Experienced QBs Loom Large
While young guns like Arch Manning (+1000) are getting plenty of Heisman hype, history favors veteran quarterbacks.
In the CFP Era, every Heisman-winning quarterback has been at least a sophomore. Joe Burrow and Marcus Mariota were in their fourth year of eligibility (redshirt seniors), Mac Jones was a redshirt junior, Baker Mayfield was a redshirt senior, and Bryce Young and Caleb Williams won the award as true sophomores.
That bodes well for guys like Miami’s Carson Beck (+1800) and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik (+1100). Beck, a senior transfer from Georgia, threw for over 3,000 yards in his final year with the Dawgs. Beck will look to follow in the path of former Canes QB Cam Ward, who finished a 2024 Heisman finalist after transferring to the U in the offseason. With dynamic weapons at his disposal and an improving offensive line, Beck could put up huge numbers in year one under Mario Cristobal.
Klubnik, meanwhile, blossomed into a star in 2024, accounting for 40 total touchdowns while leading Clemson to the College Football Playoff. The junior has all the tools – arm strength, accuracy, mobility – to win the Heisman. He just needs to avoid the injury bug that has plagued Tigers quarterbacks in recent years.