Way-too-early college football watch list for 2025 Heisman Trophy – Ducks Wire

The most prestigious individual world in college football was given out on Saturday night, with Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter winning the Heisman Trophy. The two-day receiver/cornerback beat Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty in the closest vote since 2009, with Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel finishing third, and Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward finishing in fourth.
So now that the 2024 award has been given out, is it too early to start looking ahead to 2025? Of course not. In the world of college football, we love to look to the future, whether it’s for championship odds, mock drafts, or recruiting classes.
Looking at the 2025 college football season, who are some early names that should be considered for the Heisman Trophy? We compiled a list of people to pay attention to.

Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Career Stats: 121-for-220, 1,659 yards, 11 TD, 9 INTs
Analysis: In most years the Heisman Trophy goes to the quarterback on one of the best teams in the nation, so it would make sense that Dante Moore could be in the conversation next year, so long as the Ducks are as good as many expect them to be.

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman
Career Stats: 63-for-95, 969 yards, 9 TDs, 2 INTs // 24 rushes, 107 yards, 4 TDs
Analysis: It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Heisman campaign start early for Arch Manning, who is expected to finally take the reigns at Texas and be unleashed on the college football world. At this point, it would be more of a surprise not to see Manning in the Heisman conversation.

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Career Stats: 57 catches, 934 yards, 10 TDs
Analysis: Based on what he was able to do as a true freshman, the ceiling for Jeremiah Smith truly is higher than just about anyone we’ve seen at the WR position in a long, long time. Could that result in a Heisman season as a true sophomore? Don’t count it out.

Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser
Career Stats: 45 catches, 857 yards, 8 TDs
Analysis: Much like Jeremiah Smith, Alabama’s Ryan Williams is an elite talent out wide as just a true freshman, so anticipating how good he could be a year from now is intriguing. With the right quarterback and an explosive offense, Williams could certainly be in the mix.

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Career Stats: 305-for-471, 3,873 yards, 28 TD, 10 INTs // 135 rushes, 529 yards, 6 TDs
Analysis: Jennings could not be denied at SMU this past season, taking the starting job from Preston Stone and running with it, leading the Mustangs to a berth in the College Football Playoff. With his production, Jennings could be in the mix once again next year should SMU find similar success.

Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Career Stats: 227-for-348, 2,826 yards, 19 TDs, 5 INTs // 109 rushes, 382 yards, 1 TD
Analysis: There are few players in college football who have as much upside as Nico Iamaleava because of his frame and his arm talent. We haven’t quite seen that high ceiling come to fruition just yet at Tennessee, but don’t be surprised if he takes a jump going into his junior year.

[Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]
Career Stats: 93-for-157, 1,610 yards, 11 TD, 7 INTs // 46 rushes, 97 yards
Analysis: DJ Lagway showed some incredible playmaking abilities as a true freshman with Florida this year, and he is regarded as one of the top young quarterbacks in the game. Should his ascension continue, don’t be surprised to see him end up in New York before his college career is over.

Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Career Stats: 205 rushes, 1,334 yards, 16 TDs
Analysis: Jeremiyah Love is the only FBS player to rush for a touchdown in all 12 of his games this season, and he has been one of the best players for Notre Dame this year as a sophomore. With another year under his belt, Love could certainly make it to New York at the end of the season.

Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Career Stats: 379 rushes, 2,201 yards, 31 TDs
Analysis: Should Jordan James choose to return to Eugene for one final season, it wouldn’t be a shock at all to see him in the Heisman conversation. James is among the most talented rushers in the nation, and one of the most productive, as well. If the Ducks are as good as we expect them to be, James will likely be a big part of it.
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