The heisman trophy ceremony returns to New York City tonight, placing the spotlight on four standout college football players whose seasons defined excellence, leadership, and national impact across the sport.
Held annually to honor the most outstanding player in college football, the ceremony brings together finalists, coaches, former winners, and fans for a nationally televised celebration. With millions watching across the United States, the event closes the college football season’s individual award calendar on its grandest stage.
A tradition that defines college football excellence
Now in its 91st year, the Heisman Trophy remains the most recognizable individual honor in college football. The ceremony has evolved over decades, but its core purpose remains unchanged: recognizing the player whose performance, character, and influence stood above all others during the season.
New York City has become a familiar home for the presentation, offering a prestigious backdrop that matches the magnitude of the award. For the finalists, simply receiving the invitation represents national recognition earned through months of preparation, pressure, and performance.
When and where the ceremony takes place
This year’s ceremony is held at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City, a venue overlooking the Manhattan skyline that has hosted the event in recent seasons. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, aligning with prime-time television for viewers across the country.
The setting adds a sense of gravity to the moment, with finalists seated alongside family members as the results of nationwide voting are revealed live on air.
How U.S. viewers can watch live
The ceremony airs live on ABC beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET, making it widely accessible to U.S. audiences. Viewers can also stream the broadcast through platforms that provide live access to ABC programming.
Unlike quick award announcements, the Heisman broadcast unfolds over the course of the evening, offering context, reflection, and storytelling before the winner is announced.
Meet the four finalists invited to New York
Four players earned invitations to attend the ceremony in person, reflecting a season shaped by elite quarterback play and a rare running back breakthrough.
- Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame
- Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
- Diego Pavia, Quarterback, Vanderbilt
- Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State
Each finalist represents a different path to national recognition, from traditional power programs to teams that exceeded expectations through leadership and consistency.
Fernando Mendoza’s historic season with Indiana
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza arrives in New York following a season that reshaped the program’s place in college football. Indiana completed an undefeated regular season and captured the Big Ten Championship, achievements that elevated Mendoza into the national spotlight.
Mendoza’s impact extended beyond raw statistics. His command at the line of scrimmage, ability to avoid costly mistakes, and composure in high-pressure situations became hallmarks of Indiana’s success. Week after week, he delivered timely throws and extended plays when needed, keeping the Hoosiers unbeaten through a demanding schedule.
His season also brought individual recognition beyond the Heisman stage, reinforcing his reputation as one of the nation’s most complete quarterbacks.
Diego Pavia’s rise at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia transformed expectations for the Commodores with a season built on versatility and resilience. His ability to contribute as both a passer and a runner forced defenses to adjust game plans, opening opportunities across Vanderbilt’s offense.
Pavia’s inclusion among the finalists reflects how the Heisman conversation values impact as much as visibility. His performances brought national attention to Vanderbilt, highlighting how one player’s consistency and toughness can elevate an entire program.
For many fans, Pavia’s journey underscores why the award remains compelling: it continues to recognize excellence regardless of school size or preseason projections.
Julian Sayin leading Ohio State’s offense
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin earned his finalist invitation after delivering one of the most productive passing seasons in the country. Operating under constant national scrutiny, Sayin displayed accuracy, decision-making, and poise that kept the Buckeyes among college football’s elite.
His season featured strong performances against high-level competition, reinforcing his reputation as a quarterback capable of thriving in pressure-packed environments. Sayin’s presence in New York reflects both individual excellence and the expectations that come with leading one of the sport’s most prominent programs.
Jeremiyah Love and the value of elite running backs
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love stands as the lone non-quarterback finalist, a distinction that highlights the significance of his season. Love powered the Irish offense with consistent production on the ground while contributing as a receiver, giving Notre Dame balance and reliability throughout the year.
In an era where quarterbacks often dominate Heisman voting, Love’s invitation signals how sustained excellence at other positions can still earn national recognition. His ability to control tempo, convert critical downs, and finish drives made him central to Notre Dame’s offensive identity.
Understanding the broader Heisman voting results
While only four players attend the ceremony, the official voting extends well beyond the finalists. The top 10 finishers include standout performers from multiple positions, offering a broader picture of the season’s elite talent.
Linebackers, wide receivers, safeties, and additional quarterbacks all received votes, reflecting the depth of impact players across college football. These results emphasize how competitive the national landscape was, even as the finalist group narrowed to four names.
What viewers can expect during the broadcast
The Heisman ceremony follows a structured format designed to celebrate both achievement and storytelling. The program typically includes:
- Introductions of the finalists
- Highlight packages summarizing each season
- On-stage interviews and reflections
- Discussion of voting outcomes
- The announcement and presentation of the trophy
Rather than rushing to the final reveal, the broadcast builds context around each finalist’s journey, allowing viewers to understand what brought them to this moment.
Why the heisman trophy ceremony still matters
The heisman trophy ceremony remains one of college football’s most meaningful traditions because it connects generations of players and fans. Winning the award places a player among a historic list of past recipients whose names are etched into the sport’s legacy.
For programs, a Heisman winner brings lasting recognition and reinforces national credibility. For players, it represents validation of years of dedication, discipline, and performance at the highest collegiate level.
As the ceremony unfolds tonight in New York City, one finalist will hear his name called and take a permanent place in college football history.
The lasting impact of a Heisman moment
Long after the confetti settles and the cameras fade, the Heisman Trophy continues to shape narratives. It influences draft discussions, cements season memories, and becomes a defining chapter in a player’s career.
For fans watching across the country, the ceremony offers a final opportunity to reflect on the moments, games, and performances that made the season unforgettable.