As the 2024 college football season progresses and the 2025 Heisman Trophy race begins to take shape, some familiar names are already making waves. ESPN recently highlighted several top contenders for the prestigious award, and leading the charge is the quarterback from the University of Texas. Known for producing NFL talent and developing elite quarterbacks, Texas has once again emerged with a signal-caller poised to make a serious run at the Heisman. But Texas isn’t the only school to watch — in fact, the early 2025 Heisman race is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
In this post, we’ll dive into the top candidates, including Texas QB, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, and Alabama’s Ryan Williams, and break down why they’re the frontrunners for the Heisman heading into 2025.
Texas QB: The Early Favorite
It’s no surprise that the University of Texas is represented early in the Heisman conversation. Texas has consistently been a breeding ground for NFL-caliber quarterbacks, and the 2025 season may be no different. The standout QB from Texas has been making a huge impression through the 2024 season, showcasing a blend of arm strength, football IQ, and leadership ability that has earned him a spot at the top of early Heisman lists.
This quarterback has a proven ability to make all the throws, from deep bombs down the sideline to pinpoint short passes in tight windows. His poise in the pocket and the way he handles pressure is another factor that has propelled him into Heisman contention. He’s also shown an ability to perform in clutch moments, something that Heisman voters often look for. His combination of physical gifts and mental fortitude has made him the front-runner heading into the 2025 season.
Texas is expected to have a loaded roster and a favorable schedule in 2025, which will only help boost the visibility of this quarterback’s Heisman campaign. As the team competes for the Big 12 Championship and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff, his performance will be under the microscope, and every game will matter.
If this quarterback continues to shine in big games, there’s a strong likelihood he will cement his place as a Heisman finalist and potentially take home the trophy in 2025.
South Carolina’s QB LaNorris Sellers: A Rising Star
While Texas’ QB might be the early favorite, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football. Sellers had an explosive breakout season in 2024, demonstrating not just his talent but his ability to lead his team through adversity. What sets him apart from many other quarterbacks in the Heisman race is his unique combination of athleticism and playmaking ability.
Sellers’ dual-threat skills make him an incredibly dangerous weapon on the field. He’s shown the ability to both pass and run effectively, keeping defenses on their heels. Sellers’ mobility allows him to extend plays and make magic happen when things break down, a trait that Heisman voters often gravitate toward. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field, combined with his natural passing talent, makes him one of the most intriguing candidates for the 2025 Heisman.
South Carolina’s schedule in 2025 could further enhance Sellers’ chances. The SEC is known for its tough competition, and if Sellers can lead the Gamecocks to big wins over powerhouse teams like Georgia and Alabama, his Heisman stock will continue to rise. If he can put up big numbers in those games and lead South Carolina to a playoff berth, Sellers may very well find himself in New York for the Heisman ceremony.
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love: A Threat at Running Back
When it comes to the Heisman, the trophy is often dominated by quarterbacks, but running backs have historically been a formidable presence in the race as well. One such running back who is rapidly making his mark is Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. The Fighting Irish have a storied tradition of producing standout running backs, and Love could be the next in line to carry the torch.
Love is an explosive runner with incredible vision and balance, able to break tackles and accelerate through holes in the defense. His speed and agility make him a constant threat to take any carry to the house. What stands out about Love, however, is his ability to perform in all phases of the game. He’s not just a one-dimensional player — Love has proven to be a capable receiver out of the backfield, giving Notre Dame a true weapon who can hurt defenses in multiple ways.
If Love can continue his dominance and lead Notre Dame to a playoff berth in 2025, he could become a real contender for the Heisman. The Fighting Irish typically play a tough schedule, and if Love can perform well in those high-profile matchups, he could elevate his Heisman candidacy even further. A 2,000-yard season combined with strong performances in key games would put Love in the running for the award.
Alabama’s Ryan Williams: The Future of College Football
Alabama has been a perennial powerhouse in college football, and their 2025 Heisman candidate, Ryan Williams, is a key reason why the Crimson Tide remain in the hunt for another national title. Williams, a young, highly talented running back, is one of the most dynamic players in college football, capable of changing the course of a game with a single play.
Williams is an explosive back with a rare combination of speed and power. His vision and patience allow him to read defenses and find the best running lanes, while his top-end speed can leave defenders in the dust once he hits the open field. He’s also a threat in the passing game, where his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another layer to his already dangerous skill set.
The key for Williams will be whether he can stay healthy throughout the 2025 season and continue to perform at a high level against SEC competition. If Alabama continues to dominate under head coach Nick Saban and Williams is able to put up big numbers, he will be one of the top Heisman contenders in 2025.
Other Notable Candidates
Aside from the top four names mentioned above, there are a few other players to keep an eye on as the 2025 Heisman race heats up.
- USC’s Caleb Williams: The defending Heisman winner will look to defend his title and become one of the few players in history to win the prestigious award twice.
- Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy: A rising star who has shown the potential to lead Michigan to a national championship, McCarthy could make a strong push for the Heisman.
- Georgia RB Kendall Milton: With Georgia’s high-powered offense, Milton has the opportunity to emerge as one of the top running back candidates in 2025.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to the 2025 Heisman Trophy race, there’s no shortage of exciting talent emerging across the country. From the star quarterback at Texas to the dual-threat ability of LaNorris Sellers at South Carolina, and the explosive running backs like Jeremiyah Love and Ryan Williams, the 2025 Heisman race promises to be one for the ages.
While Texas’ quarterback currently leads the pack, anything can happen over the course of the 2025 season. What’s certain is that the race will be fierce, and college football fans will have plenty to look forward to as these athletes chase one of the most coveted individual awards in sports.
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