Tag: Heisman trophy

Jayden Daniels and Commanders will host Bo Nix’s Broncos in 2025

A must-watch QB showdown: Jayden Daniels and the Commanders will host Bo Nix and the Broncos in 2025.

Two years after they shared a stage at the 2023 Heisman Trophy ceremony, quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix are set to face off on the field during the 2025 NFL season.

Daniels won the Heisman Trophy with 2,029 total points following the 2023 college football season. Nix (885 points) finished third in the voting behind Michael Penix (1,701 points) and Daniels.

Penix sat behind Kirk Cousins for most of his rookie year before starting the Atlanta Falcons’ final three games down the stretch. Nix had an impressive first year with the Denver Broncos, but it was Daniels who took home Rookie of the Year honors following his remarkable performance with the Washington Commanders in 2024.

Daniels (the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft) and Nix (the No. 12 pick) will always be connected. Next season, they will face off at Northwest Stadium when the Commanders host the Broncos on a to-be-announced date.

Broncos schedule of 2025 opponents

Home Away
Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Chargers
Las Vegas Raiders Las Vegas Raiders
Jacksonville Jaguars Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans Indianapolis Colts
Dallas Cowboys Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants Washington Commanders
Cincinnati Bengals New York Jets
Green Bay Packers

Denver’s complete 2025 schedule with dates and times will be announced this spring, likely in May. The Daniels-Nix showdown will be one to circle on the calendar.

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Where does Drew Allar rank among potential 2025 Heisman candidates?

Drew Allar is looking to improve upon a strong 2024 season after returning to Penn State for the 2025 season. Could he become a Heisman candidate?

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar may have had a disastrous end to his second season as the team’s starting QB, but his overall performance was a significant leap from his 2023 season. He made strides in almost every statistical category, most notably his completion percentage (59.9% to 66.5%) and yards per pass attempt (6.8 to 8.4).

Watching him this season, it was also clear that he was much more poised in the pocket and made better use of his legs. He routinely avoided sacks and ran when the defense gave him openings. According to Pro Football Focus, he ran for 36 first downs in 2024 compared to 31 in 2023. That added element of his game helped the offense prolong drives and stay ahead of the chains.

With all of his improvements from 2024 and his announcement that he will be returning to Penn State for another season, expectations are understandably high for Allar in 2025. So much so that he is one of the top betting favorites for the Heisman Trophy according to 247Sports. The odds come from FanDuel, and they have Allar fifth in voting odds at +1300.

Those odds rank second among Big Ten players, right behind Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith at +1200. There are plenty of reasons to believe Allar could contend for a spot as a Heisman finalist. It will be his second season in Andy Kotelnicki’s creative offense, which should mean an even better understanding of how to create explosive plays.

He also won’t have to share snaps with former backup QB Beau Pribula, who transferred to Missouri after being a significant part of the offense the last two seasons. Running backs Nick Singleton and Katron Allen are joining him by returning for a final season in 2025, so the running game should remain a strength.

Everything is lining up for Allar to have his most productive season in 2025, with the only major question being how to replace Tyler Warren’s production as a receiver. Penn State has plenty of talented tight ends ready to step into his role, but it will take multiple players to make up for his departure. As long as they can get enough out of the skill players, Allar will have a chance to be Penn State’s second-ever Heisman winner.

Analyst ranks Travis Hunter’s season among top all-time Heisman campaigns

Travis Hunter had an all-time great season in college football history

Colorado superstar Travis Hunter had an incredible 2024 season by all metrics. The cornerback/wide receiver did something rarely seen in modern college football by dominating both sides of the ball and was rewarded with the Heisman Trophy.

But the accolades don’t stop there, as Fox Sports ranked Hunter’s season as the third-best Heisman campaign ever. Hunter was just behind LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow’s 2019 season at No. 2 and Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Barry Sanders’ 1988 season at No. 1. Auburn Tigers quarterback Cam Newton’s 2010 Heisman win ranked fourth and Michigan Wolverines cornerback Charles Woodson’s 1997 campaign ranked fifth.

