Heisman Trophy Contenders 2026: Way-Too-Early Predictions (2026)

Get ready for an exciting journey as we dive into the world of college football and the prestigious Heisman Trophy! 🏈

The Heisman Hunt: Unveiling the Early Favorites for 2026

It's never too early to start predicting the future, especially when it comes to the iconic Heisman Trophy. As we eagerly await the 2026 college football season, let's explore the potential contenders who might just etch their names into history.

But here's where it gets controversial... Can a defensive player claim the Heisman again? Travis Hunter's win in 2024 opened a new chapter, but will we see another defensive star rise to the occasion?

Let's break it down, starting with the defenders who could make history:

Defense:

• Leonard Moore, Cornerback, Notre Dame: Moore has been a standout since his freshman year, and with two new starting-level corners by his side, he might just have the opportunity to shine even brighter. His game-changing plays could propel him into Heisman contention.

Now, let's head to the trenches and meet the edge defenders who are ready to make a statement:

• Colin Simmons, Texas: With a 12-sack season under his belt, Simmons is a force to be reckoned with. He's even being considered as a potential top pick in the 2027 NFL draft!
• Dylan Stewart, South Carolina: Stewart's name is already in the mix for both the top draft pick and the Heisman. While he hasn't matched Simmons' early career production, he's certainly one to watch.
• Damon Wilson II, Miami: Wilson's journey has taken him to his third school in three years, but his talent is undeniable. After a solid performance at Missouri with nine sacks, he's now part of a defensive system that has produced NFL draft picks. Could this be Wilson's breakout year?

Next, we shift our focus to the offensive skill positions, where some elite players are ready to challenge the quarterbacks' dominance over the Heisman:

Offensive Skill Positions:

• Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: Smith, the best player in college football for 2026, finished sixth in Heisman voting last year. His exceptional talent has been on display since his freshman year, and 2026 is set to be another stellar season.
• Malachi Toney, Wide Receiver, Miami: Toney's rookie campaign was impressive, and he's poised to be the top target in the Hurricane offense. With his skills, he could have a breakout year and join the Heisman race.
• Bo Jackson, Running Back, Ohio State: Jackson's Heisman buzz might be overshadowed by his talented teammates, but his skills are undeniable.
• Ahmad Hardy, Running Back, Missouri: Hardy was a top-five Heisman candidate at the midseason mark last season, and he's sure to be a force as the season progresses.
• Kewan Lacy, Running Back, Mississippi: Lacy played a pivotal role in the Rebels' CFP semifinal run, and he's expected to open as a Preseason First-Team All-SEC running back, possibly even All-American.
• LJ Martin, Running Back, BYU: Martin rushed for an impressive 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. If he continues his momentum and helps BYU secure a CFP nod, he'll be a Heisman contender.
• Issac Brown, Running Back, Louisville: Brown might have had a disappointing season, but he showed promise as a freshman with 11 rushing touchdowns. With Louisville contending for an ACC title, he could make a comeback.

And now, we arrive at the heart of the matter - the quarterbacks! No Heisman list is complete without these game-changers:

The Quarterbacks:

• Transfers:

  • Josh Hoover, Indiana: Hoover, a former TCU transfer, finished second in the Big 12 in passing yards. Could he follow in Mendoza's footsteps and win the Heisman?
  • Sam Leavitt, LSU: Leavitt, a former Arizona State transfer, is one of the top available quarterbacks in the portal. Can he replicate Jayden Daniels' success and win the Heisman in the bayou?
  • Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State: Mestemaker led the FBS in passing yards, and with a potential turnaround at Oklahoma State, his name could be in Heisman talks.
  • Rocco Becht, Penn State: Becht followed his coach from Iowa State, and as the signal-caller, he could be the key to turning around the Nittany Lions.
  • Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech: Sorsby, who transferred from Cincinnati, could be in Heisman discussions if the Red Raiders continue their CFP-contending form.

• Wildcards:

  • LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina: Sellers was a favorite last year but had a disappointing season. With a new offensive coordinator, he might just live up to the hype and return to Heisman talks.
  • Connor Weigman, Houston: Weigman had a solid year last season, and with his talent as a former five-star recruit, he could lead Houston to Big 12 contention and rise in Heisman talks.
  • Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss: Chambliss could be a top Heisman candidate if he gets another year of eligibility.
  • Joey Aguilar, Tennessee: Aguilar is another wildcard with the potential to shine.
  • Darian Mensah, Duke: Mensah led the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship win, and even at Duke, he's a Heisman dark horse.

• Unknowns:

  • Redshirt Freshmen: Remember Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston? Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin finished fourth in voting last year, proving that unknowns can surprise.
  • True Freshmen: Five-star quarterbacks Jared Curtis (Vanderbilt) and Faizon Brandon (Tennessee) could be day one starters in the SEC and potential Heisman candidates.
  • SEC Recruits: Deuce Knight (Mississippi) and Matt Zollers (Missouri) are two 2025 recruits who could have breakout campaigns.
  • Alabama's Next QB: With Ty Simpson's departure, Alabama has an opening at quarterback. Will it be Austin Mack, Keelan Russell, or Jett Thomalla? The Alabama starter is always in Heisman conversations.

• Sophomores:

  • CJ Carr, Notre Dame: Carr had the Fighting Irish on the CFP fringe, and with a reloaded receiver room, he's set to take the next step.
  • Bear Bachimier, BYU: Bachimier's grit and talent could lead BYU into Big 12 contention again, and more touchdowns might just boost his Heisman chances.
  • Bryce Underwood, Michigan: Underwood showed potential as a freshman, and with a new head coach, he could become a Heisman contender.
  • Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal: Sagapolutele is another freshman with the potential to rise in Heisman talks.

• Returnees:

  • John Mateer, Oklahoma: Mateer was the Heisman favorite before his injury, and now he's back and healthy, ready to reclaim his spot.
  • Marcel Reed, Texas A&M: Reed is a dynamic quarterback with a dual-threat ability that could catch the eyes of Heisman voters.
  • Jayden Maiava, USC: Maiava, under Lincoln Riley, could be Riley's fourth Heisman winner.
  • Demond Williams Jr., Washington: Williams passed for over 3,000 yards last year and could surprise out of the Big Ten.

And finally, the top contenders at the quarterback position:

Top Heisman Contenders:

• Julian Sayin, Ohio State: Sayin, a returning finalist, finished fourth in voting last year. With a talented Ohio State offense, he's the top Heisman contender entering 2025.
• Dante Moore, Oregon: Moore chose to return to Oregon over the NFL draft, and with 30 touchdowns last year, he's set to be a Heisman contender for a strong Oregon team.
• Arch Manning, Texas: The Manning hype might've been premature, but with a strong finish last year, Manning could lead Texas to the top of college football. His ability to create plays could impress Heisman voters.
• Gunner Stockton, Georgia: Stockton finished seventh in Heisman voting last year and will lead a Georgia team expected to contend for an SEC title. Winning is always a plus on a quarterback's resume.

So, who do you think will take home the Heisman Trophy in 2026? Will it be one of these early favorites, or will an unexpected contender rise to the top? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions! 🏆