The college football season is back underway, with teams and players stateside all looking to impress. Programs want to have bragging rights over one another, while players want to forge reputations for themselves ahead of a potential move into the NFL when they become eligible.

The college game is a big deal in America. Teams can often be backed just as well as those in the professional league, with crowds being extremely large. Most games can be sellouts, with fans cramming into the stands to watch the action on a Saturday.

For many, the sport has become a huge betting opportunity. They look up the latest College Football odds ahead of each week’s fixture and place a bet to enhance the experience, passion, and enthusiasm they have for the game. Some even take it further and look at other markets, including who will be the eventual Heisman Trophy winner.

Heisman Trophy: What is it?

For those unaware, the Heisman Trophy is an annual award given to the top player in college football in the United States, recognizing the most outstanding player in the sport.

It has been awarded since 1935 and is widely considered the most prestigious individual award in college football. The trophy is presented by the Heisman Trophy Trust following the college football regular season, typically in December.

The award was named after John W. Heisman, a prominent early football coach and innovator, following his death in 1936. The trophy itself features a distinctive statue of a player in motion, executing a stiff arm. Players are voted as nominees to win the award by sports journalists, previous Heisman winners, and by a fan vote, with voters ranking their top three players.

Who are the main candidates for the 2025 Heisman Trophy Award?

When looking at the prospects and candidates this season, there are a few names that have been touted as potential recipients of the 2025 Heisman Trophy award. The NFL’s Bucky Brooks – who was a former player and scout – has already detailed his list of who he believes will be in the running ahead of the college football season.

In his list, he identified eight candidates:

• Arch Manning – Quarterback, Texas
• Cade Klubnik – Quarterback, Clemson
• Garrett Nussmeier – Quarterback, LSU
• Jeremiah Smith – Wide Receiver, Ohio State
• Jeremiyah Love – Running Back, Notre Dame
• LaNorris Sellers – Quarterback, South Carolina
• Ryan Williams – Wide Receiver, Alabama
• Drew Allar – Quarterback, Penn State

He even included Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola in his rankings as a ‘dark horse’. It’s not surprising to see only offensive players in the running to be winners of the Heisman Trophy. The award voters (mostly sportswriters) tend to focus on visible, quantifiable offensive production rather than defensive contributions, which can be harder to measure or highlight.

Additionally, they handle the ball on nearly every play and accumulate eye-catching statistics (passing yards, touchdowns, rushing yards) that are more easily recognized and appreciated in voting.

Manning is the favorite in the betting due to his name, pedigree, and pro potential, making him an interesting draft selection when eligible. However, Klubnik also has potential as he looks to turn Clemson around and turn them into a national title contender. If he does win, he’d be the first out of the college’s program to do so.