SEC Network Analyst Shocks College Football World With Bold 2025 Heisman Trophy Pick That Defies All Expert Predictions and Expectations
Every college football season begins with the usual suspects leading the Heisman Trophy conversation—blue-chip quarterbacks from blue-blood programs, flashy playmakers in high-octane offenses, or seasoned veterans with proven production. But in a surprising turn that’s taken the college football landscape by storm, one SEC Network analyst has thrown conventional wisdom out the window by making what many are calling the boldest Heisman Trophy pick of the 2025 preseason. Instead of rolling with names like Quinn Ewers, Carson Beck, or Nico Iamaleava, this analyst has staked his claim on a rising star that few outside his program saw coming.
During a recent SEC Now broadcast, former SEC quarterback and current analyst Jordan Rodgers stunned his co-hosts and viewers when he picked Mississippi State sophomore quarterback Mike Wright as his 2025 Heisman winner. The segment, which initially began with a routine breakdown of returning SEC talent, quickly turned into a viral moment as Rodgers made the case for a player few had even considered as a dark horse—let alone a favorite.
“This isn’t about hype or recruiting stars,” Rodgers said on air. “This is about trajectory. It’s about situation, leadership, and a system that’s about to explode. I’ve watched the tape. I’ve talked to the coaches. Mike Wright has the tools, the intelligence, and now—finally—the right platform to shock the world. He’s going to put up monster numbers, and if Mississippi State wins nine or ten games, he’ll be in New York.”
To say that the reaction was swift would be an understatement. Social media platforms lit up with both skepticism and intrigue. Some fans scoffed at the pick, citing Mississippi State’s rebuild under new head coach Jeff Lebby and Wright’s modest production so far in his career. Others applauded Rodgers for going against the grain and giving long-overlooked players a platform to shine.
Wright, a dual-threat quarterback who transferred from Vanderbilt in 2023, spent most of last season rotating behind Will Rogers and then trying to find his place in a transitioning offense. While his numbers were far from eye-popping—throwing for just over 1,000 yards and rushing for 450 more—his flashes of explosiveness and leadership were enough to keep him in the conversation internally. But no one, not even in Starkville, had pegged him as a serious Heisman contender. Until now.
What makes Rodgers’ prediction so fascinating isn’t just its shock value—it’s the argument he laid out. According to Rodgers, the key lies in the offensive system being installed at Mississippi State. Jeff Lebby, who previously served as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma and Ole Miss, is known for his up-tempo, quarterback-friendly schemes that regularly produce gaudy stats. Under Lebby, Dillon Gabriel became a household name. Before him, Matt Corral posted one of the most efficient seasons in SEC history. Rodgers believes Wright is the next quarterback to thrive under Lebby’s aggressive spread concepts.
“People are sleeping on how much this scheme is going to open things up for Mike,” Rodgers said. “He’s fast—really fast. But he’s also improved as a passer, and that’s the part nobody’s talking about. You give him space, you give him tempo, and you let him be decisive—he’s going to put up video game numbers.”
Statistically speaking, Rodgers might not be far off. Lebby’s offenses have averaged over 500 yards per game in multiple stops. If Wright can stay healthy and take command of the offense early, Mississippi State could find itself in shootouts weekly, with Wright racking up the kind of production that grabs national attention. And in a year where no clear-cut Heisman frontrunner has emerged, that could be enough to push an outsider into the spotlight.
But Rodgers’ pick isn’t just based on scheme or stats. He also pointed to Wright’s intangible qualities—his maturity, his work ethic, and his presence in the locker room. According to sources close to the program, Wright has taken on a leadership role this offseason, organizing workouts, leading film study, and earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. In a sport where narratives often matter as much as numbers, Wright’s story could resonate with Heisman voters.
Still, the skepticism remains—and not without reason. Mississippi State hasn’t had a Heisman finalist since Dak Prescott’s near-miss in 2014, and the Bulldogs are widely expected to finish in the bottom half of the SEC West. Their schedule is brutal, featuring road trips to LSU, Georgia, and Texas, and even their home slate includes matchups against Alabama and Texas A&M. For Wright to seriously contend, he’ll not only need to put up stats but also lead his team to several high-profile wins.
Rodgers isn’t deterred. “That’s what makes this pick bold,” he said. “The road is tough, but that’s how Heisman moments are made. If Wright leads an upset in Baton Rouge, or throws for 400 yards in Athens, people will start to believe. He’s got that kind of ceiling.”
Interestingly, Wright himself responded to the buzz on social media with a brief but confident post: a simple “Stay tuned…” accompanied by a highlight clip of a long touchdown run from last season. Whether it was tongue-in-cheek or a sign of real belief, the message was clear—he’s aware of the moment, and he’s not shying away from it.
Within the Mississippi State program, coaches have expressed cautious optimism. Offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley, who joined Lebby’s staff this offseason, noted that Wright has made tremendous strides during spring camp. “He’s processing faster, throwing with more anticipation, and making good decisions,” Finley said. “We’re going to put him in a position to succeed, and he’s attacking every rep like it matters. That’s what you want in your quarterback.”
Rodgers’ pick has also prompted conversation around how Heisman narratives are shaped. Too often, preseason favorites are selected based on brand, media visibility, and recruiting pedigree. Players like Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, and C.J. Stroud all entered their breakout seasons with significant fanfare. Wright, in contrast, is a former backup turned transfer, playing for a middle-tier SEC program. His emergence would represent a seismic shift in how Heisman candidacies are built.
That idea—of an underdog breaking through—is part of what makes Rodgers’ pick so compelling. In a sport often ruled by predictable powerhouses, the possibility of a surprise adds intrigue. It invites fans to watch more closely, to invest in storylines outside the top five rankings, and to imagine a season where the spotlight shines in unexpected places.
Not everyone is convinced. Some analysts have called the pick irresponsible or a ratings stunt. Others have suggested that it’s a clever way to generate attention during the slow summer months. But Rodgers, to his credit, hasn’t walked it back. If anything, he’s doubled down, posting breakdowns of Wright’s spring performance and pointing out comparable Heisman seasons from quarterbacks with similar profiles—like Lamar Jackson in 2016 or Robert Griffin III in 2011. Both were electric dual-threats playing for programs outside the traditional elite, and both went on to win the Heisman after entering the season with long odds.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the usual suspects—but now, a few more will be watching Starkville. If Mike Wright delivers on even a portion of the promise that Rodgers sees, it could be one of the most memorable Heisman races in recent history. And if he falters, well, the boldness of the pick will still have served its purpose: igniting debate, expanding the conversation, and reminding fans that anything is possible in college football.
At its core, that’s what makes the Heisman Trophy special. It’s not just a reflection of talent, but of moments—defining, unforgettable moments that capture the imagination of the sport. Whether Mike Wright can create those moments remains to be seen. But thanks to one analyst’s conviction and willingness to go against the grain, the door is now open for a season full of surprises. And that, in itself, is worth watching.
