As we sprint toward the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, the finalists for this year's Heisman Trophy were announced earlier this week. They are Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward. The first three candidates will compete in the Playoff.
With the finalists now revealed, attention swiftly turns to some potential way-too-early candidates for next season. We've identified four talents who could emerge in next year's race.
Arch Manning, Texas QB
The Texas Longhorns enter the CFP as the No. 5 seed. It's slated to represent the last hurrah for senior quarterback Quinn Ewers, who will enter the 2025 NFL Draft. Ewers has been extremely inconsistent this season and threw two interceptions in last weekend's SEC Championship Game defeat to Georgia.
Texas' ceiling is arguably higher with Arch Manning at quarterback next season. Manning played extensively in three contests this season, throwing for 806 yards, eight touchdowns, and two picks. The dual-threat scrambler has added four additional rushing scores to his offensive totals. He'll be considered an immediate Heisman favorite as the starting quarterback in 2025.
Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee QB
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava has dazzled this season as a freshman quarterback. The Long Beach, California native has thrown for 2,519 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Iamaleava concluded the regular season campaign with back-to-back four touchdown showings against Vanderbilt and UTEP. The Volunteers qualified for the 12-team playoff and will meet Ohio State in their opening game.
Tennessee may rely more on an older, more experienced, and mature Iamaleava next season. Superstar running back Dylan Sampson is a legitimate 2025 draft prospect. The Volunteers could be more pass-happy without Sampson for the upcoming campaign. Look for Iamaleava to take a big-time step.
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame RB
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is building something special. Freeman is expected to receive interest from rival programs and the NFL level. If he ultimately chooses to return to the Fighting Irish next season, running back Jeremiyah Love projects as his most productive talent.
A consensus four-star recruit out of Christian Brothers College High School, Love received a slew of offers from blue-blood programs and committed to Notre Dame. After playing sporadically behind Audric Estime in 2023, Love has been outstanding this season, rushing for a team-high 949 yards and 15 touchdowns. He's averaging an explosive 7.1 yards per carry and should experience a career-best year in 2025.
Ryan Williams, Alabama WR
Alabama freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams has put together a historic campaign considering he could still be in high school. The dynamic playmaker has recorded 45 receptions for 857 yards and eight touchdowns in an inconsistent Crimson Tide offense. Against Georgia in late September, Williams totaled six catches for 177 yards and a touchdown. This kid is built differently.
Exceptional ball-tracking ability and long speed are present. Expect even big things in 2025 after spending an entire year in the offseason program. Furthermore, continuity in Kalen DeBoer's offense will only help. Williams' Heisman chances will be strengthened if Jalen Milroe returns at quarterback.
