Heisman Trophy 2025: Early Favorites Following Travis Hunter’s 2024 Triumph
With all four Heisman Trophy finalists from 2024, including winner Travis Hunter Jr. of Colorado, set to either move on to the NFL or exhaust their college eligibility, the 2025 Heisman race will see a fresh group of contenders.
There’s a host of talented players stepping into bigger roles or transferring to prominent programs next year. Additionally, a number of promising freshmen who made their mark in 2024 will aim to capitalize on their inaugural college seasons.
Season to season, unexpected Heisman candidates often emerge, largely due to the transfer portal allowing players a chance to excel in new settings. Below is a list of athletes to keep an eye on for the 2025 Heisman Trophy:
2025 Heisman Trophy Contenders
Here’s a glance at the early Heisman Trophy candidates for the upcoming 2025 season:
QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Garrett Nussmeier, the quarterback for LSU, displayed his impressive passing skills in 2024, even as the Tigers faced challenges towards the end of the season. He has confirmed he will return for the 2025 season, entering his fifth year in college football and second as the starter for LSU.
The 6-foot-2 signal caller caught the attention of NFL scouts with 3,739 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions this season, and he aims for a standout final year.
QB Arch Manning, Texas
Arch Manning is poised to take over as the starting quarterback for Texas next season after two years behind Quinn Ewers.
The highly touted former 5-star recruit performed well in his limited starts this year, completing 26 of 31 passes for 325 yards, with two touchdowns, plus rushing six times for another score in a 35-13 victory against Mississippi State. Manning also tallied five touchdowns during the second half of a game against UTSA following an injury to Ewers.
As the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch will have his chance to join the family legacy as a Heisman contender.
WR Ryan Williams, Alabama
Alabama’s Ryan Williams, who was just 17 throughout the entire 2024 season, emerged as one of the nation’s premier receivers in his debut year.
He recorded 45 receptions for 857 yards and eight touchdowns, setting the stage for an even stronger performance in what will effectively be his true freshman season since he graduated high school early to join the Crimson Tide.
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith, another former 5-star recruit, also enjoyed a standout freshman season at Ohio State, finishing as the top receiver for the Buckeyes.
He caught 57 passes for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, and even rushed the ball four times for 47 yards and an additional score. Expected to connect with former 5-star quarterback Julian Sayin, Smith could become part of one of the most exciting young quarterback-receiver duos in college football next season at Ohio State.
QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers, the starting quarterback for South Carolina, faced initial struggles but found his rhythm as the season progressed.
He finished with 172 completions on 265 attempts for 2,274 yards, throwing 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions. South Carolina ended the season at 9-3, just missing out on a spot in the College Football Playoff. The 6-foot-3, 242-pound QB also rushed for 655 yards and added seven rushing touchdowns in 2024.
If Sellers maintains his late-season form throughout 2025, South Carolina could be a serious contender.
QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Clemson’s Cade Klubnik made significant strides in 2024, amassing 3,305 passing yards and throwing for 33 touchdowns with just five interceptions, along with rushing for 458 yards and scoring seven touchdowns on the ground.
With one season of eligibility left, Klubnik could attract considerable interest from NFL scouts this offseason. However, he may choose to return to Clemson in hopes of securing a top quarterback position in the 2026 NFL draft.
Klubnik’s draft stock could rise dramatically with strong performances in the CFP, particularly in the first-round match against No. 5 Texas.
QB DJ Lagway, Florida
DJ Lagway of Florida displayed impressive potential in 2024, ultimately securing the starting role after Graham Mertz’s injury ended his season.
Despite a rocky start in Gainesville, Lagway helped the Gators rebound late in the season with victories over ranked opponents LSU and Ole Miss consecutively.
As a true freshman in 2024 and a 5-star recruit, Lagway had an exciting first year.
During the regular season, he accomplished 93 completions out of 157 attempts, amassing 1,610 passing yards, with 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. As he enters his sophomore year, he aims to enhance a season filled with promising moments.
QB Drew Allar, Penn State
Drew Allar, the quarterback for Penn State, nearly led the Nittany Lions to a victory in the Big Ten championship against the top-ranked Oregon team. He threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown, although he did have two interceptions.
Entering his third year as the starting quarterback, Allar looks to propel Penn State back to the top of national rankings. Standing 6-foot-5, he has demonstrated efficiency over his first two years, but has not yet consistently taken charge in games.
The big question remains: Can Allar elevate his game in his final year of college football?
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
This season, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love made an impressive mark with an average of 7.1 yards per carry, totaling 949 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on only 134 attempts.
In his junior year, an increase in usage could position him as one of the top running backs in college football for 2025.
Additionally, Love contributed with 22 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns during his sophomore season, and the Fighting Irish are sure to rely heavily on him throughout the College Football Playoff.
QB Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee
Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava, recognized as one of the most talented and physically gifted quarterbacks in the collegiate scene, made a solid impression in his first year as the Vols’ starting QB.
He completed 199 passes out of 303 attempts for 2,512 yards, recording 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, while also running for 311 yards and scoring another touchdown. Although Iamaleava wasn’t overwhelming in 2024, he showcased maturity beyond his years and limited experience.
The former 5-star prospect is keen on taking on a larger role in 2025 and may even become a contender for the Heisman Trophy.
QB John Mateer, Washington State
John Mateer, now a first-time starter at Washington State, has generated considerable interest following the regular season as a potential candidate for the transfer portal. Notably, seven of the top ten finishers for the 2024 Heisman Trophy had also transferred schools.
This season, Mateer completed 224 of 347 passes for a total of 3,139 yards, leading to 29 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions, alongside rushing for 826 yards and 15 more touchdowns. Notably, he topped the nation in touchdown passes.
Mateer is currently contemplating whether to return to the Cougars, which could attract significant attention from Power Four schools, much like his predecessor—Miami’s Cam Ward, who ranked fourth in the Heisman voting this year.
Adding to the intrigue, Mateer’s former offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, has recently accepted a position at Oklahoma—potentially making it an attractive destination if he opts for the transfer portal, but it’s likely he could be a Heisman candidate no matter where he plays next season.
