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 per ESPN

As the 2025 college football season rapidly approaches, ESPN has provided an early look at the Heisman Trophy candidates, with Tennessee’s star quarterback taking the top spot. Despite a season that remains months away, the early discussions around Heisman favorites are already intensifying as teams begin to position themselves for another year of thrilling NCAA football action. From star quarterbacks to rising running backs, several standout players are set to make waves this season. Here’s a detailed look at the top candidates based on ESPN’s early analysis.

Tennessee QB: The Front-Runner

Tennessee’s quarterback, a standout star in the making, has emerged as the early favorite for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, according to ESPN’s analysis. After a stellar performance last season, leading the Volunteers to a high-powered offense and impressive victories in the SEC, the Tennessee signal-caller is expected to build on that momentum. His combination of elite passing accuracy, mobility, and ability to execute in high-pressure situations makes him a favorite to claim the coveted trophy.

Though the Vols’ quarterback is yet to play a full season in 2025, the hype surrounding him is palpable. With strong recruiting classes around him, a powerful offensive line, and the consistent leadership that Tennessee has lacked in recent years, this quarterback is poised to take the next step and solidify himself as the face of college football. Coaches and analysts alike have already pointed to his vision, arm strength, and leadership qualities as potential Heisman-winning attributes.

The Vols’ offense, which has already set numerous school records for yardage and touchdowns, will likely see an even more potent version in 2025. The addition of talented wide receivers and running backs to an already stacked lineup positions Tennessee for a potential playoff run, and a Heisman Trophy campaign for the quarterback. If Tennessee continues to win and stays near the top of the rankings throughout the season, this QB could become the frontrunner by midseason.

South Carolina’s QB LaNorris Sellers: A Dark Horse to Watch

While Tennessee’s QB holds the early edge, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers is rapidly making a name for himself as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback. Sellers, entering his second full season as the Gamecocks’ starter, has shown immense potential, earning comparisons to some of the best quarterbacks in the nation. His combination of arm strength and the ability to run the ball effectively has made him an enticing Heisman candidate.

In 2024, Sellers posted remarkable numbers, showcasing his ability to both throw deep and create plays with his legs. His ability to break tackles, extend plays, and run for crucial first downs has made South Carolina a dangerous team in the SEC. If Sellers continues to develop as both a passer and a leader, and if the Gamecocks can perform at a high level in 2025, the young QB could challenge for the Heisman.

South Carolina’s success will be crucial to Sellers’ Heisman hopes. As a player in the loaded SEC, Sellers will need to shine in big games against elite teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. If he can elevate his game in those contests and help lead South Carolina to a possible playoff berth, Sellers will be a name on every Heisman voter’s list.

Notre Dame’s RB Jeremiyah Love: A Running Back’s Rise

While the Heisman Trophy has predominantly been awarded to quarterbacks in recent years, there’s always room for a running back to make a statement. Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about players in college football. The Irish’s star running back is poised for a massive breakout season in 2025 after a stellar 2024 campaign.

Love’s combination of speed, vision, and breakaway ability makes him a prime candidate to challenge for the Heisman. In 2024, he became Notre Dame’s focal point on offense, dominating with explosive runs that left defenders in the dust. With a stronger offensive line in 2025, Love could set even more records for the Irish.

Though running backs have had a tougher time winning the Heisman in recent seasons, Love’s abilities put him in rare territory. If Notre Dame can maintain its status as a playoff contender and Love continues to rack up yards and touchdowns, he could become a serious contender for the Heisman. His ability to turn seemingly ordinary runs into highlight-reel plays is a skill that could capture the attention of Heisman voters and make him a household name this season.

Texas QB Arch Manning: The Legacy Continues

Arch Manning, the highly hyped quarterback from Texas, is another player on the Heisman radar. After a solid, albeit not spectacular, freshman season, Manning is expected to take a massive leap forward in 2025. With the Manning name carrying significant weight in college football, expectations for Arch’s performance are sky-high.

Manning enters his sophomore season with more experience, more confidence, and more talent surrounding him than ever before. Texas has been building towards greatness, and with Manning at the helm, the Longhorns are positioned to be one of the best teams in the country. With a potent offense and top-tier skill players, Manning has everything he needs to lead Texas to a playoff berth—and possibly a Heisman Trophy.

His ability to make every throw on the field, combined with his poise in the pocket, sets him apart from other quarterbacks in the nation. If Manning can avoid injuries and continue to develop, he will be a leading contender for the prestigious award. Texas’ high-profile schedule, which includes games against top Big 12 opponents and the annual showdown with rivals like Oklahoma, will be key in determining Manning’s Heisman candidacy.

Alabama’s WR Ryan Williams: The Emerging Superstar

Though the Heisman Trophy has largely been a quarterback and running back award in recent years, Ryan Williams, Alabama’s star wide receiver, has created buzz as a potential non-quarterback candidate. Williams, widely regarded as the top wide receiver prospect in the 2025 class, is an electrifying player who can change the course of a game with a single catch.

Williams made a splash in 2024, showing off his elite speed, exceptional route running, and ability to make spectacular catches in critical moments. Alabama’s offense is expected to be more balanced in 2025, with a solid quarterback and running game complementing Williams’ talents at receiver. If Williams can rack up impressive statistics and make game-changing plays in crucial SEC matchups, he could end up being a serious contender for the Heisman.

A wide receiver has not won the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991, but if Williams has a record-breaking season, and if Alabama performs at a high level, the Heisman voters may find themselves considering him as a legitimate candidate. Williams’ ability to stretch the field, combined with his playmaking skills, puts him in a position to make history.

Other Notable Heisman Candidates

While the players mentioned above represent the early favorites for the 2025 Heisman Trophy, the list of potential candidates is deep and filled with talent. Some other players to watch include:

• Michigan RB Blake Corum: Corum is a versatile back who has the potential to carry Michigan’s offense in 2025. If he continues to rack up yards and touchdowns in the Big Ten, he could find himself in the Heisman race.
• Ohio State QB Kyle McCord: McCord has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to lead Ohio State to a national championship. If he performs well in big games, McCord could challenge for the Heisman.
• Georgia QB Carson Beck: As Georgia looks to continue its dominance under head coach Kirby Smart, Beck will have the chance to shine. If he leads the Bulldogs to another undefeated season, he will be a Heisman contender.
• Florida State QB Jordan Travis: Travis was a breakout star for the Seminoles in 2024, and if he continues his high-level play, he could make a run at the Heisman in 2025.

 A Competitive Heisman Race Ahead

The 2025 Heisman Trophy race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent memory. With a mix of quarterbacks, running backs, and even a wide receiver potentially in the mix, the Heisman will come down to which players can perform in the biggest moments of the season.

Tennessee’s QB holds the early advantage as the frontrunner, but there is no shortage of talented players poised to make a run at the prestigious award. From LaNorris Sellers to Arch Manning, and from Jeremiyah Love to Ryan Williams, the 2025 Heisman Trophy race will be one to watch closely, and it’s anyone’s guess who will emerge as the eventual winner.

As the season unfolds and teams begin to make their cases for a national championship, the Heisman race will only heat up, with new contenders emerging and others solidifying their place as the top player in college football. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner will likely come from one of these standout players—and it’s sure to be an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.