College football is back, and so is the most exciting individual award race! Our expert Heisman voter breaks down the top contenders for 2025, including the highly anticipated debut of Texas QB Arch Manning. Who will strike the iconic pose by December, and what challenges await them on their path to glory?
The exhilarating return of Labor Day weekend signals not just the start of another college football season, but also the commencement of the most captivating individual award chase in sports: the Heisman Trophy. As the nation turns its attention to the gridiron, a fresh cohort of collegiate stars emerges, each vying for the coveted honor of being recognized as college football’s most outstanding player, a journey that promises drama and unforgettable performances until December’s grand announcement.
For those deeply entrenched in the annual selection process, the Heisman Trophy race remains a unique spectacle, demanding consistent excellence and game-changing plays from its participants. This prestigious award transcends mere statistics, often requiring a narrative of leadership, clutch moments, and a profound impact on a team’s success. As we embark on the 2025 NCAA Football season, the landscape is rich with Heisman Contenders, from seasoned veterans to burgeoning talents poised for breakout years.
Among the most talked-about prospects is Arch Manning, the highly anticipated Texas Longhorns Football quarterback whose collegiate era is finally upon us. After years of national fanfare and a redshirt year, Manning steps into the full-time starting role in Austin with immense expectations. His limited action last fall offered glimpses of his prodigious talent, leaving fans and analysts eager to witness his full potential under center, particularly how his remarkable arm talent and surprising mobility—evidenced by four rushing scores in 2024—will be utilized in a dynamic offensive scheme.
Beyond Manning, a formidable group of signal-callers is also making their Heisman case. Dante Moore takes the reins for the Oregon Ducks, seeking to make a significant impact with a strong supporting cast. Dylan Raiola of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks to build on a promising start to his 2025 campaign, preparing for crucial matchups against ranked opponents. Cade Klubnik returns for the Clemson Tigers after leading them to the College Football Playoff, showcasing his dual-threat abilities with 43 total scores and over 4,000 yards of total offense, while Garrett Nussmeier of the LSU Tigers aims to overcome a challenging SEC schedule with his potent arm and developing receivers.
While quarterbacks often dominate the Heisman conversation, the 2025 season also features elite running backs determined to break the mold. Jeremiyah Love, a key player for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, carried his team to the College Football Playoff in 2024 with staggering numbers, rushing for 1,125 yards and scoring 19 total touchdowns. Similarly, Makhi Hughes, now with the Oregon Ducks after starring at Tulane, consistently posted over 1,300 rushing yards in the past two seasons, proving that a dominant ground game can be a potent force in the Heisman race.
The increasing emphasis on explosive offensive plays has also brought wide receivers into the Heisman spotlight. Jeremiah Smith of the Ohio State Buckeyes stands as a prime example. With a new and inexperienced quarterback, Smith is poised for an even larger target share, and if he can elevate the Buckeyes to national prominence as he did in 2024, his individual brilliance could see him lifting the Heisman Trophy by season’s end, defying the recent trend of quarterback dominance.
The road to the Heisman is paved with both individual brilliance and team success, heavily influenced by the competitive landscape of college football. A challenging schedule, such as the SEC gauntlet faced by LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, presents both hurdles and opportunities. While tough matchups can expose weaknesses, stellar performances against top-ranked teams can significantly boost a player’s profile and validate their Heisman credentials, making every weekend a critical test of their mettle and their team’s resilience.
As the 2025 college football season unfolds, the Heisman Trophy race promises to be a thrilling narrative of athletic prowess, strategic brilliance, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From the highly scrutinized debut of Arch Manning to the consistent brilliance of established stars and the rise of unexpected Heisman Contenders, fans will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly watching who will ultimately earn the right to strike the iconic pose and etch their name into the annals of college football history.
