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Robert Griffin Names Heisman Front-Runner After Week 1

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cami Griffin | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 6:34 PM ET

Week 1 of the 2025 college football season was nothing short of chaotic.

Four top-10 teams suffered losses to open the season. Texas, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Alabama were on the wrong end of the scoreboard last weekend. Those particular losses shook up the Heisman Trophy race quite a bit.

Heading into the season, Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik were considered the top two Heisman Trophy favorites. After poor performances in Week 1, they're no longer in the top five.

Several other quarterbacks put together strong performances in Week 1 which slid them into Heisman consideration. According to Fox Sports college football analyst Robert Griffin III, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the current front-runner to take home the prestigious trophy. Nussmeier led the Tigers to a massive road win against No. 4 Clemson in Week 1. He completed 28-of-38 passes for 230 yards and one touchdown.

Griffin ranks Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos behind Nussmeier on his Heisman Trophy front-runner ranking following Week 1. Miami quarterback Carson Beck rounds out the top three.

Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold (No. 4), Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (No. 5), Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (No. 6), Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (No. 7), and Western Kentucky quarterback Maverick McIvor (No. 8) also appeared on Griffin's ranking.

The most notable omissions on Griffin's list include Manning, Klubnik, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, and Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.

With plenty of football left to be played, you can expect the Heisman watch to change dramatically week-by-week.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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