2026 Heisman Trophy Race Set to Make History
As we look ahead to the 2026 Heisman Trophy race, excitement is already building. In just ten months, college football fans will be preparing to celebrate a new winner. The last award was claimed by Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who emerged as a surprise victor following a turbulent season filled with high expectations and unexpected challenges.
Historic Heisman Trophy Race in 2026
The 2026 crop of players is shaping up to be remarkable, featuring both quantity and quality. According to recent odds from FanDuel, ten teams hold national title odds better than +1800. This list notably excludes prominent programs like Alabama, Oklahoma, USC, and Michigan, all of which won at least nine games last season and have strong recruitment momentum heading into 2026.
Potential Candidates for the Heisman Trophy
Several players are already positioned as leading candidates for the prestigious award:
- CJ Carr (Notre Dame): Ranked fifth in FBS passing efficiency last season, Carr faces a bigger challenge with his top running backs now in the NFL.
- Arch Manning (Texas): Regarded as a standout player despite last season’s struggles, he has reinforcements this year in star receiver Cam Coleman and top tailback Hollywood Smothers.
- Julian Sayin (Ohio State): A returning finalist, Sayin led the nation in completion percentage, making him a strong contender.
- Dante Moore (Oregon), Gunner Stockton (Georgia), Jayden Maiava (USC), John Mateer (Oklahoma), and Bryce Underwood (Michigan): All are returning quarterbacks with name recognition and chances at a title run.
Additionally, new starters stepping into significant roles could redefine the competition:
- Josh Hoover (Indiana): Expected to fill Mendoza’s shoes.
- Darian Mensah (Miami): Another player to watch in the race.
- Sam Leavitt (LSU): Lane Kiffin’s latest quarterback talent.
- Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech): A high-profile new addition.
Non-Quarterbacks to Watch
While quarterbacks often dominate Heisman conversations, several non-quarterbacks are equally capable of joining the race:
- Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State): Possibly the best offensive player entering his third year.
- Bo Jackson (Ohio State): A promising tailback who could gather votes.
- Malachi Toney (Miami): Showcased his dynamic skills during the playoffs and is poised for a breakout season.
- Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss): The leading tailback in the SEC, returning for another season.
The Road Ahead
The path to the 2026 Heisman Trophy is filled with uncertainty. As we anticipate the upcoming season, injuries and performance fluctuations could shift these hopeful narratives. However, with such a deep roster of talent, the lead-up to December promises to be exhilarating.
As the season progresses, it will become increasingly challenging to identify the frontrunner. The countdown to the 2026 Heisman Trophy race is underway, and fans are eager to see how these players perform. Expect a thrilling competition as we inch closer to crowning the next Heisman winner.
