5 Longshot 2025 Heisman Bets That Could Actually Hit

Miami Herald

08-07-2025

The Heisman Trophy is usually a quarterback award, and is usually reserved for the favorites. But every so often, a name pops up that nobody saw coming.
Think Johnny Manziel. Think Robert Griffin III, or even DeVonta Smith.If the pieces fall into place, these five under-the-radar quarterbacks could make serious noise in the 2025 Heisman race.
Don't be surprised if one of them crashes the party by November.
Kaidon Salter – Colorado
Salter arrives in Boulder after flashing real dual-threat ability at Liberty. Now, he'll be working under NFL veteran Pat Shurmur in an offense that should simplify reads and create opportunities for chunk plays. Salter's 2024 numbers weren't eye-popping-1,886 yards and a 15:6 TD–INT ratio-but that came in just 11 games and under constant pressure.
At Colorado, with upgraded weapons and national visibility under Deion Sanders, Salter is a textbook "system + spotlight" breakout candidate.If Colorado wins early, his name will surface pretty fast.
Sawyer Robertson – Baylor
Robertson quietly had one of the best seasons in the Big 12 in 2024. He threw for 3,071 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions while leading Baylor on a six-game win streak. His top-5 QBR (83.7) tells the story that this guy was flat-out efficient. Jake Spavital's system fits him like a glove, and with most of the offensive core returning in Waco, Robertson has the tools and the structure to post Heisman-caliber numbers. He's not a name being tossed around yet-but that could change quickly.
Kevin Jennings – SMU
SMU's offense under Rhett Lashlee has quietly become one of the most productive systems in the country and Kevin Jennings is right in the middle of it.In 2024, Jennings completed 65% of his passes for 3,245 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while leading SMU all the way to the College Football Playoff in the program's first year as a Power 4 team.
Jennings also added mobility as a runner and proved he could go toe-to-toe with big-time defenses down the stretch.
Now entering 2025 with a playoff run behind him and the spotlight of the ACC schedule ahead, Jennings is poised to take another step. If he can clean up the turnovers and lead SMU to another 10+ win season, he could follow the Michael Penix Jr. blueprint-efficient, experienced, overlooked until suddenly in the thick of the Heisman conversation by November.
Marcel Reed – Texas A&M
Reed is one of the most interesting breakout candidates in the country. The former top-15 dual-threat QB out of Nashville saw action in 10 games as a sophomore at A&M last season, going 121-of-198 (61.1%) for 1,864 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He also showed flashes as a runner, keeping defenses honest.
What stood out is his composure and decision-making for a young quarterback. With a good offensive system under Collin Klein and a clear path to the starting job, Reed could explode, especially if A&M's talent finally clicks in the SEC.
Jalon Daniels – Kansas
When healthy, Daniels is electric. That's always been a question. Still, his leadership, and ability to create off-script give him legitimate Heisman upside. With a strong O-line, talented receivers, and a creative staff, Kansas is built to win shootouts under new offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski.
Daniels has posted multiple 300-yard games against top-tier Big 12 defenses.If he stays upright and the Jayhawks stay hot, he's the kind of experienced, stats-heavy quarterback voters love.
Related: 5 Transfer Quarterbacks Who Could Impact the College Football Playoff in 2025
Related: 5 College Football Quarterbacks Who Could Lose Their Starting Job Early in 2025
© 2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.