Top Contenders for the Heisman Award

In any College Football season, the Heisman Trophy is the most discussed award in the sport, with unique storylines and debates every year. The Heisman Trophy is given to the top player in College Football, regardless of position. Since its inception in 1935, there have been 89 different winners, with only one player claiming it twice—Archie Griffin, a running back from Ohio State in 1974 and 1975. The award has overwhelmingly gone to offensive players, with 88 of the 89 winners coming from that side of the ball. The lone exception was Charles Woodson, a cornerback who won in 1997 as the only true defensive player to ever capture the trophy.

This season introduces a new cast of contenders embarking on the year-long chase for glory and the chance to etch their name into College Football history. With all of last year’s finalists no longer in college, we are certain to see a fresh group of finalists and, ultimately, a new winner. A strong mix of experienced veterans will compete alongside players stepping into full-time starting roles for the first time. Because the Heisman has long been dominated by offensive talent, defensive players are unlikely to appear near the top of the list at this early stage. Let’s break down the current frontrunners for Heisman odds, along with the implied probabilities heading into the 2025 College Football season.

Heisman Award Odds & Implied Probabilities

To no one’s surprise, this list is dominated not only by offensive players, but specifically by quarterbacks, as it is generally easier for them to win given the position’s importance on the field. There is also no clear frontrunner, and plenty can change, especially after the opening week. A key reason players like Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, and Jeremiah Smith currently hold the shortest odds is that each has a marquee Week 1 matchup, providing the best chance to deliver an early “Heisman Moment.” If you believe one of these players will win by season’s end, it may be wise to wait until after Week 1—particularly if their teams lose—since the odds are likely to improve while those players will still remain very much in contention. Looking further down the list, most of the names have yet to prove themselves, making it difficult to evaluate how they might perform until we actually see them in action during the opening weeks of the season.

Final Thoughts

With a College Football season that feels as wide open as ever, the same can be said for the Heisman Trophy race. There are plenty of great players, along with many unproven ones, and we will quickly gain a clearer picture of where things stand even after Week 1. With an award like this, it’s important not to jump the gun unless you have a strong conviction about a player. Given how quickly things can shift early on, you may be able to secure better odds on that same player in the weeks ahead.