The Heisman Trophy race is wide open entering 2026, but five players stand above the rest for me.
Here are my top five Heisman favorites entering the season:
1. Trinidad Chambliss — Ole Miss
After what Chambliss accomplished last season, he deserves to enter 2026 at the top.
Chambliss became a star during Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff run and proved he could deliver on the biggest stage. The biggest question will be whether he can maintain that production after major coaching changes in Oxford.
If Ole Miss remains a Playoff contender, Chambliss should remain near the front of the Heisman race all season.
2. Dante Moore — Oregon
Dante Moore could be the next Oregon quarterback to take over college football.
Moore threw for 3,565 yards last season and enters 2026 receiving serious national Heisman attention. If Oregon wins the Big Ten and Moore puts up huge numbers, he’ll have everything needed to win the award.
3. Darian Mensah — Miami
Mensah has a massive opportunity at Miami.
After transferring from Duke, Mensah joins a Hurricanes program with legitimate championship expectations. Quarterbacks on elite teams always receive Heisman attention, and Mensah has enough talent to become one of the biggest stars in the sport.
4. Jeremiah Smith — Ohio State
He might simply be the best player in college football.
Smith caught 87 passes for 1,243 yards last season and already has two dominant seasons at Ohio State. The problem is obvious: he’s a wide receiver competing against quarterbacks.
If Smith puts together a ridiculous statistical season and Ohio State competes for another national championship, voters might have no choice.
5. CJ Carr — Notre Dame
Don’t overlook CJ Carr.
Carr enters 2026 as one of the betting favorites for the award after leading Notre Dame’s offense last season. Another major year with the Fighting Irish in the national championship conversation could send him straight to New York.
There are plenty of other contenders, but these are my five entering the year.
Chambliss gets the top spot, but this might be one of the most wide-open Heisman races we’ve seen in years.
