**Five Key Players ESPN Predicts Will Battle for the 2025 Heisman Trophy**

### **Five Key Players ESPN Predicts Will Battle for the 2025 Heisman Trophy**

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Heisman Trophy conversation is already heating up. ESPN has spotlighted five standout athletes expected to be at the center of this year’s race. With a mix of elite quarterbacks, a game-changing wide receiver, and a dynamic running back, these players could shape the season and leave their mark on college football history.

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### **1. Arch Manning – Quarterback, Texas**

All eyes are on Arch Manning as he steps into the spotlight for Texas. With a legendary football pedigree and an impressive skill set, Manning is entering the 2025 season as a top Heisman favorite. After showing flashes of brilliance in limited action last year—including over 800 passing yards and multiple rushing touchdowns—he’s now the Longhorns’ full-time starter. If Texas can contend for the College Football Playoff and Manning performs consistently, his chances of taking home the Heisman are strong.

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### **2. Garrett Nussmeier – Quarterback, LSU**

LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is another highly ranked contender. Known for his arm strength and sharp decision-making, Nussmeier has drawn comparisons to previous LSU greats like Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels. In 2024, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, gaining national recognition. If he builds on that success and keeps LSU in the playoff mix, he could easily rise to the top of the Heisman rankings.

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### **3. Cade Klubnik – Quarterback, Clemson**

Clemson’s Cade Klubnik has been gaining momentum as a serious Heisman candidate. He’s coming off a strong season where he passed for nearly 3,700 yards and accounted for 36 touchdowns. His dual-threat capability and leadership on the field make him a key piece in Clemson’s championship hopes. If he continues to grow and leads the Tigers to a successful season, expect him to be a finalist in December.

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### **4. Jeremiah Smith – Wide Receiver, Ohio State**

Wide receivers rarely win the Heisman, but Jeremiah Smith might be an exception. As a freshman, Smith dominated defenses, putting up over 1,300 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. ESPN ranks him as one of the most explosive playmakers in the nation. Even without a set quarterback at Ohio State, Smith’s big-play potential and consistency could earn him a spot among the finalists—and possibly a historic Heisman win for a wideout.

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### **5. Jeremiyah Love – Running Back, Notre Dame**

Rounding out the list is Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, one of the few running backs in the Heisman conversation. In 2024, he rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, finding the end zone in every game. His reliability and game-breaking speed make him the heart of Notre Dame’s offense. If he continues that level of production and Notre Dame makes a run, Love could break the quarterback-dominated trend.

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### **Conclusion**

The 2025 Heisman race is shaping up to be highly competitive, with talent spread across multiple positions. While quarterbacks like Manning, Nussmeier, and Klubnik lead the charge, players like Smith and Love offer compelling storylines and elite production. As the season unfolds, these five stars will look to separate themselves and capture college football’s most prestigious individual honor.