The countdown to the 2025 college football season is on, and the Heisman Trophy conversation is already heating up. With kickoff just two months away, sportsbooks have unveiled early odds—and one name sits clearly atop the board: Arch Manning.
Heisman Front-Runner: Arch Manning (Texas) – 7.0 Odds
The Texas Longhorns’ star quarterback enters the season as the favorite. Manning combines elite dual-threat ability with unmatched football pedigree. In 2024, he posted 969 passing yards and 9 touchdowns, adding 108 yards and 4 scores on the ground across 12 games. FOX Sports’ Bucky Brooks didn’t hold back: “Peyton and Eli Manning’s nephew surpasses his uncles in talent, demonstrating explosiveness in both passing and running.”
His modest 2024 stat line belies his potential—backed by media hype and a high-powered offense, Manning leads the pack heading into the fall.
Top Contenders Gaining Steam
Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) – 9.5 Odds
The LSU gunslinger had a breakout campaign, tossing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns—second-most in a single season for the Tigers. If he channels the spirit of Joe Burrow or Jayden Daniels, bettors could see big returns here. His consistency and SEC spotlight give him real momentum.
Cade Klubnik (Clemson) – 11.0 Odds
One of the ACC’s most dependable weapons, Klubnik delivered 3,639 passing yards, 463 rushing yards, and 43 total touchdowns in 2024. Already in the top five in Clemson history for major passing categories, he’s poised for a Heisman-worthy senior season—especially if Clemson makes a Playoff push.
The Best Value Pick: Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) – 13.0 Odds
Heisman trophies rarely go to wide receivers, but Smith could follow in DeVonta Smith’s footsteps. After securing a national title, his odds are attractive for those seeking value outside the quarterback-heavy field. A few dominant games and he’s right in the mix.
Long Shots Worth Watching
Drew Allar (Penn State – 15.0) helped lead the Nittany Lions to a CFP semifinal, flashing elite arm strength and poise. Dante Moore (Oregon – 21.0) inherits the Ducks’ Heisman legacy, and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina – 19.0) is a breakout dual-threat talent with 2,274 passing yards and 655 rushing yards as a freshman.
Heisman Odds 2025 by FairPari
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Arch Manning | 7 |
| Garrett Nussmeier | 9.5 |
| Cade Klubnik | 11 |
| Jeremiah Smith | 13 |
| Drew Allar | 15 |
| Julian Sayin | 16 |
| LaNorris Sellers | 19 |
| Dante Moore | 21 |
| DJ Lagway | 21 |
| Carson Beck | 26 |
Key Trend: Quarterback Dominance Still Reigns
Since 2000, 18 of the 23 Heisman winners have been quarterbacks. But last year’s winner, Travis Hunter—a two-way phenom—reminds us the award can still surprise. Could we see a repeat of that versatility? Or will tradition hold firm?
The Race Is Wide Open
Arch Manning enters 2025 as the favorite, but contenders like Nussmeier, Klubnik, and Jeremiah Smith are well-positioned to challenge. Bettors chasing value might consider Moore or Sellers as potential dark horses. As always, follow the line movements closely—one game can reshape the entire board.