We’re already just a few months away from the return of college football. These are five early values to consider: Three teams that could overperform expectations, along with two returning quarterbacks in the SEC who should be noted among legitimate Heisman Trophy contenders.
Washington Huskies
Last season was a disappointing step back for the Huskies after going to the national title game in 2023, but it was Jedd Fisch’s first year at the helm. Fisch knows how to build, and Washington is looking to get back on track after defensive additions in the transfer portal. A lot will come down to quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who threw four touchdowns against Louisville in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in December. Washington Huskies odds are at plus-money to win over 7.5 games, and their schedule—getting to host Ohio State and Oregon instead of going on the road, Michigan and Wisconsin likely being their toughest two road matchups—could prove to be favorable.
Clemson Tigers
We’ll see what the initial top 25 rankings look like in August, but Clemson’s national title odds are at +1400—seventh in the nation. Among the most notable NCAAF latest newsthroughout the offseason is Clemson using the transfer portal to fill some gaps on the roster. Head coach Dabo Swinney has rightfully lamented the wild west of the portal, but leaning into it just a little bit could help the Tigers get back near the top. Clemson’s defense should be among the best in the country, and the team brings back experienced quarterback Cade Klubnik, who has gotten better and better with playing time and is now a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate.
Utah Utes
Utah had a shockingly down 2024 campaign, finishing 5-7 overall and 2-7 in-conference for their first year in the Big 12. Kyle Whittingham is another coach not to bet against, and the +700 odds to take the conference this year are intriguing. The plethora of transfer-portal additions on offense were designed to help the squad better compete this season—and it’ll be interesting to see how that incoming group pairs with an offensive line returning all five starters. Overall, the Utes don’t appear to be supremely undervalued, but they’re a club to watch after such a disappointing year.
Heisman: South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers
On the top 10 borderline among Heisman contenders, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers is a potential value pick for 2025. The Gamecocks finished 9-3 last season, with Sellers totaling 25 touchdowns (18 passing, seven rushing)—and the chance for a major uptick in both. If Georgia is vulnerable in the SEC with an uncertain quarterback situation, South Carolina can make a move. Sellers will be throwing to massive target Nyck Harbor, Jared Brown, Mazeo Bennett Jr., and Vandrevius Jacobs again—so there’s also built-in chemistry for the group to put up more fireworks this fall.
Heisman: Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed
Marcel Reed is a little more under the radar, but he leads an Aggies team also looking to push for an SEC title. Reed is an exciting dual threat who was not phased when he got his chance at extensive action as a redshirt freshman, and there’s a lot of room for quick growth. A&M added a few transfer wide receivers along with former Alabama and Texas tight end Amari Niblack—and four seniors are expected to start on the offensive line, making it a positive situation for Reed.
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