100 Days Until College Football: Heisman Race Heats Up, Key Games To Watch

David

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Post on May 17, 2025

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100 Days Until College Football: Heisman Race Heats Up, Key Games to Watch

The countdown is on! With just 100 days until the roar of the crowd and the clash of helmets return, the anticipation for the upcoming college football season is reaching fever pitch. And while the national championship remains the ultimate prize, the Heisman Trophy race is already shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Several star players are poised to make a run for college football's most coveted individual award, and some key matchups will undoubtedly define their trajectories.

Early Heisman Favorites and Contenders:

Several names are already circulating as early favorites in the Heisman race. Keep an eye on these standout players:

• Caleb Williams (USC): The reigning Heisman winner, Williams returns to USC with high expectations. His electrifying playmaking ability makes him a frontrunner once again. His performance against tough opponents like Notre Dame and Utah will be crucial.

• Quinn Ewers (Texas): The highly touted quarterback enters a pivotal season for the Longhorns. A strong performance against Alabama and other ranked opponents could propel him into serious Heisman contention.

• Jordan Travis (Florida State): Travis led Florida State to a surprising season last year. Maintaining that success and leading the Seminoles to a strong ACC record will be vital to his Heisman hopes.

• Blake Corum (Michigan): If fully recovered from injury, Corum’s powerful running style and ability to consistently gain yards could make him a leading contender. His performance against Ohio State will be particularly significant.

Key Games to Watch:

The road to the Heisman isn't paved with individual brilliance alone; it's forged in the crucible of critical matchups. Here are some games that will heavily influence the Heisman race:

• Week 1: Florida State vs. LSU: This early-season showdown could set the tone for the entire season, especially for Jordan Travis. A strong performance against a powerful LSU defense would boost his Heisman stock considerably.

• Week 2: Texas vs. Alabama: This is arguably the biggest game of the early season. Quinn Ewers will have a chance to prove himself against a top-tier opponent, potentially catapulting his Heisman campaign.

• Week 3: Notre Dame vs. NC State: While not a game featuring a likely Heisman frontrunner, this game is important because an unexpected upset could affect the playoff picture, and by extension, the contenders' chances. Strong performances in these sorts of games can elevate a player's profile.

• November Showdowns: The final weeks of the season will be crucial. Games like Ohio State vs. Michigan and USC's final games will undoubtedly define the Heisman race. A player needs to be playing their best football at the end of the season.

Beyond the Top Contenders:

While the players listed above are early favorites, the beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability. Breakout performances from unexpected players could dramatically shake up the race. Keep an eye out for talented underclassmen and rising stars who could emerge as dark horses.

Predicting the Heisman is a Fool's Errand (But Fun!)

Ultimately, predicting the Heisman winner this early is a risky proposition. Injuries, unexpected team performances, and individual slumps can all drastically alter the landscape. However, keeping an eye on these key players and matchups will make the season that much more exciting.

Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses and the Heisman race intensifies! What are your predictions for this year's Heisman Trophy winner? Share your thoughts in the comments below!