The Heisman Trophy winner won't be crowned until December, but projections on who could win the award are already in.
Although there are several possibilities for a possible winner, there appears to be a general consensus: Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the sport's best player, regardless of position.
According to CBS Sports' Shehan Jeyarajah, Smith is the player to keep an eye on, especially from an oddsmaker's perspective. Smith is +1200 to win the award, although odds tend to fluctuate as time goes on.
"Smith is the presumptive best player in college football after exploding for 381 yards and five touchdowns in the College Football Playoff," Jeyarajah wrote. "His workload should only increase in 2025 as the Buckeyes replace numerous key pieces. Quarterback Will Howard, 1,000-yard running backs Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson and 1,000-yard receiver Emeka Egbuka are all gone. Would surprise anyone if Smith manages to push towards the 1,800-yard or 20-touchdown plateaus as an undisputed centerpiece of the offense?"
Smith's coach, Ryan Day, has remained humble regarding his abilities and said he hasn't reached his full potential.
"I think we always want to draw our comparisons because that's what we do naturally," Day said. "Whether it's players or coaches, it's easy for everyone to say, 'Well, he's this person' and not kind of put him in a box but sort of categorize him based on someone who has come before [him]. Jeremiah is his own person."
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Day said Smith has blossomed into not only an incredible player, but a must-have leader regardless of circumstances.
"From the get-go, he had the look in his eye that he wanted to make an impact as a freshman," Day added. "His teammates will tell you the same thing. He's earned the respect of the teammates, not because of his [football] ability. You guys see his ability, but to me, it's the work ethic every day. He comes in; He's serious. He doesn't say a whole lot, but when he does, people listen."
With lofty expectations, Smith is due for another big year. Whether he delivers will have to wait until August.