"Bryce Underwood for Heisman": CFB world makes wild predictions for 2025 after Travis Hunter's victory
The 2024 Heisman Trophy was just awarded on Saturday, but it's never too early to look ahead to the 2025 season. College football analyst RJ Young has already named his top candidates to win the Heisman in 2025.
Young named four players as his top choices: Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Ohio State Wide Receiver Jeremiah Smith, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, and Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams.
Fans reacted instantly to the X, formerly Twitter, post. Bryce Underwood's name was the most surprising entry for some fans. The Wolverines' quarterback has yet to play a snap of college football, but his talent is undeniable.
"Bryce Underwood for Heisman," one fan said.
"Bryce Underwood….this isn’t serious," another fan responded.
"Let’s be serious here Bryce Underwood won’t even crack the top 5," another fan said.
"Underwood = Generational Talent," another fan wrote.
There are other players fans consider to be candidates for the Heisman in 2025.
"Quin Ewers is a dark horse imo. If he goes to a team like Oregon with a ton of talent and a weak schedule, he could put up numbers," one fan added.
"DJ Lagway must be redshirting next year," another fan wrote.
"Lanoris Sellers has to be on this list," a fan answered.
"Not saying Nussmeier and listing Underwood playing in Michigan’s offense is deliberate LSU trolling," a fan mentioned.
Who are the four favorites to win the Heisman according to RJ Young?
To his credit, RJ Young didn't go chalk. Instead of more experienced players like quarterbacks Cade Klubnik, Garrett Nussmeier, or even DJ Lagway or Lanoris Sellers, Young went for upside.
Manning and Underwood have two starts between them. And while Smith and Williams have more experience, neither receiver would be considered a frontrunner at this point. This is how the candidates stack up after the 2024 regular season.
Arch Manning, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns
Manning started only two games in his freshman year at Texas but has seen some action in eight games while backing up Quinn Ewers. With Ewers expected to leave after the season, Peyton's nephew is primed to take over the starting job in Austin.
In 2024 he went 61-for-90 for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. While he looked good in spot duty, his impact as a weekly starter is still unknown at the moment.
Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State Buckeyes
Smith showed flashes of his potential in his first season in Columbus. The freshman led the Buckeyes with 934 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He also showed his pass-catching ability with some spectacular one-handed grabs.
The Big Ten Freshman of the Year would become the first Buckeye to win the Heisman since Troy Smith in 2006.
Bryce Underwood, Quarterback, Michigan Wolverines
The best prospect in the nation will get to An Arbor with high expectations. A year removed from winning the national championship, the Wolverines will look to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season.
The 6-3, 205 lbs. quarterback has the physical traits to make an impact. However, it's hard to project how prospects will play in their first year of college football, no matter how touted they are.
Ryan Williams, Wide Receiver, Alabama
Another underclassman, Williams caught 45 passes for 857 yards and eight scores. Williams played his best game against Georgia, with six receptions for 177 yards and the game-winning touchdown.
Williams still doesn't know who will be passing him the ball (Smith is in a similar situation), so that could affect his stock. Still, he has the talent to challenge for the Heisman.