2025 Heisman Trophy: Top candidates to win next season

Colorado standout Travis Hunter was named the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Saturday night. Hunter beat out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Miami (Fla.) QB Cam Ward for the prestigious award.

All four finalists are expected to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, meaning there will be a new crop of finalists in New York next year.

It’s no secret that the Heisman is traditionally the quarterback’s award, which made Hunter’s 2024 campaign even more special, as he became the first non-fourth to win the award since 2020 and just the fifth non-fourth to win the award in the 21st century.

So, will a quarterback take home the most coveted individual award in college next season, or will a wide receiver be awarded the Heisman?

Let’s take an early look at four players who should start next season as betting favorites to win the Heisman.

Jeremiah SmithWR, State of Ohio

Like Hunter, Smith was the nation’s top prospect coming out of high school and is considered by some to be the most talented player of his generation.

Just one year into his college career, Smith is already one of the best players in the nation, named a first-team All-American by USA TODAY after totaling 57 catches for 954 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for the No. 6 ranked tight end. The Ohio State Buckeyes.

With Emeka Egbuka headed to the NFL Draft, Smith will be the undisputed leader in Brian Hartline’s receiver room and likely continue the tradition of first round picks at positions like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Garrett. Wilson and Chris Olave.

Smith will have to trust Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to develop a linebacker, likely Julian Sayin, who can give his best weapon on the perimeter as many opportunities to make plays as possible. With great QB play, Smith will continue his assault on receiving records at OSU and perhaps leave school as the best wideout in program history.

Arch ManningQB, Texas

Manning has shown enough promise this season, especially in relief of Quinn Ewers against UTSA and earlier against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State, to lead many to believe he will remain the heir apparent at quarterback for Longhorns Steve Sarkisian.

His ability to move in the pocket and create good plays was highlighted in his performance against the Roadrunners, where he accounted for five touchdowns, including two TD passes of 50-plus yards and one 67-yard scoring run.

Manning, a former No. 1 overall pick and five-star prospect, will have the best returning quarterback in the game, led by freshman phenom Ryan Wingo. He’ll also be one of the game’s most offensive minds in Sarkisian, setting up Manning’s ways to beat opponents with his arm and legs.

Manning and the Longhorns will play at Ohio Stadium against Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeyes on August 30th in what will be one of the most anticipated games of the season.

Ryan WilliamsWR, Alabama

Williams, an 18-year-old until February, was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team after finishing second among Tide players with 45 catches for 857 yards and eight touchdowns this season. His eight TD receptions ranked second in the SEC.

Williams’ best game of his freshman season came in the majors, against then-No. 2 Georgia. He caught six passes for 177 yards and a touchdown in Alabama’s memorable 41-34 win over the Bulldogs.

He’s the best player they’ve had since Jameson Williams, and he has the potential to leave Bama as the most decorated WR since DeVonta Smith, who won the Heisman in 2020 while leading Alabama to its sixth title since 2009. With Jalen Milroe expected to enter the NFL Draft, the only question is whether the quarterback service will be there for Williams to showcase his incredible potential next year?

Bryce Underwood, QB, In Michigan

With his late flip from LSU to Michigan, there’s reason to believe Underwood will be the answer Michigan desperately needs at quarterback. He will let the Wolverines offense open in 2025 because of the athleticism he brings to the QB position.

Underwood and the Wolverines should also benefit from the hiring of Chip Lindsey as the team’s offensive coordinator. Lindsey’s offense has averaged at least 30 points per game in nine of the last 12 years. New England Patriots QB Drake Maye averaged 300.7 passing yards per game and was responsible for 33 TDs in 2023 Lindsey calling the games in North Carolina.

Underwood, the 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year, passed for 3,165 yards, accounted for 47 touchdowns and threw just two interceptions as a senior at Belleville High School. If he can live up to his billing, Michigan should contend for the Big Ten title and establish itself as one of the premier programs in the game.

We’ll find out just how good he can be when the Wolverines travel to Norman, Oklahoma, to play the Sooners on September 6.

RJ Young is a national college football writer and commentator for FOX Sports and the host of the podcast “The Number One College Football Show.“Follow him on Twitter at @RJ_Omusha again subscribe to “The RJ Young Show” on YouTube.

[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]

---

---