Will Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns Take Home the Heisman Trophy? The odds for Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks

The Heisman Trophy has long been the pinnacle of individual college football achievement, recognizing the best player in the country each season. Winning this prestigious award is not only a career milestone for the player but also a testament to the program’s success and the player’s ability to perform under immense pressure. As we look ahead to the 2025 college football season, two names have emerged as strong candidates to make a run at the Heisman: Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns and Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks. Both players come with immense expectations, and their performances in the upcoming season could define their legacy, not only within their programs but also in the annals of college football history.

In this article, we’ll examine the Heisman odds for both Arch Manning and Dante Moore, analyzing their individual skills, supporting cast, and the potential for each to take home the coveted trophy. We’ll also look at the various factors that will influence their chances of winning and what they need to do to stand out in a crowded field of Heisman contenders.

Arch Manning: The Longhorns’ Heisman Hopeful

Arch Manning, the highly-touted freshman quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, has already captured the imagination of college football fans across the country. The grandson of Archie Manning, nephew of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, Arch Manning comes from a lineage of football royalty. His pedigree alone makes him one of the most watched players in college football history, and his arrival in Austin has raised the profile of Texas Longhorns football to new heights.

But while the name Manning might open doors and generate immediate buzz, Arch Manning will have to prove himself on the field. The Heisman Trophy is not awarded based on family history; it’s awarded to the player who demonstrates extraordinary skill, consistency, and leadership throughout the season. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Arch Manning a potential Heisman candidate and what challenges lie ahead.

Skill Set and Potential

Arch Manning enters college with one of the most polished skill sets seen in a quarterback prospect in years. Known for his pro-style arm, Manning can make all the throws, from deep bombs to sideline lasers and everything in between. His mechanics are solid, and he possesses an advanced understanding of reading defenses, a trait often honed over years of elite coaching. Manning’s footwork and pocket awareness have been praised by analysts, suggesting that he is more than ready to handle the pressure of college football.

However, while Manning’s potential is sky-high, his transition from high school to college will not be without its challenges. The Big 12 is an exciting conference, with explosive offenses and tough defenses. To win the Heisman, Manning will need to not only perform at a high level but also navigate the pressures of a program that has been struggling to regain its national prominence in recent years.

Supporting Cast and Offensive Line Play

One of the most important factors in any quarterback’s Heisman campaign is the quality of the team around him. Manning will be surrounded by talented players, but he’ll also face the pressure of having to carry the team. The Texas Longhorns offense is poised to be potent, with a strong wide receiver corps, including Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, both of whom could be key playmakers for Manning. These dynamic targets will give Manning the ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays in the passing game.

Furthermore, the Texas offensive line has been bolstered in recent years through solid recruiting efforts. A strong line will give Manning the time he needs to make decisions, read defenses, and deliver the ball to his playmakers. A dominant offensive line is crucial for a quarterback’s success and will be key to Manning’s Heisman candidacy.

But Manning will also have to deal with the reality of the Big 12, which features fast and physical defenses. A few rough outings or inconsistent performances could diminish his Heisman chances. Manning will need to avoid turnovers, maintain composure in tight games, and make smart decisions throughout the season.

The Longhorns’ National Standing and Schedule

Texas will also need to have a strong national presence for Manning to gain serious Heisman consideration. In recent years, the Longhorns have shown flashes of greatness but have been unable to consistently compete for the College Football Playoff (CFP). If Manning can lead Texas to a Big 12 Championship and put the Longhorns in contention for a CFP berth, his Heisman odds will rise significantly.

The 2025 schedule for the Longhorns is daunting, but it also provides ample opportunities for Manning to showcase his talent on national television. A marquee game against Alabama or Oklahoma could be pivotal in boosting Manning’s Heisman candidacy. Big-time performances in high-stakes games are often what propel candidates to the top of the Heisman race, and Manning will need to step up in these critical moments.

Dante Moore: The Oregon Ducks’ Rising Star

On the opposite coast, Dante Moore, the Oregon Ducks’ highly regarded quarterback, has quietly made a name for himself as a potential Heisman contender. After a standout high school career, Moore joined the Oregon program, where he is expected to take the reins and lead the Ducks to national prominence. Unlike Manning, Moore does not come from the same level of football royalty, but his skill set and potential are just as impressive, making him one of the top quarterbacks to watch in 2025.

Skill Set and Potential

Moore has a skill set that mirrors some of the best quarterbacks in college football. He’s a strong-armed quarterback with the ability to make all the necessary throws. However, what separates Moore from other quarterbacks is his poise in the pocket and his ability to read defenses quickly. He can place the ball with precision and has excellent touch on deep balls, making him an ideal fit for Oregon’s offense.

In addition to his passing skills, Moore is a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs when needed. His dual-threat ability will make him especially dangerous, as opposing defenses will have to account for both his arm and his legs. This dynamic playing style will undoubtedly raise his Heisman profile, especially in high-scoring games.

Supporting Cast and Offensive Scheme

Oregon has long been known for its high-flying offense, and head coach Dan Lanning has continued that tradition. Moore will have access to a talented set of playmakers, including a deep wide receiver corps and a versatile running back group. The Ducks have been recruiting at a high level, and Moore will benefit from an offense that will allow him to thrive in both the passing and running games.

Oregon’s offensive line will also play a crucial role in Moore’s Heisman candidacy. A solid offensive line will give Moore time to throw, while also opening up lanes for the running game. With the combination of offensive talent and scheme, Moore will have the tools to put up eye-popping numbers.

Oregon’s National Standing and Schedule

For Moore to be a serious Heisman contender, the Oregon Ducks will need to be in the national conversation. As a member of the Pac-12, Oregon faces some stiff competition, but the program has been consistently competitive, and the conference features some high-profile matchups. A Pac-12 Championship and a CFP berth will significantly boost Moore’s Heisman odds.

Oregon’s schedule in 2025 includes key matchups against traditional powerhouses, such as USC and Washington, which will provide ample opportunities for Moore to showcase his skills on national television. Big performances in these high-profile games will play a key role in catapulting Moore into the Heisman discussion.

Heisman Odds and the Road Ahead

While Arch Manning enters the 2025 season as one of the most hyped quarterbacks in college football, his road to the Heisman will not be easy. Manning will face immense pressure to live up to the expectations set by his family legacy and the high-profile nature of the Texas Longhorns football program. However, if Manning can remain poised, stay healthy, and lead Texas to significant victories, his Heisman chances will certainly improve.

On the other hand, Dante Moore enters the season with a bit of a quieter profile but a tremendous skill set. If Moore can lead Oregon to a CFP berth and showcase his ability in key matchups, he will emerge as a strong contender for the Heisman. Moore’s ability to balance his dual-threat capabilities with his strong arm makes him a dangerous player who will likely put up impressive stats.

The Heisman Trophy race is often fluid, and there are numerous other players who will emerge as contenders as the season progresses. However, Arch Manning and Dante Moore are two quarterbacks to keep an eye on, as both have the potential to make a run for the prestigious award.