As we are supposed to tell you, in a bowl season, many teams are looking forward to next season and using the transfer portal to add to the roster with the hope of putting together a national championship roster. Some teams, including those in the playoffs, are already primed and ready to compete for a national championship with their projected rosters for next season. With that certain players are primed and positioned to make a run at the Heisman Trophy with a championship roster constructed around them. So here are my 2025 Heisman Trophy contenders.
Arch Manning ( Texas )
After redshirting his true freshman year, Arch Manning spent this year as the backup to quarterback Quinn Ewers. With Ewers reportedly heading to the NFL, Manning is expected to be the Longhorns starting quarterback after two seasons of waiting for his opportunity. We saw Manning play meaningful snaps this season with Ewers missing some time due to injury and the young quarterback showed promise. Manning threw for 939 yards while tossing 9 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions. Manning will also have a true number-one target with true freshman Ryan Wingo returning after an impressive season. Arch along with the play calling of Steve Sarkisian should see the first-year starter as an early favorite for the award.
Julian Sayin ( Ohio State )
The former number three ranked quarterback in the class of 2024, Sayin transferred to Ohio State after the retirement of legendary Coach Nick Saban. After spending this past season behind Will Howard, Sayin is set to be the Buckeyes starter to open the 2025 season. Sayin will have the pieces around him on offense to help him put together a worthy Heisman Trophy campaign. With true freshman, Jeremiah Smith, having another off-season under his belt, he could turn into a huge weapon for Sayin as he is set to lead Ohio State next season.
Jeremiyah Love ( Notre Dame)
Jeremiyah Love took the nation by storm by scoring the first touchdown of the newly expanded College Football Playoff but the running back has been the driving force behind the Fighting Irish push for the playoffs. Love rushed for 1,057 yards and 16 touchdowns to help Notre Dame make its first playoff appearance in the Marcus Freeman era. Love could be considered as a favorite for the Heisman due to Notre Dame not adding an experienced quarterback like they have done in previous years instead turning to class of 2024 recruit CJ Carr as their starter next season. Fans could expect to see Jeremiyah's offense role expand to help take pressure off the first-year starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish.
John Mateer ( Oklahoma )
More of a dark horse pick, Mateer was a top transfer target in this year’s portal, and with him following his former Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Oklahoma. Mateer at Washington State threw for over 3000 yards while tossing 29 touchdowns this past season. With Mateer following his coordinator to Oklahoma, Mateer can slot right into the starting quarterback position for the Sooners without learning a new system. The Sooners on offense this season struggled with consistency when it comes to the quarterback position in particular. Former top recruit Jaxson Arnold entered the transfer portal after an up-and-down year where he was benched early into the season. Oklahoma has produced eight finalists for the Heisman Trophy since 2000 with four going on to win the award. If Mateer has Heisman Trophy hopes he is in the right place to win it.
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