The early contenders for the 2026 Heisman Trophy are emerging, with several college football stars in the mix. Three of the four Heisman finalists are off to the NFL, including the winner and No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr is the early favourite at +750. Texas quarterback Arch Manning is close behind at +800.
Manning’s Heisman Hopes
Manning is expected to be a betting favourite heading into the season. This follows a strong finish to 2025, with Texas expected to contend for the national championship.
Other Potential Candidates
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith should again feature in one of the best offences. The loss of Carnell Tate to the NFL could increase the number of passes coming Smith’s way.
Quarterback Julian Sayin, also at Ohio State, has slightly better odds than Smith in May after finishing as a finalist last year.
Carr’s Chances at Notre Dame
Carr threw eight touchdowns to zero interceptions in the home stretch of the 2025 season, excluding a two-interception performance against Pitt. If Carr can replicate that production from the start of the year, he has a chance to rank as the nation’s best quarterback.
Carr could potentially lead the undefeated No. 1 seed.
Dark Horses for the Award
Michigan wide receiver Semar Moore completed nearly 72% of his passes. Moore would have likely been the No. 2 overall pick had he entered the draft last year.
Moore opted to try and build on his sensational sophomore year and will have one of the nation’s top receiving corps with Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart back on campus.
Georgia’s Cash Stockton threw 24 touchdowns to five interceptions during an SEC championship season. Stockton also delivered 462 yards on the ground with 10 scores.
The Receiver in the Mix
Oregon wide receiver Ja’Corey Becker led the Big Ten with 20 yards per reception despite only an 11% target share. Transfer quarterback Josh Hoover and fellow wide receiver Nick Marsh will have plenty to say.
With more targets on the way, Becker could easily rank among the most productive receivers in the nation for another national contender. Does Hoover have a pathway to replicating Mendoza’s brilliance?
- CJ Carr is the modest favourite at +750
- Arch Manning is close behind at +800.
- Nine players overall have +1900 odds or better
Many of college football’s brightest stars are back in 2026, which sets up a strong Heisman Trophy race.