As spring practices approach, excitement for college football begins to build again, particularly for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. With last season’s standout player Travis Hunter moving to the NFL, a new champion will be crowned in 2025. Here are the top three players to keep an eye on this season.
Jeremiah Smith is arguably the most dominant player returning to college football. As a true freshman, he tore through defenses, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to the National Championship despite the team lacking a top-tier quarterback. With an impressive 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns last season, expectations are sky-high for his performance this year.
No discussion of future stars would be complete without Arch Manning. Stemming from an elite football lineage, Manning only had a handful of starts in place of the injured Quinn Ewers but electrified audiences with his skills as both a passer and a runner. Now, he steps into the role of starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns for a full season, where he is poised to dominate.
While it’s rare for a true freshman to claim the Heisman Trophy, Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood has the talent to make it happen. The Wolverines invested a reported $10 million to secure his commitment, with potential NIL earnings reaching up to $12 million. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and 208 pounds, he has drawn comparisons to former Heisman winner Cam Newton. With such high expectations, Underwood is in a prime position to exceed them.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, keep a close eye on these three electrifying players who are sure to make headlines.
