Another commonality: Almost all of these players are on preseason top-25 teams. The Heisman Trophy winner is often a leader on a team that played for its conference championship or is bound for the College Football Playoff. The past two winners (Hunter in ’24 and Jayden Daniels in ’23) were rare exceptions.

Notre Dame is expected to contend for the championship again in 2025, and if they come close, it will likely mean Love is in the running for the Heisman. A couple of injuries limited Avery Johnson in his sophomore season in the Little Apple, but there was still plenty to love about the dual-threat quarterback.

CBS Sports and 247Sports took on a similar task of naming each preseason top-25 team's top Heisman candidate in May. Lagway was the natural pick with better odds before his injury woes became a headline. He ranked 10th, one spot ahead of Miami (via Georgia) quarterback Carson Beck.

It’s another Mark It Down Monday, and as the 2025 college football season draws near, it’s time for Stephen Means, Stefan Krajisnik and Andrew Gillis to check in with some major predictions. In this episode,

The Heisman Trophy Trust will distribute 928 ballots to designated representatives, including media members, previous winners, and one fan vote conducted by ESPN through the Nissan Heisman House.

"Cam Newton not only led Auburn to a national championship in 2010, but he produced one of the most prolific seasons ever by a college football player," Auburn athletic director John Cohen said. "Retiring Cam’s jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all time."

The Heisman Trophy hopeful has big expectations for the upcoming college football season, but could it be his last year at Texas?

The Heisman Trophy weighs 45 pounds, is 14 inches long, 13 inches high, and 6 inches wide. The bronze trophy has been given out every year since 1935.