Ranking Top 10 Players on the 2025 Maxwell Award Watch List

1. QB Carson Beck, Miami

No surprise here. Carson Beck enters 2025 as one of the most polished quarterbacks in college football, leading a Miami team eyeing a CFP run. With elite pocket presence, touch to all levels, and a talented supporting cast, Beck has every tool to make a Heisman and Maxwell push. The Hurricanes will go as far as he takes them — and early signs point to another SEC title on the horizon.

Heisman Odds: +1800

9. QB Dylan Raiola, Nebraska

All eyes are on Dylan Raiola in Lincoln. The five-star phenom is finally the guy for the Huskers and brings elite arm strength, mobility, and upside. Nebraska’s rebuild gets real with Raiola under center, and if he pops early, the Big Ten could have a new wild card. The physical tools are Sunday-ready. Now we see if he puts the Big Ten on notice.

Heisman Odds: +6500

8. RB Nick Singleton, Penn State

Nick Singleton is a walking big play. The Penn State backfield monster can house it from anywhere, and he’s one of the most dynamic offensive players in college football. With Allar taking another step and Kaytron Allen still around, Singleton may get more space to cook in 2025. His combination of breakaway speed and vision makes him a Maxwell dark horse.

Heisman Odds: +30000

7. QB Jackson Arnold, Auburn

Jackson Arnold is stepping into the spotlight and bringing serious juice with him. Dual-threat ability, SEC experience, and a system that’s now fully tailored to his game — the breakout is coming. Auburn needs a stabilizing force under center, and Arnold has the tools to be just that. Watch for a leap that makes the Tigers a true spoiler in the SEC.

Heisman Odds: +2500

6. QB Drew Allar, Penn State

The arm talent is obvious, and the pressure is real. Drew Allar has had moments, but 2025 needs to be the year he takes full command. He’s got two elite backs behind him in Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, a defense that can keep games close — now it’s about turning flashes into full-season consistency. Penn State can’t win the Big Ten without him stepping up. This is his shot.

Heisman Odds: +1800

5. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

This might be the best wide receiver prospect we’ve seen since Marvin Harrison Jr. Jeremiah Smith has everything — size, speed, hands, and a pro-ready route tree as a true sophomore. Smith already put himself on the map with a freshman campaign in which he hauled in 76 passes for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. Don’t be shocked if he’s putting up Biletnikoff-type numbers by midseason.

Heisman Odds: +1300

4. QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson

It’s now or never for Cade Klubnik. Once hailed as Clemson’s next great quarterback, Klubnik enters his senior season with everything on the line — legacy, leadership, and one last shot to prove he can elevate the Tigers back to national relevance. He’s shown flashes, but consistency has been elusive. With a retooled offense and another year under Garrett Riley, Klubnik has the tools and experience to make noise. If he puts it together, Clemson becomes dangerous — and Cade’s Maxwell stock shoots up fast.

Heisman Odds: +900

3. QB Arch Manning, Texas

The name brings expectations. Arch Manning finally gets the chance to write his own script, and with Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, the Manning era in Austin begins. He’s got the pedigree, poise, and weapons to thrive. If the lights don’t get too bright, the Longhorns are live in the SEC — and Arch might be the storyline of the season.

Heisman Odds: +800

2. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Garrett Nussmeier’s time is now. After patiently waiting behind Jayden Daniels, the LSU gunslinger finally broke out last season with over 4,000 passing yards. He’s got a big-time arm, an aggressive mindset, and enough experience to hit the ground running in 2025. Don’t let the limited experience fool you — Nussmeier can sling it with the best of them. If he plays clean and delivers in LSU’s toughest matchups, don’t be surprised if he climbs into the thick of the SEC spotlight — and the Maxwell conversation.

Heisman Odds: +900

1. QB Carson Beck, Miami

No surprise here. Carson Beck enters 2025 as one of the most polished quarterbacks in college football, leading a Miami team eyeing a CFP run. With elite pocket presence, touch to all levels, and a talented supporting cast, Beck has every tool to make a Heisman and Maxwell push. The Hurricanes will go as far as he takes them — and early signs point to another SEC title on the horizon.

Heisman Odds: +1800