RJ Young, the renowned FOX Sports National College Football Analyst, has brought to light an exciting chapter in college football history. Colorado's two-way standout Travis Hunter emerged victorious in the 2024 Heisman Trophy race on Saturday night. This remarkable achievement made him the first non-quarterback to win the award since 2020 and just the fifth non-quarterback in the 21st century to claim this prestigious title. Hunter beat out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, and Miami (Fla.) QB Cam Ward. All four finalists are expected to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, setting the stage for a new crop of contenders next year.

Unraveling the Future of the Heisman Trophy

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Just like Travis Hunter, Jeremiah Smith was a top-ranked high school prospect and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation. In just one year of college, he has become one of the nation's best wideouts. After totaling 57 catches for 954 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns for the No. 6-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, he was named a first-team All-American by USA TODAY. With Emeka Egbuka leaving for the NFL Draft, Smith will now lead Brian Hartline's wide receiver room. He has the potential to continue a tradition of producing first-round picks at the position, similar to Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, and Chris Olave. However, he will need to trust Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to develop a quarterback, likely Julian Sayin, who can provide him with ample opportunities to make plays. With good quarterback play, Smith will surely continue his assault on OSU's receiving records and may even leave the school as the best wideout in program history.

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

This season, Arch Manning showed great promise, especially in relief of Quinn Ewers against UTSA and in starts against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State. His ability to move in the pocket and create positive plays was evident in his appearance against the Roadrunners, where he accounted for five total touchdowns, including two passing TDs of 50-plus yards and a 67-yard rushing score. As a former No. 1 overall recruit and five-star prospect, Manning will have one of the best returning wide receiver corps in the sport, led by freshman phenom Ryan Wingo. He will also be guided by one of the most creative offensive minds in the sport, Steve Sarkisian, who will devise ways for Manning to beat opponents with his arm and legs. Manning and the Longhorns will face off against Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, which is expected to be one of the most anticipated games of the season.

Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama

Ryan Williams, who will turn 18 in February, was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team after finishing second among Tide players with 45 catches for 857 yards and eight touchdowns this season. His eight TD receptions ranked second in the SEC. His best game came on the biggest stage against then-No. 2 Georgia, where he caught six passes for 177 yards and a touchdown in Alabama's memorable 41-34 win over the Bulldogs. He is considered the best wideout the Tide have had since Jameson Williams and has the potential to leave Bama as its most decorated WR since DeVonta Smith, who won the Heisman in 2020 while leading Alabama to its sixth national title since 2009. With Jalen Milroe expected to enter the NFL Draft, the only question remains whether the quarterback play will be sufficient for Williams to showcase his prodigious prowess next year.

Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan

Bryce Underwood's late switch from LSU to Michigan gives hope that he will be the answer Michigan has been desperately seeking at quarterback. His athletic ability at the position will allow the Wolverines' offense to open up in 2025. The hiring of Chip Lindsey as the team's offensive coordinator is also a significant boost. Lindsey's offenses have averaged at least 30 points per game in nine out of the last 12 years. New England Patriots QB Drake Maye averaged 300.7 passing yards per game and was responsible for 33 TDs in 2023 with Lindsey calling the plays at North Carolina. As the 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year, Underwood passed for 3,165 yards, accounted for 47 touchdowns, and threw just two interceptions as a senior at Belleville High School. If he can live up to the expectations, Michigan should be a strong contender for the Big Ten title and reestablish itself as one of the premier programs in college football. We will get to see just how good he might be when the Wolverines travel to Norman, Oklahoma, to play the Sooners on Sept. 6.RJ Young is a national college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports and the host of the podcast “The Number One College Football Show.” Follow him on Twitter at @RJ_Young and subscribe to “The RJ Young Show” on YouTube.[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experienceCollege Football