Hold onto your helmets, college football fans, because the Heisman Trophy race is about to get even more thrilling! The 2025 Heisman Trophy was claimed by Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, marking the second consecutive year that the award went to a player from a non-traditional power conference. Could this trend continue in 2026? ESPN thinks so, and they’ve already released their Way-Too-Early list of contenders. But here’s where it gets controversial: some of these names might surprise you, and not everyone agrees on who’s truly in the running. Let’s dive into the list and explore the stories behind these potential stars.
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
Smith’s 2025 stats—80 catches for 1,086 yards and 12 touchdowns—might not have matched his phenomenal freshman season, but his impact was undeniable. Opposing defenses built their game plans around stopping him, yet he still delivered time and time again. Could he become one of Ohio State’s most prolific receivers ever? Many think so.
QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Sayin was a Heisman finalist in 2025, and with 3,323 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, he’s a safe bet to contend again. But here’s the part most people miss: Ohio State didn’t give him many Heisman ‘moments’ last season. Will that change in 2026? If the Buckeyes improve as expected, Sayin could be unstoppable.
QB Gunner Stockton, Georgia
Stockton’s 2025 campaign was solid, with 2,691 passing yards, 442 rushing yards, and 31 total touchdowns. But it’s his performance in big games that stands out. Against Ole Miss, he threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another. In the SEC Championship Game, he tossed three touchdowns without an interception. Elite? Absolutely. But can he sustain that level all season?
WR Malachi Toney, Miami
Toney burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2025, finishing with 84 catches for 970 yards and 8 touchdowns. Midway through the season, Miami started using him out of the backfield, making him nearly impossible to defend. If he continues to evolve, he could be one of the nation’s most versatile offensive threats.
QB Arch Manning, Texas
Manning started slow in 2025, throwing five interceptions in his first five games. But here’s where it gets interesting: he turned it around dramatically, throwing just two interceptions in his final seven games while racking up over 300 yards three times. Consistency will be key in 2026. Can he deliver?
QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss, the 2025 SEC Newcomer of the Year, is seeking an extra year of eligibility after transferring from Division II Ferris State. If he gets it, Ole Miss could have two Heisman contenders in their backfield. But is the NCAA likely to grant his waiver? That’s the million-dollar question.
RB Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
Hardy transferred from Louisiana-Monroe and immediately became one of the nation’s top running backs, rushing for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns. His 300-yard, three-touchdown game against Mississippi State showed his ceiling. But can he maintain that level of dominance?
QB Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
Reed led Texas A&M to the College Football Playoffs in 2025, passing for 2,932 yards and 31 total touchdowns. His turnovers are a concern, but if he cleans that up, he’s a legitimate Heisman contender. With coach Mike Elko at the helm, Reed has the platform to shine.
QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California
Sagapolutele was one of the best true freshmen in 2025, throwing for 3,117 yards and 20 touchdowns. He became just the second true freshman to pass for 200+ yards in each of his first 11 starts. New coach Tosh Lupoi is prioritizing keeping him, but will a new staff elevate or hinder his performance?
RB Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
Lacy, a Missouri transfer, rushed for 1,279 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025. If Chambliss gets his waiver, Ole Miss could have a dynamic backfield duo. But is that enough to keep the Lane Kiffin era alive?
QB Jayden Maiava, USC
Maiava passed for 3,431 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025, but USC’s lack of national attention hurt his Heisman chances. If USC contends for a title in 2026, Maiava could be a dark horse. His ability to thrive under pressure—26 big-time throws, according to PFF—makes him a player to watch.
RB Bo Jackson, Ohio State
Jackson’s name alone turns heads, but his performance backs it up. He rushed for 1,035 yards and 6 touchdowns as a true freshman, becoming just the fifth Ohio State freshman to eclipse 1,000 yards. With Ohio State’s offense potentially loaded in 2026, Jackson could be a breakout star.
QB Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
Mestemaker’s 4,129 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in 2025 were eye-popping, but North Texas’s conference title game loss likely kept him out of Heisman contention. His story—starting as a walk-on—is inspiring. Will he stay at North Texas or move on?
QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Carr threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first season as Notre Dame’s starter, nearly leading the Fighting Irish to the playoffs. His consistency—a touchdown pass in each of his first 12 starts—is impressive. But can he take the next step in 2026?
QB Demond Williams, Washington
Williams is a dual-threat quarterback with 2,850 passing yards, 595 rushing yards, and 27 total touchdowns in 2025. His style fits Washington’s offense perfectly, but his performance in big games needs improvement. Can he rise to the occasion?
And this is the part most people miss: With so many talented players from diverse programs, the 2026 Heisman race could be the most unpredictable in years. Who do you think will take home the trophy? Let the debate begin!
