2025 Heisman: Big Ten QBs Top Early Favorites

**Buckeye Buzz: Ohio State QB Will Howard Leads Early 2025 Heisman Race Amidst Strong Big Ten Showing**

**COLUMBUS, OH** – With the 2024 college football season still in full swing, Week 10 is already sparking discussions for arguably the sport’s most prestigious individual honor: the Heisman Trophy, looking ahead to 2025. Early betting odds and analyst chatter suggest a strong lean towards Big Ten quarterbacks, with Ohio State’s Will Howard emerging as the current frontrunner.

Howard, a graduate transfer who joined the Buckeyes from Kansas State, has quickly solidified his status as a key player for Ohio State in 2024, leading them to a 7-2 overall record and a 5-1 standing in the Big Ten, placing them at No. 6 nationally. His impressive performance has positioned him as the current betting favorite for the 2025 Heisman, sitting at +700 odds. Through Week 10 of the current season, Howard has compiled 1,942 passing yards, thrown 16 touchdowns, and recorded 5 interceptions.

His journey to Columbus has been a compelling narrative, stepping into the high-pressure role of quarterback for a perennial national championship contender. Howard’s ability to quickly adapt and lead a top-tier program has clearly resonated with oddsmakers and observers. His upcoming performances in pivotal Big Ten matchups, particularly the November 2nd clash against No. 9 Penn State and the season-defining rivalry game against No. 2 Michigan on November 30th, are expected to be critical in cementing his early 2025 Heisman candidacy. History shows that quarterbacks who shine brightest on college football’s biggest stages often carry that momentum into the following season’s Heisman discussions.

The “Ohio State quarterback” factor is a significant one in Heisman conversations. The program’s consistent national prominence, talent-rich roster, and high-visibility schedule regularly place its signal-callers in the spotlight. Former Buckeye quarterbacks like Troy Smith (2006 winner), Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud have all been recent Heisman finalists, underscoring the strong pipeline for individual accolades.

While the focus is heavily on the Big Ten, other quarterbacks from across the nation are also drawing attention. Fernando Mendoza from California has made a significant splash in 2024, taking over mid-season and delivering an impressive campaign. He’s currently tied at +1200 odds, having thrown for 2,345 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, guiding Cal to a surprising 6-3 record. His unexpected rise and clutch play have made him an intriguing dark horse.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) also boasts several contenders. Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss is listed at +1000 odds, leading an explosive Rebels offense, while Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava, a highly touted recruit with immense potential, is also at +1200. Both players are expected to be central figures in their respective teams’ 2025 campaigns, benefiting from the national exposure the SEC commands.

Back in the Big Ten, Drew Allar of Penn State is in the mix at +1800, though his 2024 season has been characterized by inconsistent performances. The departure of Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy to the NFL has certainly opened up the Heisman landscape, creating opportunities for new contenders in the conference.

Looking further down the line for Ohio State, highly-touted freshman Julian Sayin is another name to keep an eye on. While not an immediate frontrunner, the attention afforded to Ohio State quarterbacks means that any top recruit, especially one with Sayin’s pedigree, has a clear path to becoming a contender in subsequent seasons, hinting at a potential future QB competition or succession plan that could keep Buckeye signal-callers in the Heisman conversation for years to come.

The early buzz for the 2025 Heisman Trophy underscores the dynamic nature of college football, where player transfers, emergent talents, and the ever-present drama of high-stakes games continually shape future narratives. As the 2024 season progresses towards its own conclusion with the Heisman ceremony typically held in early December, the performances of these potential 2025 contenders will be scrutinized, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting race next year.