Heisman Trophy Contenders 2026: Top Quarterbacks and Dark Horse Candidates

The 2026 Heisman Trophy race begins with Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, the only returning finalist from the 2025 ceremony. He is joined by established quarterbacks Arch Manning and Gunner Stockton, while Buckeyes receiver Jeremiah Smith represents the strongest non-quarterback candidate. No official Heisman finalist list exists before the season. The names below are preseason contenders based on confirmed roster status, previous performance and expected offensive roles.

The Heisman Trophy Trust will distribute ballots in December, with the winner scheduled to be announced on December 12.

Leading Heisman Trophy Contenders 2026

1. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7Sayin begins with the clearest résumé. He reached New York as a 2025 finalist and returns to lead an Ohio State offense filled with elite skill talent. His accuracy and efficiency were central to the Buckeyes’ success last season.

Playing with Smith and running back Bo Jackson should create both production and national exposure. The challenge is vote competition within his own offense. If Smith produces spectacular numbers, the two Buckeyes could divide support. Sayin will also be judged heavily in Ohio State’s major games, beginning with the road trip to Texas.

2.

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Manning entered 2025 under enormous expectations and did not remain at the front of the Heisman race. He still finished with 3,163 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores. His strongest performances came late in the year, when Texas defeated three ranked opponents in its final five regular-season games. Manning now has a full season of starting experience.

If he improves his consistency and leads Texas through the SEC schedule, he will have the statistics, team success and national attention required for a serious campaign.

3. Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia

Immediate success is possible, but adapting to a new system and higher expectations creates risk.

Sam Leavitt, LSU

Leavitt moved from Arizona State to LSU, where he will play for Lane Kiffin. The comparison with Jayden Daniels is unavoidable because Daniels also transferred from Arizona State before winning the Heisman at LSU. That history does not guarantee the same outcome, but Kiffin’s offense should create opportunities for Leavitt to produce as both a passer and runner.

Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

Reed’s dual-threat ability gives him a route into the race.

Rushing touchdowns often help quarterbacks create memorable statistical profiles, particularly in close conference games. Texas A&M must become a legitimate SEC contender for Reed to receive consistent national support.

Dark Horse Heisman Candidates

Josh Hoover, QB, Indiana

9Hoover replaces 2025 winner Fernando Mendoza at Indiana. That creates both an opportunity and a difficult comparison. Cignetti’s offense has produced two consecutive top-10 Heisman quarterbacks, including Mendoza’s victory.

If Hoover maintains Indiana’s championship-level performance, he could move from dark horse to leading candidate by October.

Jayden Maiava, QB, USC

Maiava returns with significant starting experience and access to a quarterback-friendly offensive system. USC’s national brand guarantees attention when the team wins. The Trojans must improve defensively so Maiava’s production contributes to a playoff campaign rather than a series of high- scoring losses.

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

Sellers has the physical tools to become one of the most dynamic players in the SEC. His combination of arm strength and rushing ability can create the type of signature performances that reshape an award race.

South Carolina’s difficult schedule also supplies opportunities for major wins.

Jeremiah Smith’s Non-Quarterback Competition

Smith is not the only non-quarterback who could emerge, but preseason certainty is limited. Running backs and defensive players generally need extraordinary production, a highly ranked team and several nationally remembered moments. Rather than inventing a long list before roles are confirmed, it is more accurate to monitor early- season usage. A running back receiving 20 or more touches per game on a playoff contender could enter the race quickly.

What Usually Determines the Winner?

Team success remains extremely important.

A player does not have to be on the No. 1 team, but finalists usually lead programs competing for conference titles and playoff places. Signature games also matter. Performances in Ohio State-Texas, Miami-Notre Dame, major SEC matchups and conference championship games will receive more attention than similar statistics against overmatched opponents. Finally, availability is essential.

Missing multiple games can end a campaign even when the player is highly productive.

Early Heisman Prediction

10Sayin is the most logical preseason leader because he combines a finalist résumé with an elite supporting cast. Manning and Stockton offer the clearest SEC challenges, while Smith has the talent to become the first wide receiver since DeVonta Smith to win. The most interesting dark horse is Hoover. Indiana’s recent quarterback success suggests that the role itself can produce national-award numbers, although replacing Mendoza will be an enormous task.

The race remains a projection until games begin. September results will eliminate some candidates and reveal several names that received little preseason attention. Sources: Heisman Trophy Trust, “Spring Ball is here … next wave of Heisman hopefuls.” Heisman Trophy Trust, 2025 Heisman Trophy top-10 voting results. Heisman Trophy Trust, 2026 balloting schedule and ceremony date.

NCAA.com, way-too-early 2026 Heisman Trophy contenders. NCAA.com, 2026 college football nonconference schedule. Stockton finished seventh in the 2025 Heisman voting and returns as Georgia’s established starter. He benefits from playing for a program expected to contend for both the SEC title and the College Football Playoff. Georgia’s defense should create favorable field position, while the offense can give Stockton opportunities in nationally televised games. His case will depend on whether Georgia asks him to produce elite numbers or simply manage a balanced roster.

