2026 Heisman Trophy: Top 10 Candidates & Predictions
The 2025 Heisman Trophy has been awarded to Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, but in college football, the conversation never stops. The race for the 2026 award is already wide open, featuring a mix of returning finalists, elite playmakers, and high-profile quarterbacks looking to fulfill their promise.
Based on expert analysis from ESPN, FOX Sports, and other major outlets, here are the top 10 candidates who will shape the 2026 Heisman Trophy race, complete with predictions for who might lift the famous stiff-arm trophy next December.
The Top 10 Contenders for the 2026 Heisman Trophy
To help you see the landscape at a glance, here is a summary of the leading contenders, their positions, schools, and why they're in the conversation.
Julian Sayin - QB, Ohio State
Key 2025 Stats: 3,323 passing yards, 31 TDs, 6 INTs, 78.4% completion
The Case: The only 2025 finalist returning in 2026. His historic completion percentage and high-powered offense make him the early favorite for many experts.
Jeremiah Smith - WR, Ohio State
Key 2025 Stats: 80 receptions, 1,086 yards, 12 total TDs
The Case: Widely considered the best pure talent in college football. Aims to become the first receiver to win since 2020 and has a strong chemistry with QB Julian Sayin.
Dante Moore - QB, Oregon
Key 2025 Stats: 2,733 passing yards, 24 TDs, 6 INTs (72.5% completion)
The Case: An elite, efficient passer on a top team. His candidacy depends on him returning for another college season instead of entering the NFL Draft, where he's projected as a top pick.
Arch Manning - QB, Texas
Key 2025 Stats: 2,942 passing yards, 32 total TDs
The Case: The preseason favorite in 2025 who finished strong. With a full year of starting experience, 2026 could be his true breakout year, and some high-profile voices are already predicting his victory.
Marcel Reed - QB, Texas A&M
Key 2025 Stats: 2,932 passing yards, 466 rushing yards, 31 total TDs
The Case: A dynamic dual-threat who was in the Heisman conversation for much of 2025. With key weapons returning, he's poised for another big season in the SEC.
Ahmad Hardy - RB, Missouri
Key 2025 Stats: 1,560 rushing yards, 16 TDs
The Case: Led the FBS in rushing yards per game and was arguably the nation's top running back. As a non-quarterback, he faces an uphill battle but has the stats to force his way into the conversation.
Demond Williams Jr. - QB, Washington
Key 2025 Stats: 2,850 passing yards, 595 rushing yards, 27 total TDs
The Case: An electric dual-threat quarterback who put up huge numbers in his first full season. With a favorable Big Ten schedule in 2026, he has a path to major exposure and "Heisman moments".
Jayden Maiava - QB, USC
Key 2025 Stats: 3,431 passing yards, 29 total TDs
The Case: A prolific passer in Lincoln Riley's offense who was among the national leaders in Total QBR. If USC is a top team, his numbers will make him a contender.
Gunner Stockton - QB, Georgia
Key 2025 Stats: 2,691 passing yards, 442 rushing yards, 31 total TDs
The Case: The quarterback for a perennial national championship contender. He excels in clutch moments and will have the platform of the SEC spotlight to state his case.
Malachi Toney - WR, Miami
Key 2025 Stats: 84 receptions, 970 yards, 7 TDs
The Case: A true freshman phenom in 2025 who was a dynamic all-purpose weapon. With a year of experience, he could explode onto the national stage as one of the sport's most exciting players.
Key Factors That Will Decide the 2026 Race
The winner will likely be decided by a few critical elements beyond just statistics:
Team Success:
The Heisman is almost always tied to a team in national title contention. A candidate's chances fade if their team loses more than one or two games.
The "Heisman Moment":
A defining, highlight-reel play in a major victory is often what cements a player's campaign in voters' minds. Big games against Ohio State, Texas, Oregon, and Michigan will provide these opportunities.
The NFL Draft Exodus:
This list assumes several eligible stars—like QBs Ty Simpson (Alabama) and John Mateer (Oklahoma)—will enter the 2026 NFL Draft. If any of them return, they would immediately jump into the top tier of contenders.
Dark Horse Candidates to Watch
Every year, a player emerges from outside the preseason spotlight. Keep an eye on these names:
Trinidad Chambliss (QB, Ole Miss): The ultimate underdog story, this former Division II transfer was the SEC Newcomer of the Year and could captivate voters.
CJ Carr (QB, Notre Dame): Had an impressive first year as a starter and will be the undisputed leader of the Fighting Irish offense in 2026.
Kewan Lacy (RB, Ole Miss): Scored 20 touchdowns in 2025. If he gets more carries and Ole Miss wins, he could crash the party.
Prediction:
Who Wins the 2026 Heisman Trophy?
This is set up to be a thrilling, multi-player race. The safe bet is on Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin. He has the stats, the talent around him, the platform of a top-tier program, and the motivation after just missing out in 2025.
However, the best player in the country might be his teammate, Jeremiah Smith. If Smith puts up video-game numbers and leads Ohio State to an undefeated season, he could overcome the quarterback bias and win the award.
The Final Verdict: The 2026 Heisman Trophy will be a battle within Ohio State's own huddle. While Julian Sayin enters as the slight favorite, don't be surprised if Jeremiah Smith's sheer dominance makes history and brings the trophy back to a wide receiver.
Privacy policy Contact Us. DISCLAIMER. ABOUT US.
0 Comments