Every year, it’s awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. The celebration of the season’s MVP started in 1935, when the 45-pound trophy was first given to Jay Berwanger. It’s a symbol of quality. Outstanding craft. The winner joins an exclusive company of the best in the sport.
A truly elite playmaker has the power to change the course of an entire season and guide his team to success. Time and time again, Heisman winners have elevated their teams into championship contenders, delivering unforgettable moments along the way.
In 2025, Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman winner, led the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated season capped with the championship trophy. We took a look at the most exciting players in college football – the Heisman-worthy superstars having what it takes to push their team to greatness and stand on the individual pinnacle.
Lamar Jackson. Derrick Henry. Baker Mayfield. Joe Burrow. Bryce Young. College football icons who became NFL stars after unforgettable Heisman-winning seasons.
So, who’s next?
Trinidad Chambliss (QB - Ole Miss)
It’s been quite a journey for Chambliss. He graduated from high school without a single Division I scholarship offer. He played at Ferris University – a Division II institution – on a partial scholarship to prove himself. After leading the Bulldogs to a national championship, he entered the transfer portal and went to Ole Miss.
Many questioned whether that big of a jump would be too much for Chambliss.
But he didn’t waver. In his debut year on the big stage, he led the Rebels to the national semifinals and performed like a superstar. He passed for 3,937 yards and rushed for an additional 527. He recorded 30 total touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Chambliss is entering his sixth collegiate season after being granted permission by a Mississippi state judge, despite the NCAA trying to appeal, which was denied.
He’s already taken Ole Miss to the playoff once and wants to end his last dance with the national championship. He’s undoubtedly one of the top Heisman candidates.
Arch Manning (QB - Texas)
In 2025, all eyes were on Manning as a redshirt Sophomore. Destined for greatness because of his name, the Longhorn fanbase saw a savior in him as he was named the starter for the first time in his career. He opened the season as a Heisman candidate, but after a shaky start, his odds quickly dissipated.
Manning struggled at first. But with every game, he grew stronger and more confident, proving that he belongs in the SEC.
He finished the year with a 10-3 record, 3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards, and 36 total touchdowns. Manning led the Longhorns to a victory over Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, then capped the season with an upset win over third-ranked Texas A&M and a Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win over Michigan.
Manning chose to stay at Texas to play another year, and once again, he is one of the favorites to win the Heisman. This time, he’s more experienced and confident, and ready to lead Texas back to a postseason berth.
At 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Manning has great physical strength; he’s quick, agile, and athletic. He’s the prime example of a dual-threat quarterback who doesn’t shy away from contact.
Malachi Toney (WR - Miami)
Toney was an absolute beast in last year’s national title game against Indiana. Because of him, the Hurricanes were able to keep up with the Hoosiers and keep their chances of winning alive late in the game.
He had a game-high 10 receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown.
The Miami native had a remarkable 2025 campaign extended far beyond that performance. Toney rewrote the program's freshman record book with 109 receptions, 1,211 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.
He earned Second-Team All-American honors while also finishing second in the ACC with 13.0 yards per punt return. All of that as a freshman. And it gets more impressive – Toney was originally set to arrive in Miami in the summer of 2026 but reclassified and joined the Hurricanes a year early.
As one of the fiercest receivers in the country, and after his terrific freshman season, Toney gained a reputation as a difference-maker who can push his team to the next level into Heisman candidacy.
Sam Leavitt (QB - LSU)
Sam Leavitt's college career has already featured remarkable highs and unexpected setbacks.After beginning at Michigan State, he transferred to Arizona State, where he blossomed into one of college football's top quarterbacks.
In 2024, he was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year after leading the Sun Devils to an 11-3 record and a College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance while posting a 150.2 passer rating and throwing just six interceptions.
In his third year, Leavitt suffered a season-ending foot injury after playing in seven games. Before his junior campaign got cut short, Leavitt recorded 1,628 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.
He considered declaring for the NFL Draft – the potential was there, and he would most likely have been a first-round pick. Then, Leavitt received a phone call from an NFL area scout. If he chose to enter the transfer portal, he would be the top-ranked player.
So, Leavitt did.
He was on the radar for Texas Tech, Miami, and Oregon, to name a few. And then, there was LSU with a brand-new coach – Lane Kiffin, who transformed the Ole Miss Rebels into a competitive program and led them to 11 wins before taking the Tigers job in November 2025.
Now, one of college football's brightest offensive minds pairs with one of its most gifted quarterbacks. If the partnership reaches its potential, LSU could be competing for more than one trophy.
Jeremiah Smith (WR - Ohio State)
Smith made a lot of noise as a true freshman in 2024. He posted 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Buckeyes won a national championship, and Smith earned the Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year award while also being named to the All-American First Team.
His sophomore year was just as fruitful.
Smith recorded 87 catches for 1,243 yards while totaling 12 touchdowns. Every time he touches the football, he immediately becomes a threat, and defenses must know where he is at all times. He’s nearly impossible to stop, and Ohio State relies on his offensive magic.
Ohio State is the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten, and if Smith has another tremendous year, the Buckeyes will eye another national title. And if they reach the pinnacle, Smith will most likely raise the Heisman.
A major mistake on Alabama's part, who Smith admitted they didn't even recruit him.