The hype around Arch Manning is off the charts as he remains the Heisman favorite heading into the 2025 season.
However, the race for college football’s most prestigious award is far from a one-man show. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is quickly gaining ground, and the latest betting odds suggest Manning might have serious competition.
Garrett Nussmeier Locking Horns With Arch Manning Over the Heisman Trophy
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier put up a stellar performance in the 2024 season, throwing for 4,052 yards with a 64 percent completion rate. His 29 touchdowns against 12 interceptions showcased his playmaking ability, landing him fifth in the nation in passing yards and eighth in total touchdowns.
Over the last six years, LSU has produced two Heisman-winning quarterbacks, both securing the honor in their second season as starters. Could Garrett Nussmeier be next in line to follow that trend?
The hype is growing, and he is undoubtedly in the conversation. Meanwhile, Texas quarterback Arch Manning remains the frontrunner with +700 odds to win the Heisman Trophy, according to BetMGM.
Favorites to win the 2025 Heisman Award at @BetMGM
Arch Manning +700
Garrett Nussemeier +850
Cade Klubnik +1100
Jeremiah Smith +1200
Drew Allar +1300
Nico Iamaleava +1400
LaNorris Sellers +1800
Dante Moore +1800
Julian Sayin +1800
DJ Lagway +1800pic.twitter.com/r4Bnz2etNk— John Ewing (@johnewing) February 27, 2025
Meanwhile, the Lake Charles native sits at +850 odds, putting him within striking distance of overtaking his Longhorns rival. While Manning and Nussmeier are among the top contenders, the Heisman race is always unpredictable.
With a long season ahead, any player in the mix could rise to the occasion and claim college football’s most coveted trophy in 2025.
Urban Meyer Picks Jeremiah Smith Over Nussmeier and Manning
Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer is throwing his full support behind Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as the true Heisman frontrunner this season. According to Meyer, Smith has all the tools to dominate the race for college football’s most prestigious award.
Smith put up great numbers in 2024, hauling in 76 catches for 1,315 yards and an impressive 15 touchdowns. His ability to turn routine plays into game-changing moments has made him one of the most dangerous weapons in the nation.
“Well, the best player in the country — maybe in the last decade — is Jeremiah Smith,” Meyer said Wednesday on “The Triple Option” podcast. “He’s the best player. … Arch Manning — to be determined. I said that and I think some Texas fans got a little upset saying he’s the next coming. He might be. He’s really good.
“If I had to say, (Smith is) only +1200? Arch Manning is No. 1 at +700 as far as the betting. I’m gonna say Jeremiah Smith is gonna be the first receiver in a while to win the Heisman Trophy.”
Smith arrived at Ohio State as a freshman and wasted no time making an impact, becoming a key target for transfer quarterback Will Howard.
KEEP READING: Prominent Analyst Says He Would Take ‘Nobody’ Over LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier
So, will it be Smith, Manning, or Nussmeier who takes the Heisman home this year?
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