In the shadow of legends and on the shoulders of giants, Arch Manning is about to embark on the most high-pressure campaign of his life. He’s the face of a national title contender, the heir to a quarterbacking bloodline that’s practically American folklore, and—if Vegas is to be believed—the 2025 Heisman Trophy is already sitting on his mantle in Austin.
But not so fast. Travis Hunter reminded us last season that a generational talent can rewrite the script in real-time, playing both ways and snatching the trophy like it was two-hand touch in the backyard. So while Manning might be the front-runner, he’s far from unchallenged.
Here’s the breakdown of why Arch leads the pack—and who’s got the firepower to hit the brakes on the Manning Express.
Why He Leads:
The Manning name doesn’t just draw attention—it demands it. But Arch isn’t just coasting on legacy. Despite just 95 career pass attempts, he’s already the face of one of the most talent-rich teams in the country. Texas is built to steamroll the Big 12, and if they punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff, Arch is likely the one driving the bus… or the burnt-orange Cadillac, if we’re being honest.
He’s got an offensive line that gives him presidential-level protection and a highlight reel that’s one deep shot away from melting Twitter/X. If he clicks early and often? We’re talking Heisman pose before Halloween.
Biggest Challenge: The hype is nuclear. Anything short of perfection will be viewed as failure. And voters are fickle. If another candidate can stack jaw-dropping stats and deliver chaos? They just might steal the crown—and the clicks.
Why He’s in the Hunt:
Few players have more to prove—and more motivation to burn—than Allar. His final throw in the Orange Bowl still haunts Happy Valley like a horror movie jump scare. But redemption arcs are Heisman gold.
Allar’s got the NFL measurables, a pro-ready arm, and unfinished business. A 24:8 TD-to-INT ratio is solid, but not spectacular. Fix that, win the big games, and lead a playoff push? We might be talking about Penn State’s first Heisman since John Cappelletti in 1973. (Yeah, it’s been that long.)
Fun Stat: At 6'5", 235 pounds, Allar looks like Josh Allen’s cousin who plays chess for fun and drops 60-yard bombs on Saturdays.
Why He’s in the Mix:
Klubnik is the quiet killer in this race. He doesn’t come with a viral surname or West Coast swagger, but the dude threw for 36 touchdowns last season—more than any returning QB. He’s got chemistry with a returning wideout crew and a fanbase that expects rings, not excuses.
If Clemson keeps creeping into the CFP and Klubnik stays mistake-free? He might sneak into New York like a silent assassin in an orange hoodie.
2025 Vibe Check: Think Trevor Lawrence’s poise mixed with a chip-on-the-shoulder energy Clemson hasn’t seen since Deshaun.
The Underdog Nobody Saw Coming:
Leavitt might have the "wait, who is this guy?" narrative locked and loaded. A Michigan State transfer turned Big 12 title winner? You can’t script that.
He’s no stat-padding gimmick either: 2,885 passing yards, 24 TDs, and a knack for making magic in the desert. Now that Cam Skattebo’s off to the NFL, it’s Leavitt or bust in Tempe. That’s pressure—and opportunity—in spades.
Why He’s Dangerous: Voters love a Cinderella story, especially one that throws 4 TDs on a primetime Saturday night.
Dual-Threat + Nerd Swag = Star Potential
Sellers has the glasses, the swag, and the game to match. The Gamecocks ended 2024 with six straight wins—and Sellers was the engine. He passed for over 2,500 yards at a 66% clip and added 7 TDs on the ground.
This year? It’s his team, his moment, and his shot to turn Columbia into the Southeastern version of QB U.
Cool Factor: You can’t teach presence. Sellers walks like a dude who knows he’s HIM.
Best Non-QB in the Nation. Period.
Smith doesn’t run routes—he runs laps around defensive backs. The Buckeyes’ human highlight reel is back after torching defenses for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns as a freshman. A freshman.
He’s the kind of wideout who forces you to text your group chat with “DUDE DID YOU SEE THAT?” after every circus catch.
If Ohio State makes noise and Smith breaks 1,600 yards with another dozen touchdowns? He’s got a real shot to follow DeVonta Smith’s 2020 blueprint.
Don’t Sleep On: Voter fatigue with QBs is real. And Smith is that guy.
The Gunslinger with Something to Prove
LSU flirted with Air Raid chaos last year and Nussmeier was the conductor of the Tiger tornado—second in pass attempts nationally. He’s back for his senior year, reloaded with talent, and primed to turn the SEC into a weekly shootout.
If he can win the opener, go toe-to-toe with Georgia and Bama, and post video game stats? Don’t be shocked if he books a December trip to NYC.
Heisman Math: SEC QB + Primetime Matchups + Explosive Offense = Worth Watching Weekly
Home Run Hitter Looking to Break the Heisman RB Drought
Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry last season. That’s not just efficient—it’s warp speed. He only got 10 carries a game last year, but with an inexperienced QB under center, that’s about to double.
If he gets the touches and maintains that breakaway juice? He might just drag Notre Dame back into the Heisman conversation for the first time since Manti Te’o got catfished out of it.
Sleeper Status: Highest ceiling of any back in the country. Could be the lightning in a bottle that Notre Dame fans pray for every fall.
If you’re betting on pedigree, exposure, and playoff positioning—Arch Manning is your horse. He’s the front-runner for a reason. The story writes itself.
But Heisman seasons are born out of chaos: late-game heroics, highlight-reel plays, and that intangible "did you see THAT?!” moment. Keep your eyes on Smith for a non-QB shakeup, Leavitt for the underdog arc, and Klubnik if Clemson goes full death machine.
As for Allar? If he gets redemption in the Big Ten title game? You better believe the votes will follow.
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