Way to Early Heisman Contenders

Jake Wimberly

Ross Gaskin Contributing:

Below is who, in my opinion, are the favorites to win the Heisman for the 2025 college football season. Some may not come as a surprise, and others may not be even on your radar to win the Heisman. My criteria for this list is returning production, and that they are definitely the best player and leader on their team with the offense or defense flowing strictly through them.

Cade Klubnik: QB, Clemson

Cade Klubnik is arguably the best returning QB in all of college football, and is on a lot of peoples Heisman watchlist. Klubnik’s dominant 2024 season propelled him into the Heisman conversation as he threw for 3,639 yards and 36 TDs while rushing for 463 yards and 7 more TDs. With Klubnik’s immense talent, it would come as no surprise if he exceeds all expectations and separates himself as a Heisman finalist.

Garrett Nussmeier: QB, LSU

Garrett Nussmeier is one of the best returning QBs in the entire SEC, and is easily one of the premiere gunslingers in the nation. Last season, Nussmeier had a terrific season as he passed for 4,052 yards and 29 TDs, and is expected for even more this season. That should come easy for him as not only is he a great talent, but the Tigers loaded up on talent through the portal and now has one of the best WR rooms in college football. Anything less than greatness in 2025 would surely be a disappointment for Garrett Nussmeier.

Jeremiah Smith: WR, Ohio State

Jeremiah Smith was one of the most exciting players to watch in 2024 as he dominated almost every defense he faced AS A FRESHMAN. The superstar WR in 2024 racked up 1,315 receiving yards and 15 TDs while being the biggest X-factor in Ohio State’s National Championship run. Smith will be the go to weapon on that Buckeye offense, and if the new QB is ready, Smith will be the top WR in the nation. If Jeremiah Smith wins the Heisman, he would only be the 5th Sophomore to do so.

Jeremiyah Love: RB, Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love was one of the most consistent RBs last season as he and QB Riley Lenord led the Fighting Irish to the Natty with their sensational rushing skills. Last season, Love rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 TDs. Now that Leonard is gone, the entire offense will be run through Jeremiyah Love which will put all of the spotlight on him. If Love can lead Notre Dame to more success in 2025, there would be no reason for him not to be considered for the Heisman Trophy.

Anthony Hill Jr: LB, Texas

Yes, I believe a defensive player could, and should, be considered as a Heisman candidate. Anthony Hill Jr was one of the most dominant LBs in the nation last year as he had 113 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, 8 sacks, 4 FFs, and 1 INT. Headed into his junior year, Hill is shaped up to be one of, if not the best defensive players in college football. It is extremely difficult for defensive players to win the Heisman, only 2 have done so, but if Anthony Hill Jr can separate himself as the best, he could very well be the third.