Nussmeier, Klubnik Emerge as Heisman Trophy Front-Runners

The 2025 Heisman Trophy race has shifted dramatically after Texas quarterback Arch Manning's underwhelming performance against Ohio State, with LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson's Cade Klubnik now leading the odds. Both Nussmeier and Klubnik are tied as favorites, with Nussmeier praised for his strong 2024 stats but needing to improve further to secure the award, while Klubnik is seen by analyst Paul Finebaum as the best quarterback in college football and a likely Heisman winner. Finebaum highlighted Klubnik's progression from a rocky start in his career to an impressive second year, which could make him the first Clemson player to win the Heisman. Despite Manning's preseason hype as the potential greatest player since Tim Tebow, his opener performance caused bettors to reevaluate, pushing him down the list behind Nussmeier and Klubnik. The upcoming LSU vs. Clemson game is highly anticipated as a showdown between the two leading Heisman contenders and could significantly influence the award's outcome. NFL scouts are closely watching these quarterbacks, with both Nussmeier and Klubnik projected as top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.