Travis Hunter became the newest member of college football’s most exclusive fraternity when he was named the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner during Saturday night’s ceremony inside New York City’s famed Lincoln Center. This monumental achievement not only highlights Hunter’s exceptional talent but also sets the stage for an exciting conversation about the next generation of Heisman hopefuls.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Heisman Trophy Contenders
As college football fans revel in Hunter’s well-deserved honor, many are already speculating about who could capture the prestigious Heisman Trophy next year. The anticipation is palpable, and CBS Sports analyst Blake Brockermeyer, a former first-team All-American offensive lineman, has compiled a list of the most promising candidates for the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Let’s dive into the contenders that have caught his eye.
Quarterbacks on the Rise
Fresh off his first full season as the Gamecocks’ starting quarterback, Sellers is drawing strong comparisons to former Heisman winner Cam Newton. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 242 pounds, Sellers is a powerful dual-threat quarterback who combined for 2,929 total yards and 24 touchdowns this past season. His impressive stats and athleticism make him a player to watch.
Brockermeyer: “Sellers is an effective passer but has elite athleticism to destroy defenses with his legs and shrug off defenders like Vince Young once did. He’s a big-time prospect who should only improve with development in the offseason.”
Another quarterback to keep an eye on is Garrett Nussmeier of LSU. After two years as a backup, Nussmeier stepped up as the Tigers’ QB1, ranking second in the SEC with 3,739 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. His decision to return to Baton Rouge next season could set him up for a stellar 2025 campaign.
Brockermeyer: “I love his gunslinger mentality and he reminds me a little of Brett Favre in that regard. He has a big arm and can throw into high windows. I expect he will be surrounded by a solid supporting cast in 2025 and should put up big numbers on big stages.”
Running Backs Making Waves
When it comes to running backs, Dylan Sampson from Tennessee has made quite an impression. Earning the title of SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Sampson led the league with 1,485 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns this season. Should he decide to return for another year, he could be a frontrunner for the Heisman.
Brockermeyer: “Sampson led the SEC in rushing as a slasher who generally stays inside the tackles. He’s got terrific vision and balance with good-not-great speed and brings it every week.”
Another name to consider is Oregon’s James, who ranked third in the Big Ten with 1,253 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. If he returns for another season, he could shine even brighter in Oregon’s high-octane offense.
Brockermeyer: “James is a powerful runner with a thick lower half and excellent vision. He’s a name to know if he returns, and I think he’s still got some meat left on the bone as a college player.”
Wide Receivers to Watch
On the receiving end, Smith from Ohio State has lived up to the hype of being the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class. He finished the regular season ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 934 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His ability to dominate contested catches makes him a player to watch in the coming years.
Brockermeyer: “Smith is a match-up nightmare who can dominate the contested catches and reel in the one-handed catches in his sleep. He did not disappoint, emerging as Ohio State’s go-to guy.”
Another freshman to keep an eye on is Alabama’s Williams, who flashed his potential early in the season. After posting 649 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in the first half of the season, consistency will be key for him moving forward.
Brockermeyer: “Williams is a highly athletic receiver who can track and catch contested balls. Expect a bigger, faster, stronger version of himself in 2025 as he turns 18.”
Quarterbacks with Potential
In his second full season as Clemson’s QB1, Klubnik led the ACC with 40 total touchdowns and ranked second in the league with 3,303 passing yards. With an improved receiving corps and total command of the offense, he could make a serious run for the Heisman next year.
Brockermeyer: “Klubnik is living up to the hype and could jumpstart his 2025 Heisman campaign if he makes noise in the College Football Playoff.”
Another quarterback to consider is Iamaleava from Tennessee, who showed promise as a redshirt freshman. With a strong finish to the regular season, he has the potential to make a significant leap in 2025.
Brockermeyer: “Iamaleava had a solid redshirt freshman campaign, and I expect a large jump as he gets more comfortable in Josh Heupel’s offense.”
Defensive Stars and Dark Horses
Don’t count out defensive players like Caleb Downs from Ohio State. If he can showcase his talents on offense, he could make a surprising run for the Heisman. His performance on special teams has already drawn attention.
Brockermeyer: “If Downs could get back to that level of play and add a handful of punt return touchdowns, then a Heisman run is possible, albeit unlikely.”
And let’s not forget about Arch Manning. The former No. 1 overall player in the 2023 class has been biding his time behind Quinn Ewers. If Ewers turns pro, Manning could quickly become one of college football’s biggest stars.
Brockermeyer: “Manning will have high expectations, but we might be a year early on truly realistic expectations.”
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the excitement surrounding the next Heisman Trophy winner grows. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, the 2025 race promises to be thrilling. Who will step up and seize the moment? Only time will tell!
