It may only be June, but it’s never too early to discuss Heisman Trophy Candidates for the upcoming college football season!
Six months after Fernando Mendoza became Indiana’s first Heisman winner in history, there are plenty of athletes looking to follow his footsteps. Three of the four 2025 finalists have been drafted by NFL teams, including Mendoza, which will result in a competitive Heisman race.
The Favorites
The most popular Heisman Trophy candidate this early in the offseason is Texas quarterback Arch Manning. The redshirt junior has been destined since birth to be a superstar given his last name, and this season is his best chance at stardom. He’s got one of the best receivers in the country, Auburn transfer Cam Coleman, teaming up with fellow receiver Ryan Wingo, who’s already a stud. Manning is also expected to be an elite dual-threat quarterback.
Another Heisman frontrunner is Notre Dame’s CJ Carr. After an impressive true freshman season at the helm for the Fighting Irish, Carr is looking to make the next step in his collegiate career. He lost the first two games of the season last year, against ranked Texas A&M and Miami (FL). He then won 10 straight matches, with the offense averaging 44 points per game.
Three more quarterbacks are expected to make a run at the sport’s most glamorous individual award. The Hurricanes’ Darian Mensah, Oregon’s Dante Moore, and Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss will all be hoping to include their name in history.
All three have unique situations. Mensah is transferring from Duke, his third team in three years. He’ll have College Football 27 cover member Malachi Toney in his arsenal as Miami (FL) looks to take revenge after last season’s National Championship loss.
Moore was expected to be a top-two pick in this year’s NFL draft, but at the last second decided to return to the Ducks. The Detroit, MI native threw 30 touchdowns last season and spearheads a talented offense.
Most people assumed Chambliss had already played his last down of college football, but after a long process of NCAA hearings, he was awarded a 6th season. The quarterback led the greatest season in Rebels history last year, and looked like the best player in the College Football Playoffs at times. Even though Lane Kiffen is off to LSU, Chambliss brings experience and swagger to an up-and-coming Ole Miss team.
The last two names commonly mentioned as early Heisman candidates are Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. Both are phenoms for Ohio State and will have an opportunity to shine for a team with Championship expectations. Sayin, the Buckeyes quarterback, found success in his debut season as a starter last year, showing the arm and composure that proves he can be the best quarterback in college football.
Meanwhile, Smith is arguably the best player in the nation already. The 2025 unanimous All-American has 163 catches, 2,558 yards and 29 touchdowns since arriving in Columbus, OH. He’s the most dangerous and dominant offensive player in the country and the main thing stopping him from winning the Heisman is that only four true wide receivers have ever won it: DeVonta Smith (2020), Desmond Howard (1991), Tim Brown (1987), and Johnny Rodgers (1972).
The Dark Horses
These guys may not be leading the headlines this early, but come December, they may be leading the bets.
Georgia’s Gunner Stockton may not have put up next-level stats in his first season as a starter, but the Bulldogs are one of the country’s best teams. If head coach Kirby Smart is going to find success this campaign, Stockton will need to lead the offense.
Drew Mestemaker transferred from North Texas to Oklahoma State during the offseason, following his head coach, Eric Morris. He led the FBS in passing yards last year and feels like the most similar to Mendoza’s story. The question is, can he compete in the Big 12 and still dominate?
Quarterbacks who play for head coach Lincoln Riley find success. Jayden Maiava may be next. USC has a lethal offense, and the Hawaii native has the potential to be among the country’s best passers.
An intriguing story could be Brendan Sorsby. The new villain of college football received just a two-game suspension after illegally betting on his own team, and among many other things, is also extremely talented. The Texas Tech quarterback will have a target on his back, but for a team that won the Big 12 Championship last year, Sorsby may lead them to paradise despite the off-the-field noise.
Smith is considered the better receiver at the moment, but Charlie Becker for the Hoosiers could take his place with a breakout season. The hidden gem on last year’s Championship squad, Becker has flown up NFL draft boards. With Josh Hoover replacing Mendoza, the 6-foot-4 receiver could surprise people with a historic season. He’ll need one to enter his name in the conversation.
