With the 2024 college football season officially in the books, speculation is already mounting about who might take home the Heisman Trophy next season.
Of course, the Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award not just in college football, but perhaps all of sports.
While quarterbacks dominate the odds once again, standout players from other positions are also making a case for themselves.
Here’s a breakdown of the early Heisman contenders and dark horse candidates, based on odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.
2025 Heisman Trophy Favorites
- Garrett Nussmeier (LSU QB): +900
The LSU quarterback leads the pack as the early favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Nussmeier’s impressive playmaking ability and leadership on a top-tier team make him the one to watch in 2025. - Arch Manning (Texas QB): +950
Carrying the weight of his family’s legendary legacy, Arch Manning is already generating buzz. If Texas stays competitive, Manning could cement his place among college football’s elite. - Cade Klubnik (Clemson QB): +1100
Klubnik is tied for third in the odds with two other quarterbacks, showcasing his potential to lead Clemson back to the top of the rankings. - Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee QB): +1100
Another rising star, Iamaleava’s odds reflect his dynamic skill set and potential to light up the scoreboard in the SEC. - Drew Allar (Penn State QB): +1100
Rounding out the top tier, Allar will be central to Penn State’s offense and is poised for a breakout season.
Main Non-QB Contender
Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State WR): +1400
The first non-quarterback on the list is none other than Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Known for his speed and game-changing ability, Smith could be a rare wide receiver to break into the Heisman race.
Dark Horse Candidates
Several players outside the top favorites could make surprising runs for the Heisman:
LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina QB): +1800
Julian Sayin (Ohio State QB): +1800
Carson Beck (Miami QB): +2000
Dante Moore (Oregon QB): +2000
These players represent programs with the talent to compete for championships, which could boost their Heisman profiles.
Here’s a look at the complete list of Heisman contenders…
Garrett Nussmeier: +900
Arch Manning: +950
Cade Klubnik: +1100
Nico Iamaleava: +1100
Drew Allar: +1100
Jeremiah Smith: +1400
LaNorris Sellers: +1800
Julian Sayin: +1800
Carson Beck: +2000
Dante Moore: +2000
John Mateer: +2500
DJ Lagway: +2500
Kevin Jennings: +3000
Austin Simmons: +3000
Miller Moss: +3300
Gunner Stockton: +3300
Marcel Reed: +4000
Jalon Daniels: +4000
Steve Angeli: +4500
Jackson Arnold: +4500
Kaidon Salter: +5000
Dylan Raiola: +5000
Thomas Castellanos: +5000
Sam Leavitt: +5000
Fernando Mendoza: +5000
Jeremiyah Love: +5000
Ty Simpson: +5000
Jayden Maiava: +5000
Avery Johnson: +6000
Sawyer Robertson: +6000
Kyron Drones: +7500
Haynes King: +7500
Devon Dampier: +8000
Darian Mensah: +8000
Demond Williams Jr.: +9500
Beau Pribula: +9500
Mikey Keene: +10000
Austin Mack: +10000
Nate Frazier: +12000
Jake Retzlaff: +12000
Eli Holstein: +12000
Rickie Collins: +12000
CJ Bailey: +12000
Noah Fifita: +12000
Quintrevion Wisner: +15000
Billy Edwards: +15000
Byrum Brown: +15000
Aidan Chiles: +15000
Rocco Becht: +15000
Mark Gronowski: +15000
Taylen Green: +15000
Jaden Rashada: +15000
Justice Haynes: +18000
Caleb Downs: +18000
Cam Coleman: +18000
Conner Weigman: +18000
Diego Pavia: +18000
Kevin Concepcion: +18000
Evan Stewart: +20000
Jordan James: +20000
Tayven Jackson: +20000
Maddux Madsen: +20000
Behren Morton: +20000
TJ Finley: +25000
Maalik Murphy: +25000
Dylan Edwards: +25000
Zach Calzada: +25000
Brendan Sorsby: +25000
Zachariah Branch: +25000
Josh Hoover: +25000
Hauss Hejny: +30000
Hank Brown: +40000
Blake Horvath: +40000
Blake Shapen: +40000
Nick Marsh: +50000
With so many talented players and dynamic teams set to enter the 2025 season, the Heisman race promises to be as unpredictable as ever.
Whether it’s a favorite like Nussmeier or a dark horse like Haynes King, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for college football fans.
Now, be honest – Are you surprised to see Nussmeier ranked ahead of Manning?
Who do YOU think will end up winning the Heisman Trophy next season???