Heisman voters usually reward quarterbacks who combine team success with memorable individual statistics.

4. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Smith may be the best individual player in college football, regardless of position. He finished sixth in the 2025 Heisman voting and returns as Sayin’s primary target. His combination of size, speed, body control and yards-after-catch ability makes him capable of producing a highlight in almost any game.

The obstacle is positional history. Quarterbacks have dominated recent voting, and a receiver usually needs exceptional production to win. Smith must also avoid losing statistical opportunities to Ohio State’s other talented receivers.

5. CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame

8Carr enters his second season as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback and is expected to carry more of the offense after the departure of running back Jeremiyah Love.

Notre Dame’s schedule provides major stages, including Miami and other nationally relevant opponents. Because the Irish do not play in a conference championship game, Carr must build a strong résumé during the regular season. An efficient season combined with a playoff berth would put him firmly in the conversation.

Other Quarterbacks to Watch

Dante Moore, Oregon

Moore returns for another season in Eugene after developing into an experienced Big Ten starter. Oregon’s system and surrounding talent give him a realistic path to major numbers.

The Ducks will also play several games with national implications. Moore must show that he can deliver in the most difficult conference matchups rather than only against weaker opponents.

Darian Mensah, Miami

Mensah transferred from Duke to Miami after producing 3,973 passing yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025. Miami has recently created productive environments for transfer quarterbacks, including Cam Ward and Carson Beck. Mensah now inherits a team that reached the national championship game.

Immediate success is possible, but adapting to a new system and higher expectations creates risk.

Sam Leavitt, LSU

Leavitt moved from Arizona State to LSU, where he will play for Lane Kiffin. The comparison with Jayden Daniels is unavoidable because Daniels also transferred from Arizona State before winning the Heisman at LSU. That history does not guarantee the same outcome, but Kiffin’s offense should create opportunities for Leavitt to produce as both a passer and runner.

Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

Reed’s dual-threat ability gives him a route into the race. Rushing touchdowns often help quarterbacks create memorable statistical profiles, particularly in close conference games.

Texas A&M must become a legitimate SEC contender for Reed to receive consistent national support.

Dark Horse Heisman Candidates

Josh Hoover, QB, Indiana

9Hoover replaces 2025 winner Fernando Mendoza at Indiana. That creates both an opportunity and a difficult comparison. Cignetti’s offense has produced two consecutive top-10 Heisman quarterbacks, including Mendoza’s victory. If Hoover maintains Indiana’s championship-level performance, he could move from dark horse to leading candidate by October.

Jayden Maiava, QB, USC

Maiava returns with significant starting experience and access to a quarterback-friendly offensive system.

USC’s national brand guarantees attention when the team wins. The Trojans must improve defensively so Maiava’s production contributes to a playoff campaign rather than a series of high- scoring losses.

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

Sellers has the physical tools to become one of the most dynamic players in the SEC. His combination of arm strength and rushing ability can create the type of signature performances that reshape an award race. South Carolina’s difficult schedule also supplies opportunities for major wins.

Jeremiah Smith’s Non-Quarterback Competition

Smith is not the only non-quarterback who could emerge, but preseason certainty is limited.

Running backs and defensive players generally need extraordinary production, a highly ranked team and several nationally remembered moments. Rather than inventing a long list before roles are confirmed, it is more accurate to monitor early- season usage. A running back receiving 20 or more touches per game on a playoff contender could enter the race quickly.

What Usually Determines the Winner?

Team success remains extremely important. A player does not have to be on the No. 1 team, but finalists usually lead programs competing for conference titles and playoff places.

Signature games also matter. Performances in Ohio State-Texas, Miami-Notre Dame, major SEC matchups and conference championship games will receive more attention than similar statistics against overmatched opponents. Finally, availability is essential. Missing multiple games can end a campaign even when the player is highly productive.

Early Heisman Prediction

10Sayin is the most logical preseason leader because he combines a finalist résumé with an elite supporting cast.

Manning and Stockton offer the clearest SEC challenges, while Smith has the talent to become the first wide receiver since DeVonta Smith to win. The most interesting dark horse is Hoover. Indiana’s recent quarterback success suggests that the role itself can produce national-award numbers, although replacing Mendoza will be an enormous task. The race remains a projection until games begin.

September results will eliminate some candidates and reveal several names that received little preseason attention. Sources: Heisman Trophy Trust, “Spring Ball is here … next wave of Heisman hopefuls.” Heisman Trophy Trust, 2025 Heisman Trophy top-10 voting results. Heisman Trophy Trust, 2026 balloting schedule and ceremony date. NCAA.com, way-too-early 2026 Heisman Trophy contenders.

NCAA.com, 2026 college football nonconference schedule.