RJ Young
FOX Sports National College Football Analyst
Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter was named the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Saturday evening. Hunter beat out Boise State operating again Ashton Jeanty, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and Miami (Fla.) QB Cam Ward for the distinguished award.
All 4 finalists are anticipated to be chosen within the 2025 NFL Draft, which means there can be a brand new group of finalists on the stage in New York subsequent 12 months.
It’s no secret that the Heisman is historically a quarterback award, which made Hunter’s 2024 marketing campaign much more particular, as he turned the primary non-quarterback to win the award since 2020 and solely the fifth non-quarterback to win the award within the twenty first century.
So, will a quarterback take residence faculty soccer’s most coveted particular person award subsequent season, or may a large receiver obtain the Heisman?
Let’s take a too-early take a look at the 4 gamers anticipated to begin subsequent season as betting favorites to win the Heisman.
Jeremiah SmithWR, Ohio State
Like Hunter, Smith was the nation’s high prospect popping out of highschool and is taken into account by some to be probably the most gifted participant of his technology.
Just a 12 months into his faculty profession, Smith is already one of many nation’s high wideouts, having been named a first-team All-American by USA TODAY after totaling 57 receptions for 954 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for the 6 within the rankings. Ohio State Buckeyes.
With Emeka Egbuka headed to the NFL Draft, Smith would be the clear chief in Brian Hartline’s large receiver room and can doubtless proceed the custom of that includes first-round picks on the place like Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave .
Smith must belief Ohio State coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to develop a quarterback, doubtless Julian Sayin, who can provide his greatest weapon on the perimeter as many alternatives to make performs as potential. With good QB play, Smith will proceed his assault on OSU’s receiving information and maybe go away the college as the very best in program historical past.
Arch ManningQB, Texas
Manning has proven sufficient promise this season, significantly in reduction of Quinn Ewers towards UTSA and in begins towards Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State, to steer many to consider he’ll stay Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback inheritor for the Longhorns.
His capability to maneuver within the pocket and create constructive performs was highlighted in his look towards the Roadrunners, the place he accounted for 5 whole touchdowns, together with two passing touchdowns of 50-plus yards and a 67-yard speeding rating.
Manning, a former No. 1 total recruit and five-star prospect, can have probably the greatest returning large receiver corps within the sport, led by freshman phenom Ryan Wingo. He’ll even have probably the most inventive offensive minds within the sport in Sarkisian, devising methods for Manning to beat opponents along with his arm and legs.
Manning and the Longhorns will play at Ohio Stadium towards Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeyes on Aug. 30 in what can be probably the most anticipated video games of the season.
Ryan WilliamsWR, Alabama
Williams, who would not flip 18 till February, was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team after ending second amongst Tide gamers with 45 receptions for 857 yards and eight touchdowns this season. His eight receiving touchdowns ranked second within the SEC.
Alabama’s Jalen Milroe connects with Ryan Williams for a 31-yard landing towards Wisconsin
Williams’ greatest recreation of his freshman season got here on the most important stage, towards then-No. 2 Georgia. He caught six passes for 177 yards and a landing in Alabama’s memorable 41-34 win over the Bulldogs.
He’s the very best wideout the Tide has had since Jameson Williams, and he has the flexibility to go away Bama as probably the most adorned WR since DeVonta Smith, who gained the Heisman in 2020 whereas main Alabama to its sixth nationwide title since 2009. With Jalen Milroe anticipated to enter the NFL Draft, the one query is: Will the quarterback roster be there for Williams to showcase his prodigious capability subsequent 12 months?
Bryce Underwood, quarterback, Michigan
With his newest transfer from LSU to Michigan, there may be purpose to consider Underwood would be the reply Michigan desperately wants at quarterback. He will enable the Wolverines’ offense to open up in 2025 with the athletic capability he brings to the QB place.
Underwood and the Wolverines must also profit from the hiring of Chip Lindsey because the group’s offensive coordinator. Lindsey’s offenses have averaged at the least 30 factors per recreation in 9 of the final 12 years. New England Patriots QB Drake Maye averaged 300.7 passing yards per recreation and was accountable for 33 touchdowns in 2023 with Lindsey calling the performs at North Carolina.
Underwood, the 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year, handed for 3,165 yards, accounted for 47 touchdowns and threw simply two interceptions as a senior at Belleville High School. If it may dwell as much as its billing, Michigan ought to contend for the Big Ten title and re-establish itself as one of many sport’s premier packages.
We’ll learn how good he could possibly be when the Wolverines journey to Norman, Oklahoma, to play the Sooners on Sept. 6.
RJ Young is a nationwide faculty soccer author and analyst for FOX Sports and host of the podcast “The number one college football show.” Follow him on Twitter at @RJ_Young AND Subscribe to “The RJ Young Show” on YouTube.
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