As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Heisman Trophy race is already heating up, with a mix of established stars and up-and-coming players making their case for the prestigious award. One of the most exciting names emerging in the conversation is Tennessee’s quarterback, who has taken center stage as one of the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy. He is joined by other notable figures, including South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, Texas’ Arch Manning, and Alabama’s Ryan Williams, all of whom have shown flashes of brilliance on the field.
### Tennessee’s QB: A Rising Star at the Helm
The Tennessee Volunteers’ quarterback is widely considered a top contender for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, thanks to a combination of talent, experience, and a high-powered offensive system that has him positioned for a breakout year. After an impressive 2024 season, where he showed growth in both his passing accuracy and decision-making, Tennessee’s quarterback enters 2025 with even greater expectations. His ability to lead the Vols’ explosive offense, which has made headlines for its tempo and passing attack, has made him a serious threat in the Heisman race. His performance in high-profile games, particularly against SEC rivals, will be crucial to his candidacy. If he continues his upward trajectory, there’s little doubt that he will remain a frontrunner for the award as the season progresses.
### South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers: Dual-Threat Dynamism
LaNorris Sellers, the dual-threat quarterback from South Carolina, has been a name to watch in the early 2025 Heisman race. Sellers, who showed flashes of brilliance in his sophomore year, is expected to take on an even more prominent role for the Gamecocks. With his ability to both pass and run the football effectively, Sellers has the tools to put up impressive statistics. His mobility makes him a dangerous weapon, and his arm strength and poise under pressure have made him a key figure in South Carolina’s offensive plans. Sellers will be tasked with leading his team through tough SEC competition, but if he can continue his development, especially in high-pressure situations, he could find himself in serious contention for the Heisman.
### Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love: A Ground Game Force
While quarterbacks often dominate Heisman discussions, running backs like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love are also poised to make a push for the award. Love has been a rising star in the college football world thanks to his vision, agility, and impressive ability to break tackles. As the primary weapon in Notre Dame’s backfield, Love is expected to see a significant workload in 2025, and his performance on the ground could be a key factor in the Fighting Irish’s success. Love’s ability to contribute both as a runner and in the passing game gives him a versatile skill set that makes him a dangerous player to watch. If he can stay healthy and continue to rack up yards in critical games, Love could quickly enter the Heisman conversation, especially if he leads Notre Dame to a successful season.
### Texas’ Arch Manning: Living Up to the Legacy
One of the most talked-about quarterbacks heading into the 2025 season is Texas’ Arch Manning, a player with a football legacy that looms large. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch comes to Texas with immense expectations and a pedigree that is hard to ignore. In his first season as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns, Manning showed plenty of promise, displaying the poise and football IQ that run in his family. With his ability to make all the necessary throws and his calm demeanor in high-pressure situations, Manning is poised to lead Texas to a strong 2025 season. Given Texas’ storied program and Manning’s potential, the Heisman spotlight is firmly on him. If he can guide the Longhorns to a playoff berth while putting up gaudy stats, Manning could cement his place as the favorite for college football’s top individual honor.
### Alabama’s Ryan Williams: The Versatile Weapon
Another name that has emerged as a 2025 Heisman contender is Alabama’s Ryan Williams, a player who is expected to be one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in college football. Known for his versatility, Williams has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, including as a wide receiver, running back, and even in the return game. His ability to make plays all over the field makes him a valuable asset to Alabama’s offense, and his big-play ability will be critical to the Crimson Tide’s success in 2025. While Williams may not always get the same spotlight as quarterbacks, his playmaking ability and overall impact could make him a serious contender for the Heisman, especially if he delivers standout performances in high-stakes games.
### Other Notable Heisman Candidates
In addition to the aforementioned players, there are several others who are generating early buzz as potential Heisman contenders. One of the most intriguing players to watch is LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who has developed into one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. Nussmeier has a strong arm and has shown the ability to perform in big moments, making him a candidate to keep an eye on throughout the season.
Another player worth mentioning is Cade Klubnik, the quarterback for Clemson, who has shown flashes of brilliance and could lead the Tigers back into national championship contention. His ability to make plays with his arm and his legs could help him make a Heisman push in 2025.
Finally, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State is a name to keep an eye on. While wide receivers rarely win the Heisman, Smith’s explosive playmaking ability and his potential to dominate games could make him a dark-horse contender.
### Conclusion: A Wide-Open Race
The 2025 Heisman Trophy race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With standout quarterbacks like Tennessee’s QB, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, and Texas’ Arch Manning leading the charge, alongside dynamic players like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love and Alabama’s Ryan Williams, the competition for college football’s most prestigious individual award is fierce. The key to winning the Heisman will be consistency, big performances in crucial games, and the ability to lead their teams to success. As the season unfolds, one of these players is sure to emerge as the clear frontrunner—but for now, the race is wide open, and anything can happen.