Yet another weekend, yet another dominant Ohio State showing, and yet another Julian Sayin masterclass. It was almost routine in West Lafayette, as Ohio State triumphed 34-10 over Purdue. The QB completed 27 of his 33 passes for 303 yards and maintained his unwavering case for the Heisman. However, for a former ESPN analyst and Heisman voter, that might not be the case.

Todd McShay, in his 9th November podcast with analyst Steve Muench, talked about his favorites for the Heisman. His take is quite important since the guy is a Heisman voter himself. About the 20-year-old QB, McShay said, “I honestly think Sayin, as when it plays out after the conference championship, could very likely be the guy that I wind up voting for if he continues this.” Others can claim the coveted title. But it’s not Fernando Mendoza either for McShay.

So, the current frontrunner is none other than Alabama’s star QB.”I think Ty Simpson, if you’re really truly drilling down the most important player, valuable player, there’s a path and there’s a path for him,” said McShay.

While Sayin is undoubtedly important for the Buckeyes, Ty Simpson’s brilliance shows on a whole other level. The Martin, Tennessee native went out against LSU and helped Alabama win 20-9, bolstering his Heisman odds. The QB1 passed for 277 yards and completed 21 of 35 passes, without a single interception. Moreover, since the Crimson Tide has a non-existent rushing game, ranked 120th nationally, Simpson’s importance is multifold. But does that overshadow Julian Sayin’s performances?

To be honest, a case can be made for both the QBs, but since Ty Simpson has faced a tougher schedule, the job he is doing is more commendable.

Ohio State has faced teams like Texas, Washington, Penn State, Illinois, and will face Michigan on 29th November. However, since Penn State’s season collapsed mid-season and James Franklin was fired, it sure removes some extra points. Not to mention, Washington just lost against a 3-6 Wisconsin, and Ohio State also avoided a dominant Indiana. Alabama’s schedule, on the other hand, is dotted with playoff contenders in the SEC, which made Ty Simpson’s job even more difficult.

Alabama has beaten playoff contenders like Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri (on the road), and, most recently, Tennessee. Not just that, but teams like LSU and South Carolina also boasted playoff contention at some point in the season. Despite that schedule, Simpson passed at a whopping 74.2 efficiency against Vanderbilt for 340 yards. The Bama QB1 also accumulated 276 yards against Georgia and has a single interception so far this season. That speaks to the quality Simpson is giving to Kalen DeBoer. But there’s another Heisman contender, too.

Todd McShay pointed to a third QB from the Big 10 on whom he has very high hopes

Julian Sayin is surely an exceptional QB, has an unworldly 80.9% efficiency. If he finishes with that number, it surely will be a record in itself. Not to mention, Ohio State has the best chance to win the national title. However, since the Heisman is given for the regular season, it’s hard to say who has the best between Mendoza, Sayin, and Simpson.

The veteran analyst Hoosiers’ all-around display may hamper their QB’s chances. “I think Mendoza right now, maybe you’d make an argument, has been a slightly more important for Indiana, although I just feel like it’s so much of a team deal with them.” Week 11 wasn’t the display of Fernando Mendoza’s potential. Despite being favorites, Indiana narrowly beat Penn State, and their QB1 threw for 218 yards, for a score, and a pick. Despite that, the 22-year-old orchestrated a drive that was Heisman-worthy.

Mendoza displayed his shiftiness by evading multiple defenders on his 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. That’s why Todd McShay had stated that one of these three picks could be the winner.