Heisman finalists take center stage in Times Square

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Well, college football’s most coveted trophy will soon be awarded here in the Big Apple, as all four Heisman finalists took the stage in Times Square. 

They include three quarterbacks in Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, as well as Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love. 

PIX11 had the chance to speak with all four candidates about their experience here in New York City. 

“It’s so great to be in the Big Apple to be a Heisman finalist, so it’s such an honor to be among all these finalists, among the Heisman Trust,” said Indiana Quarterback Fernando Mensonza. “You know, the legends, the voters, and New York’s such a special place. It’s something I’ve always wanted to visited, and I visited when I was younger, but this one’s different. This time is different. And I literally look forward to making the most of the Big Apple.”

“I feel like it’s a great honor. Because I know today I feel like I’m only here because of my team,” said Notre Dame Running Back Jeremiyah Love. “So, I’m very, very happy to be able to represent the University of Notre Dame and also, you know, 2025 Notre Dame football team. I’m just happy to be here. It’s a great honor to represent them guys. I know that they’re all wishing me the best. So, I’m going to do my best that I can here to represent the university.” 

Ohio State Quarterback, Julian Sayin, said: “It’s really special. You know, childhood dream growing up, to be a finalist and, you know, be in New York. So it’s, it’s really cool to be here and represent my teammates. And, you know, it doesn’t happen without, you know, my teammates, my coaches.” 

Diego Pavia, the Quarterback from Vanderbilt, said: “You’ve totally kind of rewritten, history of Vanderbilt football. How special is that to you? And just have your kind of name be in glory there for the Commodores forever? You know, it’s special for sure. I kind of want this whole team to be remembered. And that’s why I wanted to get in the playoffs so bad. And, it’ll be special to come back week one and, you know, support the guys and, you know, hopefully get my jersey retired and, you know, maybe everything else that comes with it.”

The college football’s best player will be honored on Saturday night as the Heisman Trophy ceremony takes place in Times Square in New York. 

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