This is obviously an extremely early look at the Heisman race following Week 1, but some early standouts made a strong first impression for 2025.
1. Marcel Reed | Texas A&M QB | Sophomore (RS)
Reed has the benefit of playing behind an excellent offensive line, but he had a tremendous season debut with four touchdown passes—three of which came from 20+ yards. Texas A&M is a heavy favorite over Utah State this week, and then Reed will get a showcase opportunity against a Notre Dame squad that already has a loss with a primetime clash on September 13.
Season stats:
64.7% | 289 PASS YDS | 4 PASS TD | 0 INT
8 CAR | 39 RUSH YDS | 4.9 AVG
2. LaNorris Sellers | South Carolina QB | Sophomore (RS)
The passing attack for South Carolina wasn’t quite firing on all cylinders last Sunday, but Sellers still showed his raw talent with three highlights—a 15-yard touchdown run, a broken sack that turned into a first down, and the deep dagger to Nyck Harbor to put away Virginia Tech. Sellers should be at his best by October when the schedule gets scary.
Season stats:
63.2% | 209 PASS YDS | 1 PASS TD | 0 INT
13 CAR | 25 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 1.9 AVG
3. Thomas Castellanos | Florida State QB | Senior
Castellanos called his shot by saying Alabama didn’t have Nick Saban to save them—perfectly running Gus Malzhan’s offense in an upset win with Florida State as a two-touchdown underdog. The passing numbers should climb against softer opponents, but Castellanos showed how dynamic he is with the damage done on the ground in the opener.
Season stats:
64.3% | 152 PASS YDS | 0 PASS TD | 0 INT
16 CAR | 78 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 4.9 AVG
4. Jalon Daniels | Kansas QB | Senior (RS)
Daniels’ numbers are boosted with an extra game having played twice already—but that doesn’t take away from how he’s started by completing 80.0% of his passes with a 7:1 touchdown-interception ratio. The lone mistake so far for Daniels was the interception in the end zone last week in a blowout win over Wagner.
Season stats:
80.0% | 456 PASS YDS | 7 PASS TD | 1 INT
11 CAR | 65 RUSH YDS | 5.9 AVG
5. John Mateer | Oklahoma QB | Junior (RS)
There are tons of players who could have cracked the first Heisman watch, but Mateer gets the nod after completing 30-of-37 passes for 392 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception last week. All eyes will be on the Michigan-Oklahoma matchup on Saturday night with Mateer looking to vault his way into being the early Heisman favorite with a big performance.
Season stats:
81.1% | 392 PASS YDS | 3 PASS TD | 1 INT
7 CAR | 24 RUSH YDS | 1 RUSH TD | 3.4 AVG