We just wrapped the 2024 Heisman race with Travis Hunter taking the crown, and there are already talks for the potential names for 2025? Really? Yes. That’s how the news cycle works. We are barely in the 2024 postseason. With NIL and the transfer portal, the college football world has become full of uncertainties. Even in such an ever-changing space, some things are certain. Big programs won’t let go of their star boys in 2025. Unless, of course, they leave for the NFL. Other than that, you are not going to see Ryan Williams on the transfer portal. He isn’t the only one. There are multiple others, and a college football analyst has picked the potential 2025 Heisman winner among them.

Fox analyst Joel Klatt shared his early picks for the prestigious award, and one name stands out above the rest—Arch Manning. While the race is still wide open, Klatt’s early predictions place Manning in the conversation as one of the top candidates. A name that has long been surrounded by hype, Manning is now poised to prove that his potential goes far beyond his legendary family roots.

On the latest episode of the Joel Klatt show, Klatt highlighted the future Heisman race, saying, “Who are the players that we’re going to be talking about for the Heisman trophy? It’s going to be here before you know it,” Klatt stated, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season. “My early list of candidates for the 2025 Heisman Trophy? I know some of these are obvious, but I’m excited for next year.”

Arch Manning, the quarterback sensation from Texas, is ready to take center stage. Despite a somewhat limited role in his freshman season, he showcased his immense potential in three starts, throwing for 806 yards, completing 50 of 72 passes, and tallying 10 total touchdowns. Klatt’s early Heisman list includes Manning, noting that he’s poised to make a massive impact in the upcoming season. “

Manning’s Heisman candidacy isn’t just based on hype—his play on the field speaks for itself. Even though he’s been a backup so far, Manning’s numbers when he’s had the chance to play have been impressive. He’s shown the ability to perform under pressure and has become an integral part of the Texas Longhorns’ offense. His future as the starting quarterback for Texas is all but guaranteed, especially with the potential departure of Quinn Ewers to the NFL. With a highly anticipated 2025 season ahead, Manning’s performance will be one of the most-watched storylines in college football.

Moreover, Manning is already making waves off the field. With a staggering $5 million NIL valuation, he’s one of the highest-earning athletes in the college sports world. While some may argue that his status is more a result of his famous last name than his on-field performance, Klatt’s assessment reveals a deeper truth. “There’s going to be a lot of change in college football, maybe not as much as what we’ve seen over the last couple of years,” Klatt noted. Manning is not just a name; he’s a force, and he’s about to prove it. While Manning is the frontrunner for the 2025 Heisman, don’t count out wide receiver Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State.

Jeremiah Smith—the new face of Heisman?

Smith, a dynamic playmaker with 57 catches for 954 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman, is already being touted as a Heisman contender. RJ Young, a college football analyst, called him “the best wide receiver in the sport for 2025.”

Wide receivers typically don’t win the Heisman, but Smith’s ability to make an impact as a true freshman has him standing out. Klatt even mentioned that Smith “could walk away from Ohio State as the best receiver who has ever played there,” comparing him to generational talents like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chris Olave. If Smith continues his dominance in the next season, he could challenge the status quo and change the narrative for wide receivers in Heisman discussions.

However, Smith’s future at Ohio State could be impacted by the ongoing controversy surrounding head coach Ryan Day. Despite Day’s solid overall record, he’s faced criticism for Ohio State’s losses to Michigan. As Smith becomes a key figure in the Buckeyes’ offense, his connection with Day will be closely watched. Fans are already speculating whether Smith will stay at Ohio State, with some pointing to his social media activity as a sign of discontent.