It might feel premature to dive into 2025 Heisman Trophy predictions with the current college football season still in full swing, bowl matchups looming, and a national champion yet to be crowned. But for fans of the sport, there’s no such thing as too early when it comes to forecasting the next wave of standout playmakers.
Let’s take an early look at the names poised to dominate the conversation in the 2025 Heisman race.
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Top 10 Early 2025 Heisman Trophy Candidates
Arch Manning, QB, Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns head into the CFP as the No. 5 seed, with senior quarterback Quinn Ewers mere months away from the 2025 NFL Draft. Ewers’ season has been marked by inconsistency, including a shaky performance in the SEC Championship Game against the Georgia Bulldogs, where he tossed two costly interceptions.
However, Texas’ future looks bright, with Arch Manning waiting in the wings. Manning impressed in limited action this season, throwing for 806 yards and eight touchdowns while showcasing his dual-threat ability with four rushing scores. As he steps into the starting role next year, Manning will instantly join the Heisman conversation and elevate the Longhorns’ offensive ceiling to new heights.
Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama Crimson Tide
Much was made of Alabama Crimson Tide WR Ryan Williams being 17 years old this season, but don’t let that fact overshadow what he did as a true freshman. He racked up 45 catches for 857 yards and eight TDs despite playing in an offense that has struggled with consistency.
His breakout performance came against Georgia in September, where he torched the Bulldogs for 177 yards and a touchdown on six receptions, including one of the best high-reel catches of the season.
Williams’ rare combination of elite ball-tracking skills and long speed makes him an elite talent. With a full offseason in Kalen DeBoer’s system, Williams’ Heisman buzz for 2025 is already building.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
Jeremiah Smith was hyped to oblivion this offseason, and it still wasn’t enough. He claimed Big Ten WR of the Year honors after shattering Ohio State Buckeyes freshman records for receptions (57), receiving yards (934), and receiving TDs (10).
With Emeka Egbuka bound for the NFL, Smith will be the unquestioned No. 1 as a sophomore, and he could benefit from even better QB play with Will Howard out of eligibility.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina Gamecocks
At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, LaNorris Sellers has all the tools — size, athleticism, and arm strength — to take the SEC by storm in 2025.
MORE: List of Heisman Trophy Winners by Year
Sellers delivered back-to-back statement games to end the season, torching the Missouri Tigers for five TDs and racking up 166 rushing yards against the Clemson Tigers. After flipping a switch midway through his first season as a starter, Sellers has solidified himself as one of the SEC’s premier playmakers.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
7.1.
That was Jeremiyah Love’s yards per carry average this season … on 134 carries.
After seeing limited touches behind Audric Estime in 2023, Love took over the lead role, rushing for 949 yards and 15 scores. QB Riley Leonard ate heavily into Love’s production, but he should earn a bell-cow role next year. With his explosive playmaking ability, Love is on track for a career-defining 2025 campaign.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU Tigers
Garrett Nussmeier made waves by announcing his return to LSU for another season as the Tigers’ starter, opting to refine his game after a rollercoaster year. Once a 2024 Heisman contender and a potential first-round draft pick, Nussmeier stumbled late in the season, throwing five picks across games against the Texas A&M Aggies and Alabama Crimson Tide.
Yet, 2024 was his first year as a full-time starter, and he showcased some impressive traits, including pocket navigation and anticipation. If he can cut down on the random spikes of poor decision-making, it will be “all aboard the Nuss Buss” in 2025.
Kevin Jennings, QB, SMU Mustangs
Kevin Jennings was a revelation for the SMU Mustangs, as he went 9-0 as the starter before the ACC Championship Game. Even then, he nearly led an improbable comeback against Clemson.
Although he had never started at the Power Four level before, Jennings torched ACC defenses throughout the season, driving SMU’s playoff push. The dual threat consistently delivered standout performances, generating 250+ total yards and at least one score in every game.
As long as SMU remains a conference title contender next season, expect Jennings to be a hot name in the Heisman conversation.
DJ Lagway, QB, Florida Gators
Few true freshmen can shift the momentum of an entire program, but DJ Lagway has seemingly done just that with the Florida Gators.
They are trending up for the first time in Billy Napier’s tenure, thanks largely to Lagway’s instant impact. The former five-star recruit went 5-1 as a starter, leading Florida to three straight season-ending wins, including statement victories over ranked LSU and Ole Miss teams.
With invaluable experience under his belt, Lagway is primed to emerge as one of college football’s premier QBs in the coming years.
Devon Dampier, QB, Utah Utes
Devon Dampier emerged as a dual-threat dynamo and one of — if not the — most fun to watch players this season, throwing for 2,768 yards and 12 TDs while rushing for another 1,166 yards and 19 scores on the ground with the New Mexico Lobos.
After the eye-opening season, Dampier announced he would follow his offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, to the Utah Utes. Kyle Whittingham’s group fell short of expectations this year, largely due to injuries at QB. Not only would Dampier’s addition wouldn’t just raise the Utes’ floor — as Michael Jordan put it, “the ceiling would be the roof.”
Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee Volunteers
Injuries and inconsistency plagued Nico Iamaleava’s heavily hyped debut, but he still threw for 2,519 yards, 19 TDs, and only five INTs. The Long Beach, Calif., native ended the regular season on a high note, producing back-to-back four-TD performances against the Vanderbilt Commodores and UTEP Miners, helping the Vols secure a spot in the CFP.
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Tennessee could lean even more on Iamaleava in 2025, with superstar RB Dylan Sampson likely leaving for the NFL. Expect an even more pass-heavy offense and a big leap from Iamaleava as he grows into a polished playmaker under Josh Heupel.
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