As of January 2025, discussions about potential Heisman Trophy winners are already heating up, with numerous players making headlines as potential candidates. Among them, Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns and Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks are frequently mentioned as potential Heisman contenders. But as with all things in college football, predicting the future is never simple, and several factors come into play when analyzing who will take home the prestigious award. In this discussion, we’ll break down the likelihood of both Arch Manning and Dante Moore earning the Heisman Trophy in the coming seasons.
Arch Manning: The Texas Longhorns’ Future Star
1. Background and Expectations
Arch Manning, a five-star recruit from Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in college football in recent memory. The grandson of legendary quarterbacks Archie Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch comes from a football family steeped in success. His name alone was enough to capture the attention of scouts, fans, and media, and he has lived up to that billing, with many expecting him to be a future NFL star.
Arch committed to Texas in 2023, despite heavy competition from schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Arch’s own family alma mater, Ole Miss. His decision to head to Austin, Texas, was seen as a bold one, given the Longhorns’ somewhat inconsistent football history in the post-Mack Brown era. However, the combination of Texas’ recent recruiting success, including head coach Steve Sarkisian’s ability to attract top-tier talent, and the school’s growing momentum made it an appealing destination for Arch.
2. The Talent Around Him
While Arch Manning is an exceptional talent, the likelihood of him winning the Heisman Trophy hinges heavily on the supporting cast around him. Fortunately for Arch, Texas has built a team capable of contending for a national championship. In 2024, Texas entered the season with one of the best recruiting classes in the nation, bolstered by a talented offensive line, elite running backs, and a solid receiving corps.
The Longhorns have players like wide receiver Xavier Worthy and running back Bijan Robinson (before he declared for the NFL Draft) to provide explosive playmaking ability. This level of talent allows Manning to benefit from established offensive weapons, which should, in turn, make him look even better on the field. Additionally, Texas’ offensive line in 2024 is expected to be one of the stronger units in the Big 12, which would help Manning stay upright and get more time to make plays.
3. Arch’s Development and Heisman Potential
Although Arch Manning is an extraordinarily gifted quarterback, there are still questions surrounding his readiness to step into a starting role and lead Texas to the top of college football. Like many quarterbacks in his position, he will likely face a period of adjustment as he adapts to the speed of college football, especially as he steps into the spotlight as the face of a major program like Texas.
However, if Manning can maintain his poise under pressure, continue to improve his mechanics, and build chemistry with his receivers, there’s a clear path to Heisman contention. With Texas having a manageable schedule in 2024, Arch could be in a position to put up impressive numbers while leading the Longhorns to a potential College Football Playoff berth. If he does so, his chances of winning the Heisman will increase significantly.
4. Factors Working Against Arch Manning
While Arch Manning’s talent is undeniable, there are some factors that could work against him. The first is the immense pressure that comes with being a Manning. Expectations are high, and anything less than immediate success could lead to criticism. It’s possible that Arch could struggle with the weight of those expectations, especially in his first season as a starter. The Heisman Trophy often rewards players who can perform under pressure, but it’s not guaranteed that Manning will be able to live up to the hype.
Moreover, Texas’ recent history has been marked by inconsistency. While the Longhorns have shown flashes of greatness, they haven’t consistently dominated in the way that would warrant Heisman-level attention. If Manning struggles to win games or if Texas doesn’t have the kind of breakout season needed to get national recognition, he could be overlooked in the Heisman race.
Dante Moore: Oregon Ducks’ Rising Star
1. Background and Expectations
Dante Moore is another quarterback who’s turning heads as a potential Heisman contender. The freshman quarterback from Detroit, Michigan, enrolled at Oregon in 2024 as one of the top-rated quarterbacks in his class. Moore’s high school career was marked by his dual-threat ability, accuracy, and ability to lead his team to big wins. He’s widely regarded as one of the top QB prospects to come out of high school in recent years.
Moore’s decision to choose Oregon over several other high-profile schools was a big deal, and his potential was on full display during his recruitment process. The Ducks, under head coach Dan Lanning, are rapidly rising as a college football powerhouse, and Moore’s commitment signified that Oregon was serious about competing at the highest level. In 2024, Oregon will be looking to build on their success, and Moore could be the player to take them to new heights.
2. The Talent Around Him
Oregon is a program on the rise, and they have several key pieces around Dante Moore to help him succeed. The Ducks have a solid offensive line, a deep running back corps, and some talented wide receivers who can stretch the field. One of the most important things that Moore will need is the protection to stand in the pocket and make throws downfield. Fortunately, Oregon has done well in recruiting and developing its offensive line, which should give Moore the time he needs to make plays.
In addition to the offensive line, Oregon has a talented backfield, with running backs who can keep defenses honest and take pressure off Moore in the passing game. Having such a balanced offense will allow Moore to pick his spots and avoid taking unnecessary risks, which is crucial for his development.
3. Dante Moore’s Heisman Potential
Moore’s dual-threat ability is one of the most exciting aspects of his game. While he’s a great passer with the ability to make all the necessary throws, he also possesses the mobility to evade pressure and make plays with his legs. This makes him a dangerous quarterback who can keep defenses guessing and provide big-play opportunities both in the air and on the ground.
In terms of Heisman potential, Dante Moore’s chances will come down to two things: how quickly he can adapt to college football and how well Oregon performs in 2024. If Moore can hit the ground running as a freshman and lead the Ducks to an undefeated season or a College Football Playoff berth, his name will quickly be in Heisman discussions. His ability to put up big numbers as a true freshman in one of the nation’s top conferences would make a strong case for his candidacy.
4. Factors Working Against Dante Moore
As with any freshman quarterback, Moore faces a number of challenges. The jump from high school to college football is significant, and even elite players can struggle with the speed and complexity of the game early on. Moore will need to demonstrate not only physical ability but also mental toughness, decision-making, and leadership.
Oregon also plays in the highly competitive Pac-12, where the Ducks will face tough competition from teams like USC, Washington, and Utah. If Oregon doesn’t perform at an elite level, or if Moore has a subpar game in a key matchup, his Heisman hopes could fade quickly.
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