As we move towards the Heisman Trophy event on Saturday night, two-way Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter stays the odds-on preferred to take home the award. Let's forecast the early favorites for college football's most distinguished award for the 2025 season.
Arch Manning – QB, Texas
The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning and grand son of previous New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning, Arch seems in line to take control of the beginning task in Austin after an up-and-down year from quarterback Quinn Ewers. Manning saw action in 8 video games this year, tossing for 939 lawns, 9 goals and 2 interceptions. Dissimilar to his Super Bowl-winning uncles, Manning is a dual-threat quarterback, scoring 4 times on the ground this year to accompany 100 hurrying lawns. Presuming Manning can take control of the beginning function, he might effectively be the Heisman preferred entering into the 2025 season.
A declared high school hire, Lagway traded snaps with quarterback Graham Mertz before taking control of down the stretch and wowing with his arm skill and escapability in the pocket. Lagway completed the year with 11 goals, 7 interceptions and 1,610 backyards and will go back to Florida with a year of experience under his belt and a strong getting corps led by junior pass receiver Eugene Wilson III.
The 17-year-old real freshman experience led the Crimson Tide in getting lawns and goals this year, showcasing his huge play capability, balancing 19.0 backyards per reception. Presuming Williams sits tight in Tuscaloosa, the only concern is who will be providing the ball to him, as quarterback Jalen Milroe might state for the NFL Draft or get in the transfer website this winter season.
Jeremiah Smith – WR, Ohio State
Another real freshman, Smith, took 10 goals through the air and scored another on the ground in his 2024 project. A physical, talented receiver, Smith had audiences in wonder with acrobatic one-handed catches on various celebrations. Ohio State begins the season on Aug. 30 versus Texas, an excellent chance for Smith to begin his Heisman project on a nationwide phase.
ONE-HANDED @OhioStateFB extends their lead with this Jeremiah Smith goal. #B 1GFootball on CBS pic.twitter.com/3VMuKAvxEQ
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 5, 2024
Nico Iamaleava – QB, Tennessee
The sophomore signal-caller had a strong 2024 season, amounting to 19 goals, 5 interceptions and 2,512 lawns through the air while leading the Volunteers to a College Football Playoff look. Head coach Josh Heupel's hectic offense will constantly offer its quarterback with sufficient scoring chances, and Iamaleava will remain in Heisman contention from week one.
