Travis Hunter Wins 90th Heisman Trophy, Eyes Turn to 2025 Contenders
In a moment that will go down in college football history, Colorado’s two-way sensation Travis Hunter claimed the 90th Heisman Trophy on Saturday night in a decisive vote. The Buffaloes’ star, who dazzles on both sides of the ball as a cornerback and wide receiver, became the first defensive player to win the prestigious award since Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997. He’s also the first wide receiver to take home the honor since Alabama’s DeVonta Smith in 2020.
Hunter beat out a stacked field of finalists, including Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The ceremony, held in New York, celebrated Hunter’s incredible season and his ability to dominate on both offense and defense, a rarity in today’s game.
With Hunter, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Ward, and Jeanty all expected to declare for the NFL Draft, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will step up to claim the Heisman Trophy in 2025? Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders who could make their case for college football’s most coveted individual award next season.
Kevin Jennings, QB, SMU
SMU’s offense transformed when sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings took the reins from former starter Preston Stone in the third game of the season. Jennings led the Mustangs to a nine-game winning streak in their inaugural ACC season, which ended in a narrow 34-31 loss to Clemson in the ACC title game. He completed 66% of his passes for 3,050 yards, 22 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while also rushing for 379 yards and five scores. His ability to extend plays outside the pocket made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love was a touchdown machine this season, rushing 134 times for 949 yards and 15 scores. Love set a school record by scoring at least one rushing touchdown in all 12 games. In a dominant 49-14 win over No. 18 Army, he racked up 136 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. With quarterback Riley Leonard moving on, Love could see an even bigger role in 2025.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Replacing a Heisman winner is no easy task, but LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier made it look seamless. In his first season as the starter, Nussmeier threw for 3,739 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He eclipsed 300 passing yards in seven games and even hit the 400-yard mark twice. Despite being a potential first-round NFL Draft pick, Nussmeier announced he’s returning to LSU, saying he’s “fully committed to bringing this university a championship.”
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Ohio State’s freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith lived up to his billing as the No. 2 receiver prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. Smith hauled in 57 catches for 934 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Wide Receiver of the Year honors. With his knack for highlight-reel catches, Smith is poised to be a major weapon for the Buckeyes in 2025.
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt led the Sun Devils to an improbable 11-2 record and a Big 12 title in their first season in the conference. The Michigan State transfer passed for 2,663 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 383 yards and five scores. ASU coach Kenny Dillingham believes Leavitt has NFL potential, and his 2025 campaign could solidify that.
Other Names to Watch
- Drew Allar, QB, Penn State: The junior completed 69.1% of his passes for 2,894 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while also rushing for six scores.
- Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama: The freshman recorded 45 receptions for 857 yards and eight touchdowns, including a 75-yard game-winner against Georgia.
- Arch Manning, QB, Texas: The highly anticipated Manning era could begin in 2025, with Arch completing 61 of 90 passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
With so much talent returning to the college football stage, the 2025 Heisman race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Will it be a quarterback, a running back, or even another two-way star like Travis Hunter? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the road to the Heisman is never short on drama.
Originally Written by: Mark Schlabach
