The early favorite for the 2025 Heisman Trophy is not surprising.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning is the favorite at BetMGM as he starts his first season as the Longhorns’ QB. Manning is at +800, slightly ahead of LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who has odds of +850.
Manning is taking over for Quinn Ewers as Texas’ starting quarterback. In a recent interview, Manning mentioned that he doesn’t think he’s done enough as a college player to deserve all the attention he’s been getting. That attention is likely a key reason why Manning is the early favorite.
Manning had 13 total touchdowns in 2024, playing in 10 games. He started two games when Ewers was injured in September against UTSA. In those games, Manning scored five total touchdowns.
Ewers was one of the co-favorites to win the 2024 Heisman. Along with Ewers, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Georgia’s Carson Beck, and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe were all listed at +800 when the odds were first released. Out of those four, only Gabriel made it to New York City as a Heisman finalist.
Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman, had odds of +3500 and was at +5000 during the summer before his standout performance playing both defensive back and wide receiver.
Nussmeier is returning to LSU for his second season as a starter after a strong 2024. He completed 64% of his passes for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions. However, his performance dipped during SEC play. He threw 18 touchdowns in LSU’s first six games, then only five touchdowns over the next five games.
Nussmeier is one of the top returning QBs in the SEC. Texas is not the only playoff contender with a new quarterback heading into 2025. Gunner Stockton will replace Beck at Georgia, and Ty Simpson is expected to take over for Milroe at Alabama.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik is the third favorite at +1100, ahead of Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith at +1200. Klubnik had a strong second season as Clemson’s starter in 2024, totaling 43 touchdowns while leading the Tigers to the College Football Playoff.
Smith was one of the top receivers in the country last season as a freshman. He caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. His catch on a go route late in the national championship game helped Ohio State beat Notre Dame.
Smith is the only non-quarterback player who is considered a serious contender for the Heisman. Every other player with odds better than 50-1 to win the Heisman is a quarterback. The running back with the best odds is Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love at +5000, and no other non-quarterback player, aside from Smith and Love, has odds better than 150-1.
