2025 Heisman Trophy: Top candidates to win it next season

Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter was named the winner of the 2024 Heisman Trophy on Saturday night. Hunter beat out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Miami (Fla.) QB Cam Ward for the prestigious award.

All four finalists are expected to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, which means there will be a brand-new crop of finalists on the stage in New York next year.

It's no secret the Heisman is traditionally a quarterback award, which made Hunter's 2024 campaign even more special, as he became the first non-quarterback to win the award since 2020 and just the fifth non-quarterback to win the award in the 21st century.

So, will a quarterback take home college football's most coveted individual award next season, or could a wide receiver be awarded the Heisman? 

Let's take a way-too-early look at four players who ought to begin next season as betting favorites to win the Heisman.

Jeremiah Smith , WR, Ohio State

Like Hunter, Smith was the top-ranked prospect in the nation coming out of high school and is considered by some to be the most talented player of his generation.

Just one year into his college career, Smith is already one of the best wideouts in the nation, being named a first-team All-American by USA TODAY after totaling 57 catches for 954 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for the No. 6-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.

With Emeka Egbuka heading to the NFL Draft, Smith will be the unquestioned leader in Brian Hartline's wide receiver room and is likely to continue a tradition of turning out first-round picks at the position like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.

Smith will have to trust Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and offensive