“How do you make a decision before the playoffs?”: Urban Meyer blasts Heisman system while revealing unexpected frontrunners

Former college football coach Urban Meyer has called out the Heisman Trophy's voting system heading into Week 12 of the 2025 college football season. Meryer, who won three national titles as a coach, appeared on "The Triple Option" podcast on Thursday and explained his issue with the timing of the ceremony.

“I’ve got one issue with the Heisman voters,” Meyer said. “I’ve known Heisman voters that vote midseason because they’re lazy. I’ll say that. How do you make a decision until rivalry game? How do you make a decision until a championship game weekend? You have to make a decision before the playoffs. That doesn’t compute.”

Meyer then suggested that the College Football Playoff performances should be taken into account for the prestigious award.

“Move it back,” Meyer said. “There was no playoff — the Heisman decided to do that when, shit, there were no bowl games probably back then.”

This season, the Heisman ceremony will take place on Dec. 13, six days before the first first-round College Football Playoff game.

Last season, Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy for his fabulous two-way show at Colorado.

Urban Meyer shares his three candidates to win 2025 Heisman Trophy

College Football analyst Urban Meyer - Source: Getty

After criticizing the voting process for the Heisman Trophy, Urban Meyer named his top three candidates he believes could win the award.

Meyer first named Ohio State wideout Jeremiah Smith and said he considers the Buckeyes' star “the best player in the country.”

Meyer then named Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as his second choice. Mendoza has led the Hoosiers to an unbeaten 10-0 record so far.

Finally, Meyer named Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, praising the sophomore's high pass completion rate and for keeping the Buckeyes unbeaten heading into Week 12.