In the shadow of legends and on the shoulders of giants, Arch Manning is about to embark on the most high-pressure campaign of his life. He’s the face of a national title contender, the heir to a quarterbacking bloodline that’s practically American folklore, and—if Vegas is to be believed—the 2025 Heisman Trophy is already sitting on his mantle in Austin.

But not so fast. Travis Hunter reminded us last season that a generational talent can rewrite the script in real-time, playing both ways and snatching the trophy like it was two-hand touch in the backyard. So while Manning might be the front-runner, he’s far from unchallenged.

Here’s the breakdown of why Arch leads the pack—and who’s got the firepower to hit the brakes on the Manning Express.

🏛️ Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Why He Leads:

The Manning name doesn’t just draw attention—it demands it. But Arch isn’t just coasting on legacy. Despite just 95 career pass attempts, he’s already the face of one of the most talent-rich teams in the country. Texas is built to steamroll the Big 12, and if they punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff, Arch is likely the one driving the bus… or the burnt-orange Cadillac, if we’re being honest.

He’s got an offensive line that gives him presidential-level protection and a highlight reel that’s one deep shot away from melting Twitter/X. If he clicks early and often? We’re talking Heisman pose before Halloween.

Biggest Challenge: The hype is nuclear. Anything short of perfection will be viewed as failure. And voters are fickle. If another candidate can stack jaw-dropping stats and deliver chaos? They just might steal the crown—and the clicks.

Work in any weather 🤘@ArchManning pic.twitter.com/TjupjJVkzc

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) August 22, 2025 ‍

🧊 Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Why He’s in the Hunt:

Few players have more to prove—and more motivation to burn—than Allar. His final throw in the Orange Bowl still haunts Happy Valley like a horror movie jump scare. But redemption arcs are Heisman gold.

Allar’s got the NFL measurables, a pro-ready arm, and unfinished business. A 24:8 TD-to-INT ratio is solid, but not spectacular. Fix that, win the big games, and lead a playoff push? We might be talking about Penn State’s first Heisman since John Cappelletti in 1973. (Yeah, it’s been that long.)

Fun Stat: At 6’5”, 235 pounds, Allar looks like Josh Allen’s cousin who plays chess for fun and drops 60-yard bombs on Saturdays.

Get ready to learn Drew Allar Colts fans 👇

pic.twitter.com/DS3nfGvFKJ

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) August 19, 2025 ‍

🐅 Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Why He’s in the Mix:

Klubnik is the quiet killer in this race. He doesn’t come with a viral surname or West Coast swagger, but the dude threw for 36 touchdowns last season—more than any returning QB. He’s got chemistry with a returning wideout crew and a fanbase that expects rings, not excuses.

If Clemson keeps creeping into the CFP and Klubnik stays mistake-free? He might sneak into New York like a silent assassin in an orange hoodie.

2025 Vibe Check: Think Trevor Lawrence’s poise mixed with a chip-on-the-shoulder energy Clemson hasn’t seen since Deshaun.

Was asked recently why I’m so high on Cade Klubnik.

He was phenomenal throughout 2024, but this playoff game against Texas was the icing on the cake.