Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Heisman Trophy race is wide open despite several 2025 finalists moving to the NFL; early betting favorites are Notre Dame QB CJ Carr (+750) and Texas QB Arch Manning (+800).
- Nine players carry odds of +1900 or better, indicating a deep field of potential contenders across multiple schools.
- Brandon Marcellio’s post‑spring top‑25 list features 15 Heisman candidates—slightly fewer quarterbacks than last year—showing increased diversity in position eligibility.
- While quarterbacks dominate the odds, standout receivers, running backs, and even a defensive lineman appear on the list, reflecting the possibility of a non‑QB winner.
- Several programs (e.g., Indiana, Ole Miss, Missouri) boast players with long‑shot odds but compelling narratives that could propel them into Heisman conversation if team success aligns with individual production.
The 2026 college football season brings back many of the sport’s brightest stars, setting the stage for a competitive Heisman Trophy battle. Although three of the four 2025 finalists—including winner Fernando Mendoza, who went No. 1 overall in the NFL draft—have departed for the professional ranks, the departure has not cleared the field; instead, it has created an opening for a new wave of contenders. Early odds from FanDuel position Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr as the modest favorite at +750, closely followed by Texas signal‑caller Arch Manning at +800. Nine additional players sit at +1900 or better, underscoring the depth of talent that could challenge for college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Using Brandon Marcellio’s post‑spring top‑25 ranking, the article identifies the most likely Heisman hopefuls for each of the 25 programs listed. The roster is noticeably less quarterback‑centric than in 2025, with only 15 signal‑callers appearing among the candidates. This shift opens the door for players at other positions to make a legitimate run, though quarterbacks still dominate the betting landscape.
Texas leads the conversation with Arch Manning, whose strong finish to the 2025 campaign and the Longhorns’ national‑title aspirations make him an easy pick for bettors. Ohio State features wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (+1300), touted as the best player in college football; the loss of running mate Carnell Tate to the NFL could increase his target share, while quarterback Julian Sayin also remains in the mix. Oregon’s Dante Moore (+1200), who opted to return for a senior year after a draft‑worthy sophomore season, benefits from a top‑tier receiving corps featuring Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart.
At Georgia, senior quarterback Gunner Stockton (+1600) is highlighted for his playmaking ability—24 touchdown passes, five interceptions, and notable rushing production—drawing comparisons to former Heisman‑caliber Stetson Bennett. Notre Dame’s CJ Carr (+750) finished the 2025 season hot, throwing eight touchdowns with zero interceptions in the final stretch; maintaining that efficiency from week one could propel him to the nation’s top quarterback and possibly lead the Irish to an undefeated season.
Other notable entries include Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker (+17500), a breakout talent who led the Big Ten in yards per reception despite a low target share, and Miami quarterback Darian Mensah (+1200), whose 3,973‑yard, 34‑touchdown season at Duke suggests he can instantly elevate the Hurricanes’ offense. Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed (+2700) entered the season as a Heisman contender before a rough finish; the addition of transfer receiver Isaiah Horton may help revive his prospects. LSU’s Sam Leavitt (+2000) steps into a revamped offense under first‑year coach Lane Kiffin, while Oklahoma’s John Mateer (+3500) aims to overcome a hand‑injury‑marred junior year with the return of key receivers and new additions.
The list also spotlights several running backs who could challenge the quarterback‑centric narrative. Texas Tech’s Cam Dickey (+22500) posted 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025 while sharing carries, positioning him for a larger role if the passing game lags. Tennessee’s DeSean Bishop (+30000) and BYU’s LJ Martin (+22500) both posted over 1,000 rushing yards last season and are expected to see increased workloads. Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy (+10000) is described as the nation’s best running back, having exploded for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns on modest carry volume; a modest offensive uplift could push him toward 2,000 yards and keep Heisman hopes alive.
A few non‑traditional candidates appear as well. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (+1100) regained eligibility after a legal battle and aims to build on a 4,000‑yard total‑output season that propelled the Rebels to the national semifinals. Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman‑Williams (+22500) seeks a bounce‑back season after a disappointing sophomore year, while Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (+3500) looks to thrive under new offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who has a history of maximizing dual‑threat passers. Washington’s Demond Williams (+5500) returns after a transfer‑portal flirtation and posted strong numbers in his first year as a full‑time starter.
Defensive representation is minimal but present: Clemson defensive lineman Will Heldt (unlisted odds) is noted for his pass‑rushing prowess and could become a first‑team All‑America candidate, potentially helping the Tigers return to contention. Several programs (Iowa, Florida, Utah, SMU) have players with either unlisted or long odds—such as Utah QB Devon Dampier (+8000) and SMU QB Kevin Jennings (+10000)—who stand out as the most plausible Heisman candidates on their respective rosters given the lack of stronger alternatives.
Overall, the 2026 Heisman landscape is characterized by a strong quarterback core led by Carr and Manning, but also by a deep pool of talent at receiver, running back, and even defensive line that could upset the traditional narrative. Early favorites will need to sustain high production while their teams contend for conference titles and playoff berths; meanwhile, numerous long‑shots possess the skill and situational upside to break into the New York conversation should circumstances align. The race remains fluid, promising an exciting battle for college football’s most prestigious individual honor as the season unfolds.