Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 college football season is expected to feature several talented players vying for the Heisman Trophy.
- Two Ohio State players, Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin, are among the top contenders for the award.
- Other notable players to watch include Trinidad Chambliss, Arch Manning, Malachi Toney, Josh Hoover, and Dante Moore.
- Several honorable mentions, including Sam Leavitt, CJ Carr, and Gunner Stockton, are also expected to make a strong case for the Heisman Trophy.
- The quarterback position is well-represented among the top contenders, with several returning starters and highly-touted newcomers.
Introduction to the 2026 Heisman Trophy Contenders
The 2025 college football season has come to a close, and attention is already turning to the 2026 season. One of the most highly anticipated aspects of the upcoming season is the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. With the help of Vegas odds and expert analysis, fans can start to get a sense of which players might be favored to take home the bronze statue. USA TODAY’s Austin Cartright has already identified seven players to watch, including two from Ohio State, who could potentially win the Heisman Trophy in 2026.
Ohio State’s Heisman Hopes
The last Ohio State player to win the Heisman Trophy was Troy Smith, but the team has had several finalists in recent years. This year, Cartright has identified two Ohio State players, receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, as potential contenders for the award. While it is difficult for a wide receiver to win the Heisman, Smith is considered one of the best players in college football. However, Sayin, as a returning starter with more experience in the Ohio State system, may have a better shot at taking home the trophy.
Other Top Contenders
In addition to the two Ohio State players, Cartright has identified several other top contenders for the Heisman Trophy. These include Trinidad Chambliss, quarterback for Ole Miss; Arch Manning, quarterback for Texas; Malachi Toney, wide receiver for Miami (FL); Josh Hoover, quarterback for TCU; and Dante Moore, quarterback for Oregon. These players, along with Smith and Sayin, make up the top seven contenders for the award, although it’s worth noting that the list is in no particular order.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to the top seven contenders, Cartright has also highlighted several honorable mentions who could make a strong case for the Heisman Trophy. These players include Sam Leavitt, quarterback for LSU; CJ Carr, quarterback for Notre Dame; Gunner Stockton, quarterback for Georgia; Ahmad Hardy, running back for Missouri; Marcel Reed, quarterback for Texas A&M; Drew Mestemaker, quarterback for Oklahoma State; Brendan Sorsby, quarterback for Texas Tech; John Mateer, quarterback for Oklahoma; Darian Mensah, quarterback for TBA; Austin Mack, quarterback for Alabama; and Keelon Russell, quarterback for Alabama. These players may not be as highly touted as the top seven contenders, but they have the potential to make a significant impact in the 2026 season.
The Road to the Heisman Trophy
The road to the Heisman Trophy is long and challenging, with many talented players vying for the award. The quarterback position is well-represented among the top contenders, with several returning starters and highly-touted newcomers. As the 2026 season approaches, fans will be keeping a close eye on these players, watching to see who will emerge as the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. With the help of expert analysis and Vegas odds, fans can stay up-to-date on the latest developments and make their own predictions about who will take home the award. As the season gets underway, it will be exciting to see which players rise to the top and make a strong case for the Heisman Trophy.
