Former Boise State working again Ashton Jeanty almost turned the primary non-power convention Heisman Trophy winner since 1990 final season.
Who might observe him as a possible finalist from the Group of 5 (and Pac-12) in 2025?
Under, we spotlight our prime preseason Heisman candidates, plus under-the-radar gamers, from every convention.
For our record of energy convention Heisman contenders, click here.
The American Convention
Navy Midshipmen quarterback Blake Horvath | Navy started final season 6-0 and completed 10-3, its first double-digit win season since 2019. Horvath was excellent working the triple-option, ending the season with 1,246 speeding yards and 17 speeding touchdowns. He was additionally a menace throwing the ball, ending the season with 13 passing touchdowns and averaging 9.7 yards per try.
Beneath-the-radar: Memphis Tigers quarterback Brendon Lewis
The sixth-year senior transferred this offseason from Nevada. Final season, he accomplished 67.6 % of his passes for two,290 yards, 16 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, including 775 speeding yards and eight speeding touchdowns.
Convention USA
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers quarterback Maverick McIvor | Final season, McIvor, taking part in for FCS Abilene Christian, went to Texas Tech and almost pulled off the upset of the 12 months in Week 1. Abilene Christian opened as a 32.5-point underdog and misplaced, 52-51, on a failed two-point conversion try following a landing on its first time beyond regulation possession. McIvor was glorious because the Wildcats erased a 15-point first-quarter deficit, ending 36-of-51 for 501 yards and three touchdowns.
Western Kentucky head coach Tyson Helton runs one of many nation’s most prolific passing assaults. Per Stathead, since his first season in 2019, the Hilltoppers rank third in FBS in passing (23,916 yards), solely trailing Alabama (23,997) and LSU (24,727).
Beneath-the-radar: Liberty Flames quarterback Ethan Vasko
Liberty is the convention favourite, and dual-threat quarterback Vasko, who rushed for 184 yards in his first collegiate begin, has robust playmaking potential.
Mid-American Convention
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks quarterback Dequan Finn | Final 12 months was purported to be Finn’s breakthrough. He made a reputation for himself at Toledo, the place he began from 2021-23, earlier than transferring to Baylor in 2024. Nonetheless, he misplaced his beginning function after struggling a shoulder damage, and solely appeared in three video games, prompting a return to the MAC, which he is already dominated as soon as.
Beneath-the-radar: Ohio Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro
The sixth-year senior returns for a second 12 months as Ohio beginning quarterback. In 2024, the dual-threat weapon led the convention in yards per cross try (8.2) and speeding touchdowns (18).
Mountain West Convention
Boise State Broncos quarterback Maddux Madsen | After watching Jeanty come near profitable the Heisman, possibly it is Madsen’s flip. He led the convention passing yards (3,018) and touchdowns (23) final season, in any case, and the Broncos are simply as a lot in play for a Faculty Soccer Playoff berth this 12 months.
Beneath-the-radar: San Jose State Spartans quarterback Walker Eget
Eget unexpectedly took over as QB1 midseason a 12 months in the past and averaged 304.5 cross yards per sport in six starts, together with 4 video games over 300 yards.
Pac-12
Oregon State Beavers working again Anthony Hankerson | Hankerson is one in every of most efficient returning FBS working backs. Per Pro Football Focus data, he ranked twentieth in missed tackles pressured (57) final season whereas speeding for 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Beneath-the-radar: Washington State Cougars quarterback: Zevi Eckhaus
The anticipated Cougars starter backed up John Mateer final season however threw 71 touchdowns and 25 interceptions over three seasons at FCS Bryant.
Solar Belt
Georgia Southern Eagles quarterback JC French IV | With the timeline for James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett (leg) to return unclear, French, who accomplished 65.6 % of his passes for two,831 yards, is arguably the Solar Belt’s prime returning beginning quarterback.
Beneath-the-radar: Outdated Dominion Monarchs quarterback Colton Joseph
Joseph was a midseason substitute at quarterback, and the harmful twin menace ought to have a strangle maintain of the first-team quarterback function after averaging 310 yards and three touchdowns per sport in seven 2024 begins.
