/RB to win it with how the first 2/3 of the season has gone but Downs has the same problem so many others have: What's your signature moment?