Top 12 Heisman Trophy Contenders In 2025 College Football Season

The start of the 2025 college football season will soon be upon us. As anticipation builds, so, too, do predictions for the future. Heisman trophy chatter has already begun. Odds have been released on top candidates, with notable names headlining the list of favorites.

Last year’s victor, Travis Hunter, was a leader from the start of the season to it’s conclusion. In other years, under the radar candidates have surprised with longshot wins.

The 2025 season has no shortage of star power. Below are the top 12 Heisman trophy candidates at this point.

Sam Leavitt (Arizona State Sun Devils)

Leavitt seemingly came out of nowhere last season to lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff. He threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first year with the program.

He’s no longer unknown with most expecting another big year.

Carson Beck (Miami Hurricanes)

Beck was a preseason Heisman favorite last year in the SEC at Georgia. Much has changed since then.

The gunslinger’s moved onto the ACC with Miami and is a bit of a longshot as he recovers from injury.

John Mateer (Oklahoma Sooners)

Mateer transferred to Oklahoma in the offseason after shining at Washington State.

With the Cougars, he threw for 3,139 yards and 29 scores. He’ll now test his skill against SEC defenses.

DJ Lagway (Florida Gators)

Lagway was a highly touted freshman in 2024, and he lived up to the bill. He started seven games, winning six, while throwing for 1,915 yards.

He led all true freshman QBs with a 154.9 passer rating and will be given the keys to the offense in 2025.

Dante Moore (Oregon Ducks)

Moore played a season at UCLA before transferring to conference rival Oregon last year.

Though he didn’t see the field much as Dillon Gabriel’s backup, many believe the offense will pick up right where it left off under Moore’s guidance.

LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina Gamecocks)

Sellers was a breakout star for the Gamecocks in his first season as a starter. After a slow start, he won six straight games to close out the regular season.

The dual threat passer threw for 2,534 yards and ran for 674 more. If he can cut down on turnovers, the sky is the limit.

Julian Sayin (Ohio State Buckeyes)

Sayin is entering his first year as a starter with Will Howard leaving the program. Expectations are high.

The former five-star recruit will have weapons. He’ll have the task of getting the ball to his playmakers.

Drew Allar (Penn State Nittany Lions)

Allar led the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff in 2024, throwing for 3,327 yards and 24 scores.

He’s considered a Top 5 Heisman candidate by most oddsmakers. If he lives up to the projections, the NFL will come calling.

Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State Buckeyes)

Smith was the best freshman in college football last season. He led the Big 10 in receiving and touchdown catches as a rookie.

He’ll have a new signal caller under center, but many think his success will continue.

Cade Klubnik (Clemson Tigers)

Klubnik is entering his third season as a starter for Clemson after tossing 36 TDs as a junior. This year has an opportunity to be his best.

The Tigers should be loaded with offensive firepower, and their quarterback will be leading the charge

Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers)

Nussmeier is college football’s top returning passer after throwing for 4,052 yards in 2024.

He’ll look to build on that success in one final season before going pro. The Heisman is in his crosshairs.

Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns)

Manning is the most notable name on this list given his family history. He’s also the favorite to win the award at most sportsbooks.

He’ll be entering his first year as Texas’s starting quarterback. Can he meet lofty expectations?