If youโre a college football fan, youโve seen Nissanโs ads for its Heisman House, a fictional mansion where depict Heisman winners living together in a house and having fun. Legendary college players including Jayden Daniels, Barry Sanders, Baker Mayfield, Eddie George, Tim Tebow, Robert Griffin III (respectfully known as RGIII) and Gino Torretta. For 2025, #2 draft pick and Heisman winner Travis Hunter joins the pack as the Nissan Heisman House group takes a road trip.
As universes collide, the Heisman House concept will intersect with Fansville, Dr. Pepperโs wildly successful and entertaining ad series. The football-obsessed town of Fansville features a star-studded cast of characters like former Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Brian Bosworth as the Sheriff, former Ohio State Buckeyes running back Eddie George as the town doctor, and former LSU coach Les Miles as a convenience store clerk.
Itโs a good match for both Dr. Pepper and Nissan, as it brings its marketing to life through humor in the form of short episodes.
The Nissan Heisman Lineup Includes The Latest Models
Nissan chose its vehicles carefully for this ad campaign, focusing on the new Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek, and the all-new 2026 Nissan LEAF EV, which the brand says has the lowest starting MSRP of any new EV currently on sale in the U.S.
The Rogue Rock Creek, in particular, is an apt selection; this variant of Nissanโs best-selling vehicle was introduced new for the 2025 model. All-terrain tires, a tubular roof rack with integrated cross bars, more rugged looks, and a special off-road view from its 360-degree digital camera are all hallmarks of the Rock Creek model, and each feature is suited for the kind of off-roading families in America seem to be embracing more and more.
โWe saw a lot of success with the Pathfinder Rock Creek,โ says Allyson Witherspoon, Chief Marketing Officer, Nissan U.S. โThis niche audience is looking for a more rugged suspension, and we were really inspired the engineersโ spirit of โwhat ifโ for the Rogue.โ
Positioning The Nissan Rogue For 2025 And Beyond
The current generation of the Rogue was launched in 2020, propelling this SUV into another season of strong sales. Witherspoon says Nissan was looking to move the Rogue marketing from a city-dwelling vehicle to something even better for families who were looking for a little bit of adventure alongside their everyday activities. Market research showed that segment was still extremely strong, and the improvements to the Rogue would only help.
โWeโre positioning the Rogue in a different light, tracking consumers with something theyโre desiring,โ Witherspoon says. โThey want a little opportunity for excitement, and there is an increase in people looking for and considering the Rogue.โ
Nissan will offer additional powertrains toward the end of this year, including a plug-in hybrid version of the Rogue.
Your car is a form of freedom, Witherspoon notes. Nissan is leaning into the American tradition of family road trips and the upward trend of embracing the outdoors and exploring. Itโs a great fit for the Heisman House teamโs road trip antics, which will show more customers the inherent fun built into this five-seat SUV.