Here’s some of what Fox Sports had to say about Hunter’s Heisman season:

In an era where quarterbacks of CFP teams typically win the award, it must take a non-quarterback to do something historic. Then consider beating out someone who rushed for the second-most yards in a season in college football history. Hunter was able to do something incredibly unique in order to secure the Heisman this past December. The two-way star played the vast majority of Colorado’s snaps from scrimmage in 2024, recording 1,360 snaps before Colorado’s bowl game. Not only was Hunter durable, but he also put up elite production on both sides of the ball.

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Where does LSU’s Joe Burrow rank on FOX’s all-time Heisman list?

See where FOX ranked Joe Burrow’s Heisman campaign

Fox Sports dropped a ranking of the top 10 Heisman seasons of all time. It should come as no surprise that former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow made the cut.

The QB’s 2019 Heisman campaign finished at No. 2 behind Barry Sanders’ 1988 season at Oklahoma State.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter, this year’s Heisman winner, ranked third while Cam Newton’s performance in 2010 at Auburn was fourth. Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997 closed out the top five.

While leading LSU to a national title, Burrow broke several records en route to being named the most outstanding college football player. He set 10 FBS records, including 6,039 total yards of offense, 60 touchdowns, and a 76.3 completion percentage on the season. He set the SEC record for most passing yards in a season with 5,671 and a program mark with 76 career passing touchdowns.

Following his Heisman campaign, Burrow was drafted first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was chosen over fellow quarterbacks and top 10 picks Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert.

His top two receivers from the 2019 season were also first rounders. The Minnesota Vikings selected Justin Jefferson with the No. 22 pick in 2020 and the Bengals took Ja’Marr Chase at No. 5 in 2021.

Tim Tebow reveals a conversation he had with 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter

Tim Tebow reveals his conversation with 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Heisman Trophy winner and former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Tebow, on behalf of the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, discussed joining forces with New Orleans nonprofit Son of a Saint for a day of mentorship and reflected on his conversation with 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

“Many people have come together to make an impact. You to hear so many of the stories of these young men. It’s not just in their communities but around the world,” said Tebow, describing his experience at the ‘Son of a Saint’ event. “Whether that’s like Gavin Sawchuk in South Africa teaching kids how to play soccer, or it’s J.J. Weaver starting his foundation, or so many of these amazing young men that truly have ripple effects that will last for generations.”

Tebow was among the many former Heisman Trophy winners who welcomed Travis Hunter, the legendary group’s latest member.

“I got to see him, welcome and congratulate him. I got to see him the night before, the night of, and the next day before everybody went their separate ways,” Tebow explained. “(He is) a really amazing young man. He’s when people write about him or talk about him on SportsCenter. It’s always the, you know, the exciting plays in the flash. But when you really get to know him, he’s kind, he’s humble, he, you know, you get to meet his family and friends and loved ones that were with him.”

Hunter played both sides of the ball while at Colorado to earn accolades as one of the best players in college football. He projects to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“It’s fun to see behind the scenes, and he’s a really amazing young man, hard worker, dedicated, and just there’s it. It just oozes out of him, and he’s extremely sincere,” Tebow said. “(I am) really just proud of him the way he’s represented the Heisman and then, and also love the way he finished the year. I know they didn’t win, but you just look at the effort, how he represented Colorado and Deion (Sanders), and everything. And it’s just he’s done it with such energy, passion, and joy, and I believe it’s contagious. Like, I want to be around it.”

The following links provide more information on this year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team & New Orleans’ Son of a Saint organization.

Report: Saints may ‘want to hear’ what Deion Sanders has to say

Could Prime Time come to New Orleans? ESPN listed the Saints among NFL teams that may want to hear what Deion Sanders has to say:

Could Deion Sanders return to the NFL as head coach of the New Orleans Saints? Crazier things have happened, but Sanders leaving the Colorado Buffaloes and continuing to coach his son would be an unprecedented move. Shedeur Sanders is a top-flight quarterback prospect who has also been linked to the Saints in evened days.

