Heisman Trophy 2025: Analyzing the Odds for Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams

The Rising Stars of NCAAF

Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams have emerged as the faces of a new era in college football. Both are dynamic wide receivers with NFL-caliber traits, and they are already generating early Heisman buzz. But are they worth betting on to win the Heisman Trophy this year?

Jeremiah Smith: The Ohio State Phenom

Jeremiah Smith, the second-year wideout for the Ohio State Buckeyes, enters the season with immense hype. Smith is tied with Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier for the second-shortest odds to win the Heisman at ESPN BET. He has the shortest preseason Heisman odds for a wide receiver in over 15 years and the shortest for any non-quarterback since 2018.

Smith's record-setting true freshman campaign at Ohio State included 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, all FBS records for a true freshman. His highlights, such as a one-handed catch against Michigan State and a 60-yard bomb against Nebraska, have made him a standout player.

The best-case scenario for Smith involves developing early chemistry with redshirt freshman QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State winning over 10.5 games, and the Buckeyes returning to the College Football Playoff with Smith leading the offense. A showdown against Heisman Trophy favorite Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns in the season opener on August 30 provides Smith with an early opportunity to shine.

Ryan Williams: The Alabama Prodigy

Ryan Williams reclassified to join the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2024, a year earlier than expected. After a spectacular freshman campaign, Williams is now being discussed as a Heisman contender. With Kalen DeBoer taking over play-calling and creating a more pass-friendly scheme, Williams has a clear path to impressive numbers.

However, Williams' Heisman potential feels a bit further out with Ty Simpson stepping in as quarterback. Simpson has upside, but there's uncertainty in how quickly Alabama's passing game can find rhythm. The development curve with an inexperienced quarterback tied to a young receiver is a crucial factor.

The Heisman Market Dynamics

The Heisman market is highly volatile and shifts based on moments rather than resumes. Last year, Travis Hunter saw his odds dramatically shorten after Colorado's Week 4 overtime win over Baylor. If either Smith or Williams have a strong start to the season, their odds could shift overnight with just one big game.

Betting Considerations

If placing a futures bet today, Jeremiah Smith is the more compelling option. In a year without a dominant returning quarterback, the door is open for a surprise narrative to emerge. Smith has the talent, brand, and platform to take home the Heisman at the end of the season.

Wide receivers rarely win the Heisman, but Smith has the production, highlights, and big-game stage (games against Texas, Penn State, and Michigan) to break that trend. If Ohio State makes a CFP push and Smith continues to perform at a high level, the voters won't be able to ignore him.

Conclusion

Prepare to watch the 2025 NCAAF season with the odds screen pulled up and popcorn in hand. Both Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams have the potential to make significant impacts, but Smith's early opportunities and proven track record make him the more likely candidate to win the Heisman Trophy.