Louis Riddick Makes Heisman Trophy Prediction Without Hesitation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With just a couple of weeks before the start of the college football season, experts are already making their preseason picks for major awards.
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On Wednesday, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick revealed his pick to win the Heisman Trophy, making a bold selection whose name might not be on everybody’s radar.
On “Get Up,” Riddick selected LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier as his Heisman choice, explaining that Nussmeier “is the one who has the ball in his hands every single play,” praising his poise, decision-making and ability to “control his own destiny.”
He contrasted Nussmeier’s steadiness with Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, whom he doesn’t see as a Heisman favorite. Riddick said he’s eager to evaluate South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers early in the season, but his pick remains clear.
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LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13).Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Why LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier Could Be a Sneaky Heisman Pick
Nussmeier enters 2025 armed with a strong statistical foundation.
As a junior under Brian Kelly in 2024, he threw for 4,052 yards, delivered 29 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and posted a 142.7 passer rating.
His accuracy (64.2% completions) and ability to make big-time throws late in games made him the top-graded passer in the SEC from Week 13 on, ranking second in yards per attempt and completion percentage over that span.
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Early betting markets mirror Riddick’s confidence, although they still show it is a bold selection.
According to ESPN BET, Nussmeier holds the third-best Heisman odds at +900, trailing only Texas’ Arch Manning at +600 and Klubnik at +800. Other top players include:
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Jeremiah Smith — WR, Ohio State Buckeyes (+1200)
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Drew Allar — QB, Penn State Nittany Lions (+1600)
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LaNorris Sellers — QB, South Carolina Gamecocks (+1600)
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Ty Simpson — QB, Alabama Crimson Tide (+1800)
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Carson Beck — QB, Miami Hurricanes (+2000)
Several factors feed LSU’s optimism for 2025.
ESPN insider Bill Connelly notes that if Nussmeier makes a late-career leap akin to Joe Burrow or Jayden Daniels, LSU’s defense won’t need to carry as much weight in SEC matchups.
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Teammates have backed his decision to return, too, with linebacker Whit Weeks publicly urging him to stay, promising, “If you come back, we’re winning the natty.”
LSU also added several weapons in the transfer portal, including tight ends Donovan Green and Bauer Sharp and wide receivers Destyn Hill, Barion Brown and Nic Anderson.
Looking ahead, the Tigers open the season at Clemson in Week 1, a marquee test for Nussmeier’s Heisman campaign.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