But if we’re evaluating the elder Sanders’ candidacy on its own merits, there’s a lot to like. He went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player. As a college coach, he dominated the competition at Jackson State before moving to Colorado, where he’s gone 13-11 with nine wins in 2024. A jump to the NFL wouldn’t be shocking.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Saints are one of the teams that may be on his radar:

A few weeks ago, we broke down Deion Sanders’ NFL outlook. I’m bumping this again because a league source told me this about Sanders in recent days: “I think [NFL] teams will want to hear what he has to say.” So it wouldn’t shock to see the Jets or Saints or a team casting a wide net to at least reach out or do its research on him.

Now, that’s highly speculative, and it’s hardly the same as saying Sanders already plans on leaving Boulder for New Orleans. And just because there may be some interest it doesn’t mean that would be a two-way street. At this point Sanders should be busy recruiting and reloading his roster after a solid season ended with a Heisman Trophy in his protege Travis Hunter’s hands.

But the Saints need a coach after firing Dennis Allen, and they may need a quarterback if their next decision-maker doesn’t plan on staying the course with Derek Carr. The Saints could have a shot at filling both vacancies with Sanders family stars if they hold onto a top-10 draft pick. But there are three weeks left in the regular season, and things could change rapidly. Stay tuned in case the clock in New Orleans reads Prime Time.

Titans legend Eddie George shares his thoughts on modern NFL

Tennessee #Titans legend Eddie George shares his thoughts on the modern NFL w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Tennessee Titans legend and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George.

In his interview with Easton Jr., George discussed his support for The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC and his thoughts on the changes in the NFL today.

“Oh yeah, I mean, it’s (the NFL) changed over the years to become safer, and I get it,” George explained. “but the quality of the game is still the same. I love it.”

George supported the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event, which brought together Heisman legends, including Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow, Charlie Ward, Eric Crouch, and others, for an action-packed day of pickleball exhibitions. Pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey joined them on the court, ensuring a high-energy experience supporting the Wuerffel Foundation.

George, who won the 1995 Heisman Award, shared some advice for this year’s trophy winner (Travis Hunter) ahead of the event.

“It’s a once-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace every moment with your family, friends, and teammates, regardless of who wins tonight,” said George. “It’s an honor and an accomplishment to have made it to this fall at this point, and once you are a Heisman Trophy winner, it gets better with time. So it’s about relationships and honoring your great season, but more importantly, the great coaches, teammates, and support staff who helped you get to this point.”

The following links provide more information on Pickle Bowl and The Wuerffel Foundation.

Heisman trophy winner Charlie Ward praises Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ success

Florida State legend and 1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward praises Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ success w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Florida State Seminoles and college football legend Charlie Ward.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Ward discussed his support for The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC. He also shared his thoughts on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, drawing comparisons to another legendary Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

“Danny Wuerffel and his foundation go into pickleball, and I’m just happy to be able to support him. I’m just here for him,” said Ward. “That’s what this is all about: being able to support each other and our different endeavors. So, those were great calls and an excellent opportunity to get guys together. Happy to be here. ”

Ward joined fellow Heisman award winners Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Eric Crouch, and Johnny Rodgers, with pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey for the event. The Wuerffel Foundation’s mission is to inspire greater service and unity in communities.

Wuerffel counsels and mentors community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and helps facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters.

The former 1993 Heisman winner notably chose a long career in the NBA instead of the NFL and was initially considered by the Chiefs as a potential backup to then-quarterback Joe Montana. He stood his ground in preferring a higher NFL draft selection, so he couldn’t guarantee to join training camp since he would eventually become a first-round selection of the New York Knicks.

“I don’t support one team. I support friends, people I know, but it’s hard not to support Patrick Mahomes,” Ward explained. “He’s very Tom Brady-ish, and it’s hard to beat the guy, no matter who you put in front of him or who is on his team. Those are the kind of guys that are generational going for Super Bowl number three.”

Ward may not openly support any team, but he appreciates Mahomes’ accomplishments as he seeks an unprecedented three-peat.

The following links provide more information on Pickle Bowl and The Wuerffel Foundation.

