Most years there are clear frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy, but they don’t always win the award. In 2019, Joe Burrow came out of nowhere to take home the trophy and DeVonta Smith did the same in 2020. It may just happen again in 2025. Here are the darkhorse contenders for the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Note: Odds found here. All players have 25/1 (or +2,500) odds or higher.
Moore was a five-star prospect in the class of 2023 who signed with UCLA. He passed for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 53.5 percent completion. Following the season, he decided to transfer to Oregon, where he backed up Dillon Gabriel last season. He played a little bit, but now will be taking over the starting role for the Ducks.
If Moore can show development after sitting out last season, he could be one of the more productive quarterbacks in the country. Last season, Oregon had the 17th-ranked scoring offense. Running back Makhi Hughes joins an offense that has a star freshman coming in at wide receiver in Dakorien Moore. He’ll have a chance for some Heisman moments throughout the season, but specifically against Penn State.
Simpson signed with Alabama as a five-star prospect in the class of 2022. He has entered the game a few times in a backup role for the Crimson Tide over the last three seasons. In all, he has passed for 381 yards on 58 percent completion over three seasons for Alabama.
While he hasn’t officially won the starting job yet, Simpson figures to take over the Crimson Tide offense this season. His play style could be more fitting to Kalen DeBoer’s offense than what Jalen Milroe provided last season. He’ll have a talented offensive line in front of him, but will also have star receivers Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard to throw to this season. Alabama has plenty of key games for Simpson to shine, including ones against Georgia and LSU.
Carr is the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who signed with Notre Dame as a four-star recruit in the class of 2024. He did not appear in a game last season, but did get to witness and learn from a team that went all the way to the National Championship Game.
The Fighting Irish have a great offensive line that has experience, a star running back in Jeremiyah Love and an improved receiving core aided by the transfer portal. He will get natural hype if he is able to win Notre Dame’s starting quarterback job. Carr will also have some big games against Miami, Texas A&M and USC to help voters see him.
Williams was a five-star recruit in the class of 2024, who signed with Alabama. He had a great freshman season that saw him haul in 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. His play helped the Crimson Tide win nine games.
With a new quarterback taking over at Alabama, who can capitalize on being more accurate, Williams should see more production come his way. Teams will focus on stopping him, but will also have to use their resources to stop their other quality skill position players. Williams can show up in Alabama’s few key games and outdo other notable wide receivers to put himself in a good spot to win the award.
As a four-star recruit out of Missouri in the class of 2023, Love signed with the Fighting Irish. As a freshman, Love had some solid production, rushing for 385 yards and one touchdown. His play improved during the 2024 season, as he had 1,125 rushing yards, 237 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns. He led the Fighting Irish to the National Championship Game last season.
Love will have an excellent offensive line in front of him clearing holes, which could help him produce even more in 2025. An improved receiving core can also help keep defenses more honest than last year. Notre Dame will have a lot of national attention, like every season, but if he can play well in the bigger games of the season, Love can set himself up well to compete for the Heisman.
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