Top Tennessee QB Leads Early 2025 Heisman Candidates Ahead of South Carolina’s QB LaNorris Sellers, Notre Dame’s RB Jeremiyah Love, Texas’ QB Arch Manning, Alabama’s Ryan Williams, and Others
As the 2025 college football season kicks off, the race for the prestigious Heisman Trophy has already begun to heat up. This season, several standout players have emerged as early favorites to take home the coveted award, but one name seems to be standing out above the rest: Tennessee’s star quarterback. With a mixture of elite talent, leadership, and high expectations, he has solidified himself as a top contender for the Heisman, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting race for college football’s most prestigious individual honor.
But Tennessee’s quarterback is not alone in the conversation. South Carolina’s rising star LaNorris Sellers, Notre Dame’s dynamic running back Jeremiyah Love, Texas’ sensational young quarterback Arch Manning, and Alabama’s electric wide receiver Ryan Williams are also among the early frontrunners. Each of these players has the potential to make a significant impact on the 2025 season and play their way into Heisman contention.
This article takes a closer look at the top candidates, highlighting their strengths, potential, and the competition they’ll face as they look to secure a place in Heisman history.
Tennessee’s Star QB: The Early Heisman Favorite
As the leader of one of the nation’s most potent offenses, Tennessee’s starting quarterback has quickly emerged as the early frontrunner in the 2025 Heisman race. After a breakout season in 2024, where he led the Volunteers to an impressive campaign and showcased his exceptional arm strength, mobility, and decision-making, expectations are sky-high for his junior year.
What sets Tennessee’s QB apart is his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. His powerful arm allows him to attack defenses with deep throws, while his mobility gives him the ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs. His dual-threat capabilities are complemented by a high football IQ and poise in clutch situations, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Tennessee’s high-powered offense, led by head coach Josh Heupel, has been built around fast-paced, explosive plays. This system suits the quarterback perfectly, allowing him to exploit defenses with quick throws and accurate deep balls. With a strong receiving corps and an offensive line that has improved significantly, the quarterback has all the tools needed to put up Heisman-caliber numbers. If Tennessee remains competitive in the SEC and continues to dominate offensively, he could be well on his way to winning college football’s most coveted individual award.
South Carolina’s QB LaNorris Sellers: The Dark Horse
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina’s promising quarterback, has generated significant buzz as a potential Heisman candidate. Sellers was a highly recruited player who has begun to live up to his potential in a major way, showing flashes of brilliance in his early seasons with the Gamecocks. His ability to throw the ball with precision while also being a dynamic runner makes him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in college football.
Sellers’ playing style is often compared to some of the most successful dual-threat quarterbacks in recent history. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands, whether it’s scrambling to extend plays or using his legs to pick up crucial yardage. His passing game has also improved each season, and his development as a leader of the South Carolina offense has raised the expectations for 2025.
With an offense that has become more explosive under head coach Shane Beamer, Sellers is poised to put up impressive statistics. South Carolina faces stiff competition in the SEC, but if Sellers can guide the Gamecocks to a strong record, especially in conference play, he could be a dark horse contender for the Heisman.
Notre Dame’s RB Jeremiyah Love: A Rising Star in the Backfield
While most Heisman hopefuls are quarterbacks, running backs have historically been a major part of the conversation. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is emerging as a strong candidate to break that trend in 2025. A dynamic and elusive running back, Love possesses both the speed and power to dominate defenses, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in the upcoming season.
Love’s versatility is what sets him apart from other running backs in the race. Not only is he a powerful runner between the tackles, but he’s also a threat in the passing game, capable of catching passes out of the backfield and making plays in the open field. This dual-threat ability will allow him to rack up yards in a variety of ways and provide a major impact for Notre Dame’s offense.
The Fighting Irish are expected to have a strong season in 2025, and if Love can carry the load and produce in big games, he could challenge for the Heisman. A strong campaign with multiple 100-yard rushing games, complemented by some big plays in the passing game, could push him to the forefront of Heisman discussions.
Texas’ QB Arch Manning: Living Up to the Family Legacy
Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman quarterback at Texas, is already one of the most talked-about players in college football. With a famous family legacy that includes legendary quarterbacks like Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has some very big shoes to fill. But after a stellar high school career and a strong start to his college journey, he’s proven that he’s more than capable of continuing the family’s football dynasty.
Arch’s skill set is as impressive as his pedigree. He has the arm strength, accuracy, and poise to be a star at the collegiate level. What has impressed many is his maturity on the field and his ability to read defenses, which is rare for a freshman. In a high-octane offense like Texas’, Manning has the potential to light up the scoreboard and produce Heisman-worthy statistics in 2025.
With talented weapons surrounding him and a capable offensive line, Manning’s debut season for the Longhorns will be a key factor in his Heisman candidacy. If he can lead Texas to a successful season in the Big 12 and put up big numbers, he could very well be in contention for the award by season’s end.
Alabama’s WR Ryan Williams: The Wide Receiver Threat
While quarterbacks and running backs often dominate the Heisman race, wide receivers have occasionally made their mark, and Alabama’s Ryan Williams is a player who could change the narrative in 2025. Williams has been turning heads with his playmaking ability and could be poised for a breakout season as one of the most electrifying receivers in college football.
Williams possesses all the attributes of a top-tier wide receiver: blazing speed, excellent hands, and the ability to make plays in any situation. His deep-threat capability allows him to stretch defenses, and he’s also a dangerous weapon after the catch. As a top target in Alabama’s offense, Williams will have numerous opportunities to rack up big plays and highlight-reel moments that could fuel his Heisman campaign.
For Williams to secure a legitimate shot at the Heisman, Alabama will need to remain a top contender in the SEC and beyond. With strong performances in big games, especially against tough SEC competition, Williams could become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman in recent memory.
Other Notable Heisman Candidates
In addition to the names already mentioned, several other players are expected to make a run for the 2025 Heisman. These players include:
- Georgia’s QB Carson Beck: With a talented roster surrounding him, Beck could lead Georgia to another successful season, positioning him as a legitimate Heisman candidate.
- Ohio State’s QB Kyle McCord: After a strong 2024 season, McCord has the potential to shine in a high-powered Ohio State offense that is known for producing Heisman-caliber quarterbacks.
- Michigan’s RB Blake Corum: One of the most dynamic running backs in college football, Corum will look to continue his stellar play and help Michigan contend for a national championship.
- Florida State’s QB Jordan Travis: With his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, Travis is poised for another big year and could be in the Heisman mix.
The 2025 Heisman Race is Wide Open
With so many talented players vying for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, the race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Tennessee’s quarterback currently leads the pack, but there are many contenders who could make a run for the award as the season progresses. Whether it’s a standout freshman like Arch Manning or an electrifying wide receiver like Ryan Williams, there’s no shortage of talent in this year’s Heisman race.
As the 2025 season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see which players rise to the occasion and cement their place in college football history. With strong performances in key games, these athletes have the potential to make their case for the Heisman Trophy and establish themselves as the best of the best in college football.