ESPN published a wide-ranging preview of the 2025 college football season on Thursday, which included an early look at this year’s Heisman Trophy race.
The World Wide Leader named 10 of the top candidates entering the season, with 6 hailing from the SEC. Here’s the full list of SEC representatives who made the cut: Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Texas quarterback Arch Manning.
Here’s the full top 10 from ESPN:
10. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
9. John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
8. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
7. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
6. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
5. DJ Lagway, QB, Florida
4. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
3. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
2. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
1. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is widely-regarded as the top returning quarterback in college football for the 2025 season. However, Manning is currently the favorite according to the latest Heisman Trophy odds at most betting apps. Manning is currently +700, according to the consensus odds.
The last player from the SEC to win the Heisman Trophy was Jayden Daniels in 2023. Colorado star Travis Hunter took home the award in 2024.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