Florida State legend Charlie Ward shares advice for Travis Hunter, 2024 Heisman candidates

Heisman Award winner Charlie Ward talked about his advice for Travis Hunter and the 2024 Heisman candidates w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Florida State Seminoles and Heisman Award winner Charlie Ward.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Ward discussed his support for ‘The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC. He also shared advice to this year’s Heisman winner, Travis Hunter, and the candidates before the 2024 ceremony.

“I’m sure there’s some nerves, or there will be, but more importantly, at this moment, they’re enjoying the game,” said Ward. “Very similar to me. When I was here almost 35 years ago, the memories still are there. My family members who are still with us talk about it.

“We have pictures. So for them to be able to be here, whether you win or lose, the memories will always be there, but the winner definitely will change and be more recognizable. It will change you. It won’t change who you are but will change your name and the opportunities you’ll be provided, so that’s a great blessing.”

Ward joined fellow Heisman award winners Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Eric Crouch, and Johnny Rodgers, with pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey for the event curated by Danny Wuerffel’s ‘The Wuerffel Foundation’.

The mission is to counsel and mentor community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and help facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter beat out Ashton Jeanty, Dillon Gabriel, and Cam Ward to be named the 90th Heisman Trophy winner. He will continue a legacy that many, including Charlie, carry today. Hunter is expected to be a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 NFL draft.

The following links provide more information on Pickle Bowl and The Wuerffel Foundation.

USA TODAY Sports sees DJ Lagway in mix for 2025 Heisman Trophy

Just days after this season’s Heisman Trophy announcement the media is already looking ahead to next year. DJ Lagway’s name is consistently mentioned.

The Heisman Trophy is the most coveted award in college football, annually given to the top player in the sport. This past season saw Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter earn the honor after a phenomenal 2024 campaign.

But enough about him. What is in store next fall for the prestigious prize?

The sports media wasted no time looking ahead to 2025 for the next Heisman Trophy contender. Among them was USA TODAY Sports writer Austin Curtright, who penned his favorites for the award earlier this week.

Included among the 11 players listed was Florida Gators quarterback [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag], who is in the midst of a stellar true freshman campaign that has been anything but smooth sailing. However, with just a bowl game remaining, he did plenty to build his cred.

“Florida freshman quarterback DJ Lagway showed flashes of brilliance for the Gators after taking over the starting job after Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending injury,” Curtright begins.

“Lagway’s play was crucial for the Gators reaching seven wins, leading them to ranked victories against LSU and Mississippi in back-to-back weeks,” he continues.

“His stats have been solid entering Florida’s bowl game. He has completed 93 of 157 passes for 1,610 yards with 11 touchdowns to seven interceptions and will hope to build on a season of flashes as a sophomore.”

2025 Heisman Trophy contenders

Along with Lagway, quarterbacks Cade Klubnik (Clemson Tigers), Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee Volunteers), Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU Tigers), Drew Allar (Penn State Nittany Lions), John Mateer (Washington State Cougars) and LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina Gamecocks) also made the cut.

Running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame Fighting Irish) was also included along with wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State Buckeyes) and Ryan Williams (Alabama Crimson Tide).

Other Heisman predictions for Lagway

CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer also included Lagway in his list of 14 players who have a strong possibility of winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy.

“Lagway has been as advertised as the top-ranked QB in the 2024 class and just earned 247Sports True Freshman All-America Team honors,” Brockermeyer wrote.

“He’s trending towards being a very high pick in two seasons if he continues to develop but until then he’s got the chance to be the face of a Florida turnaround and one of the best QBs in the country. The big-framed dual-threat QB has plenty of big-name teams on the docket next year to deliver a Heisman moment or two.”

Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassand also included Florida’s signal-caller in his way-too-early outlook on the prestigious award.

“Lagway’s move into the starting lineup was instrumental in Florida’s late-season improvement that included big-time wins over LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State and also likely saved coach Billy Napier’s job after a 3-3 start,” Lassan notes. “The sophomore-to-be has enormous upside and talent that will only get better with more snaps in ’25.”

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