Heisman Trophy discussions are heating up as college football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming season. The Heisman Trophy is widely regarded as the most prestigious award in college sports, and this year, several standout players are already making headlines. Among the early favorites are quarterbacks Arch Manning from Texas, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, Cade Klubnik from Clemson, and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Jeremiah Smith, the only receiver among the leading contenders, is expected to have another impressive year with the Buckeyes. After an outstanding freshman season where he recorded 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, Smith is poised to further elevate his game. Meanwhile, Cade Klubnik concluded the 2024 season with an impressive tally of 3,639 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, ranking him third in the FBS behind first-overall pick Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Garrett Nussmeier showcased his talent with a completion percentage of 64.2, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
The 2024-2025 season marks the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, a significant change that allows eight additional teams the opportunity to compete for the title. This new format changes the landscape of bowl games and playoff qualifications. Under this system, the five highest-ranked conference champions automatically qualify, while the next seven highest-ranked teams receive at-large bids. Conference champions such as Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State will benefit from first-round byes, a move that has sparked some criticism and discussions on potential adjustments.
As the season progresses, the 12-team playoff will utilize straight seeding based on CFP rankings, with the final field being determined in early December. With two consecutive national titles claimed by Big Ten teams, the SEC is eager to reclaim its dominance in college football. The rivalry between the Big Ten and SEC extends beyond the football field; during the offseason, both conferences engaged in debates over the new playoff format. The Big Ten advocates for a 16-team format, proposing four guaranteed spots for both the Big Ten and SEC, along with two for the Big 12, two for the ACC, and one at-large bid. Conversely, the SEC supports a model featuring five conference champions and 11 at-large bids, which could favor the top conferences in most seasons.
In the realm of college football, preseason rankings hold significant weight, and last year, Georgia secured the No. 1 spot in the preseason AP Top 25 with 1,532 points and 46 first-place votes. Following closely were Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, and Alabama. Ohio State ultimately triumphed in the national championship, while Georgia finished the season ranked sixth in the final Top 25. Despite some arguing that preseason rankings are futile—given the influx of new players and the unpredictability of performance—this speculation continues to thrive. Media outlets filled with dedicated journalists diligently analyze team potential, contributing to the ongoing discussion that extends beyond game days.
As we gear up for another exciting season of college football, fans can expect lively debates and discussions around both the Heisman Trophy race and the implications of the new playoff format. Whether preseason rankings prove accurate or not, they set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season filled with surprises and standout performances.
