The 2025 college football season is months away. However, fans and analysts are already making early Heisman Trophy predictions. If you love football or college sports drama, you know the Heisman hype starts right after the national title game.
So, who’s in line to lift the most coveted individual award in college football? Let’s dive in and break it all down.
The Legacy of the Heisman Trophy
Since 1935, the Heisman Trophy has stood as a symbol of college football greatness. Not just about stats, but about thrilling moments, game-winning plays, and standing out when the lights shine the brightest.
Heisman winners, like Barry Sanders and Tim Tebow, often become stars in the NFL. Recent winners include Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels.
What Makes a Heisman Contender?
A few highlight plays aren’t enough to secure a Heisman victory. Here’s what truly matters:
- Stats that Pop: We’re talking monster numbers—yards, touchdowns, efficiency.
- Leadership & Media Love: Heisman hopefuls usually carry themselves like stars.
- Team Wins: The Heisman usually goes to a guy on a top-10 team.
2025 Heisman Front-Runners (Way-Too-Early Picks)
1. Carson Beck—Georgia Bulldogs
Beck is entering 2025 with serious momentum. After a strong 2024 season and leading Georgia back into playoff contention, he’s got the arm, the system, and the spotlight.
Why he’s a favorite: Accurate passer, calm under pressure, surrounded by NFL-caliber talent.
2. Quinn Ewers—Texas Longhorns
Ewers returned for another run after showing flashes of brilliance. With a loaded offense and another year under Sarkisian, he’s dangerous.
Powerful 12, watch out—he’s got weapons, experience, and now, expectations.
3. Shedeur Sanders—Colorado Buffaloes
Yes, the Prime Effect is real. Shedeur has the swagger, the skill set, and the stage to make a serious run. If Colorado wins games, he’s in the mix.
Dual-threat dynamo, NFL pedigree, and a coach who knows the spotlight.
4. Dillon, Oregon Ducks
Transferred from Oklahoma, Gabriel could explode in Oregon’s high-octane system. He’s experienced and knows how to light up the scoreboard.
Think Marcus Mariota 2.0 with a chip on his shoulder.
5. Jalen Milroe—Alabama Crimson Tide
Classic Alabama dual-threat quarterback with the tools to break out in 2025. If Bama reloads and goes deep, Milroe could be the face of it all.
Under-the-Radar Candidates to Watch
6. Nico Iamaleava—Tennessee Volunteers
The buzz is real. If Tennessee opens the offense and Nico gets hot, he could sneak into the conversation.
7. Malachi Nelson—USC Trojans
Stepping into Caleb Williams’ shoes won’t be easy, but Nelson’s arm talent and the Lincoln Riley offense? Pure Heisman bait.
8. Drew Allar—Penn State Nittany Lions
Large frame, powerful arm, and a developing offense. If Penn State contends, Allar’s name will rise.
9. Arch Manning—Texas Longhorns
He might not start Week 1, but if Ewers struggles or gets hurt, the Manning brand could take over mid-season—and explode.
10. TreVeyon Henderson—Ohio State Buckeyes
Running backs have a tough path, but Henderson is electric. If he racks up 2,000+ all-purpose yards? He may not be able to make it.
Defensive Dark Horses
Rare, but not impossible. Think Charles Woodson. A dominant defensive player who scores TDs on special teams or offense? That’s how a defender enters the chat.
Watch out for:
- Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU)—Game-changer
- Malaki Starks (Georgia)—Always around the ball
Transfer Portal Surprises
With players flipping teams left and right, a new face in a perfect system could emerge fast. Think of Bo Nix at Oregon or Michael Penix Jr. at Washington. The right scheme changes everything.
Team Performance Matters
Heisman winners almost always come from top contenders. If your team isn’t making a playoff push, odds are, you’re not getting that Heisman love—fair or not.
The NIL Effect on the Heisman Race
Increased budget, additional cameras. NIL deals elevate exposure. Players with substantial brand deals, like Shedeur Sanders or Arch Manning, already have attention. They just need a few great plays to secure it.
Trends from Previous Years
- Quarterbacks dominate (like, a lot).
- The SEC and the Dominant Ten feature the largest concentration of winners.
- Flashy plays matter more than just quiet consistency.
Conclusion
The way-too-early Heisman Trophy contenders for the 2025 season offer a mix of familiar names, rising stars, and under-the-radar gems. Carson Beck is playing well at Georgia. Shedeur Sanders shows exciting talent in Boulder. This competition is getting powerfully exciting.
With NIL deals, player transfers, and media hype, expect surprises. Enjoy the excitement of Heisman season!
FAQs
1. Who was the last non-QB to win the Heisman?
That would be Alabama’s Devonta Smith, a wide receiver, in 2020.
2. Could a freshman make history by winning the Heisman?
Yes! Johnny Manziel (2012) and Jameis Winston (2013) both did it as redshirt freshmen.
3. Is it even possible for defensive players to win?
Rarely. Charles Woodson is the only defensive player to win.
4. How much does team success impact Heisman chances?
Countless. Most winners play for top 10 or playoff-contending teams.
5. When is the Heisman Trophy awarded?
Typically, in early December after conference championship weekend.
