Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty had generational seasons in 2024. Hunter used his two way capabilities on his way to winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy. However non-quarterback don’t usually win the award. Since 2010, 12 of the trophy winners have been quarterbacks. With that being said, there are a number of signal callers that should be considered contenders for 2025. Whether they are favorites or dark horses, these QBs all have a shot to win the Heisman next season.
2025 Heisman Favorites
Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
Jalen Milroe has a decision to make when it comes to the NFL Draft. He has announced he will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl for Alabama, but is currently undecided beyond that. If he returns, Milroe will be one of the clear frontrunners to win next season’s Heisman Trophy. Head coach Kalen DeBoer has proven he can coach a QB to the ceremony.
Cade Klubnik (Clemson)
Cade Klubnik should be considered a leading contender for the Heisman trophy in 2025. He had a tremendous 2024 season, posting over 3,300 yards passing and 33 touchdowns to go with another 7 touchdowns and over 450 yards on the ground. Klubnik led the Tigers to the ACC championship and a berth in the CFP, and should be a contender again next season.
Carson Beck (Georgia)
Carson Beck came into the 2024 season with high expectations after a stellar 2023 season. While he didn’t meet those expectations, he didn’t have a bad season. Beck finished the regular season with over 3,400 yards and 28 touchdowns. He turned the ball over too much with 12 interceptions and three lost fumbles. While Beck could be a potential first round draft pick, there has been speculation he might return for another season. If he does, he will jump to the top of the Heisman list.
Kevin Jennings (SMU)
Kevin Jennings sort of came out of nowhere in 2024. Initially the backup to Preston Stone, Jennings was inserted as the permanent starting QB in the third game of the season, and drastically improved throughout the season. He ended up throwing for 3,050 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also ran for 379 yards and five touchdowns. SMU’s season took off after he was named the starter and now they find themselves in the CFP. Jennings should be viewed as a leading contender for the 2025 Heisman.
Quinn Ewers (Texas)
Quinn Ewers plays in an explosive offense at Texas. However, he has a draft decision to make. If he returns, Ewers will be a top favorite for the Heisman. If not, Arch Manning would take over in Austin and immediately shoot to the top of the contender list.
Next Tier of Heisman Contenders
DJ Lagway (Florida)
The Florida Gators ended the season in a much better position than most expected at the beginning of the season. Finishing 7-5 was considered a pipe dream, especially after their early 1-2 start in which they were mostly uncompetitive. DJ Lagway became the full time starter after Graham Mertz was lost to an ACL injury in mid-October, and that’s when Florida took off. Lagway will go into 2025 as a highly regarded sophomore and should have plenty of weapons at his disposal after the transfer portal adds to the roster.
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
Garrett Nussmeier has already announced he will be returning to the LSU football program for the 2025 season. Nussmeier had a chance to be an early day two NFL Draft pick, but elected to return for his final season. He threw for over 3,700 yards and 26 touchdowns during the regular season and will look to be a major factor in the 2025 Heisman race.
Dante Moore (Oregon)
What do Oregon QBs do? They put up huge numbers and are usually high vote getters for the Heisman Trophy. The last two seasons, the Ducks signal caller has been a finalist. Dante Moore will look to make it three. The former UCLA Bruin transferred after his freshman season in 2023 to sit behind Dillon Gabriel. 2025 will be his turn and we should expect big things from the former five star recruit.
Drew Allar (Penn State)
Another QB who announced his plans to return, Drew Allar could be the best Quarterback in the Big Ten in 2025. That usually means an incoming Heisman caliber season. Allar made a massive jump in 2024, going from a 60% passer in 2023 to nearly 70%. He has a playing style that’s conducive to putting up Heisman numbers with his ability to run the ball. If Penn State can improve their receivers, Allar should be in for a big 2025.
LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)
South Carolina outperformed everyone’s expectations with a 9-3 regular season. LaNorris Sellers was the main catalyst on offense. He combined for over 2,900 yards through the air and on the ground, while accounting for 24 total touchdowns. A true dual threat quarterback, Sellers is one of the most exciting and electric players heading into the 2025 season.
Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee)
Alot was expected of Nico Iamaleava going into the 2024 season. The redshirt freshman was thought to be a Heisman favorite this season, but some accuracy issues along with inconsistent wide receiver play and an explosive running game pushed him out of the race by midseason. In 2025, Nico should be developing into one of the best QBs in the country and a Josh Heupel offense should allow him to showcase his dual threat abilities.
2025 Heisman Trophy Dark Horses
Sam Leavitt (Arizona State)
Sam Leavitt is a dark horse for Arizona State. The redshirt freshman had a solid season in his first year in the program. He should be returning star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and he showed his toughness and ability to lead his team to the playoffs this season. If he continues to develop, 2025 could be a special season in Tempe.
Rocco Becht (Iowa State)
Iowa State fell short of their bid to win the Big XII this season, but Rocco Becht displayed his toughness in the championship game loss to Arizona State. He finished 12th in the country with 3,235 yards passing, while passing and running for 29 total touchdowns. He is losing his top two receivers, but the Cyclones are bringing in two from the transfer portal to replace them. Becht should be considered a dark horse candidate in 2025.
Others to Watch: Jalon Daniels (Kansas), Blake Horvath (Navy), Arch Manning (Texas), Marcel Reed (Texas A&M), John Mateer (Transfer Portal), Dylan Raiola (Nebraska)
