The college football landscape just keeps evolving, and the Heisman Trophy— that prestigious award honoring the nation's top player—has been shaking things up lately. Imagine this: Back-to-back winners from programs outside the usual powerhouse conferences? It's a trend that's got fans buzzing and experts questioning the old norms. But here's where it gets controversial—could this pave the way for more underdogs in the future, or is it just a fluke? Stick around as we explore ESPN's bold early look at the 2026 contenders, breaking down who might be in the mix and why. (For newcomers, the Heisman is like the MVP of college football, voted on by media and coaches after polling players and coaches too.)
ESPN has put together an intriguing list of potential 2026 Heisman Trophy hopefuls to give fans a head start on the conversation. It's way too early, sure, but that's part of the fun—speculating about stars who could dominate next year. Let's unpack this roster, player by player, with their standout 2025 stats and what makes them tick.
First up is wide receiver Jeremiah Smith from the Ohio State Buckeyes. In 2025, he hauled in 80 receptions for 1,086 yards and notched 12 touchdowns total. Smith's numbers dipped a bit from his stellar freshman campaign, but his influence on the game was immense—he drew so much attention from defenses that opposing teams built entire strategies around stopping him. And this is the part most people miss: Despite that heavy focus, he kept delivering clutch plays. By the end of his Ohio State tenure, he might rank among the school's most legendary pass-catchers, a testament to his resilience and skill.
Next, we've got quarterback Julian Sayin, also from Ohio State. His 2025 line? 3,323 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. Sayin was a Heisman finalist last year, so he's a strong candidate to repeat that status in 2026. One thing that might have held him back in 2025 was the lack of those signature 'Heisman moments'—you know, the game-winning drives or comeback heroes we often see in award races. That said, it was his debut as a starter, and the Buckeyes look poised for an even stronger season with him back at the helm. Imagine the fireworks if he gets more opportunities to shine under the spotlight.
Then there's Gunner Stockton, the Georgia Bulldogs' signal-caller. He racked up 2,691 passing yards, 442 rushing yards, and 31 touchdowns in total during 2025. His performance had its ups and downs from week to week, but he really shone in the big games—which is exactly what Heisman voters love to see. Take his outing against Ole Miss: 289 passing yards and four touchdowns, plus rushing contributions. Or the SEC Championship clash with Alabama, where he dropped three scores without a pick. These are the kind of elite performances that could make Stockton a household name soon.
Wide receiver Malachi Toney from the Miami Hurricanes burst onto the scene in 2025 with 84 catches for 970 yards and 8 touchdowns. As a freshman, he started slow but hit his stride mid-season, becoming a national name by year's end. Miami's shift to using him out of the backfield made him even harder to defend, turning him into a versatile threat. Picture this: A guy who can line up anywhere and wreak havoc. He might just emerge as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons across college football next fall.
Quarterback Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns posted 2,942 passing yards and 32 touchdowns in 2025. He entered the year as a Heisman favorite but got off to a rocky start, tossing five interceptions in his first five games. Things flipped after that—in his last seven contests, only two picks, with three games over 300 yards and three others featuring at least three touchdown throws. Consistency will be his key to 2026 glory, and if he can maintain that, Texas could be unstoppable.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss's QB, delivered 3,016 passing yards and 24 touchdowns last season. Named SEC Newcomer of the Year, he's pursuing an NCAA waiver for an extra year of eligibility after three at Division II Ferris State before his transfer. He stepped in after an injury to Austin Simmons and didn't miss a beat, leading Ole Miss to success. This kind of story—overcoming obstacles and thriving—could resonate with voters.
Running back Ahmad Hardy, now with Missouri, exploded for 1,560 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025 after transferring from Louisiana-Monroe. He was among the nation's top rushers, maybe second only to Jeremiyah Love. His 300-yard, three-touchdown game against Mississippi State hints at his ceiling if everything clicks. Could a running back like Hardy crash the Heisman party? It's a hot debate among fans.
Quarterback Marcel Reed of Texas A&M had a massive 2025: 2,932 passing yards, 466 rushing yards, and 31 touchdowns. He propelled the Aggies to the College Football Playoffs after a nearly flawless regular season. Sure, reducing turnovers would help, but he's already one of the elite QBs out there. With coach Mike Elko building a winner, Reed has the stage to chase hardware like the Heisman.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California's QB, threw for 3,117 yards and 20 touchdowns as a true freshman in 2025. He was one of the best rookies in the country, becoming just the second true freshman to hit 200-plus yards in each of his first 11 starts—that's impressive! New coach Tosh Lupoi wants to keep him around, and a refreshed staff could supercharge California's offense for 2026.
Running back Kewan Lacy, transferred to Ole Miss from Missouri, gained 1,279 rushing yards and scored 20 touchdowns in 2025. He was dominant from the jump. If Chambliss gets his waiver, Ole Miss could boast two Heisman-caliber backs, setting up Lane Kiffin's legacy for continued brilliance.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava from USC amassed 3,431 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025. The Trojans didn't make waves nationally that year, which might have dimmed his spotlight, but watch out in 2026 if they're contending for a title. Maiava thrives in pressure, ranking second in big-time throws (26, per PFF). He's no stranger to tough situations.
Running back Bo Jackson, Ohio State's freshman, rushed for 1,035 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2025, joining an elite group as the fifth true freshman in school history to break 1,000 yards. With some roster questions looming, Ohio State still has the potential for a loaded offense, and Jackson is central to it—talk about living up to a legendary name!
Quarterback Drew Mestemaker of North Texas piled up 4,129 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in 2025. Purely by stats, he should have been in the Heisman chat, though missing the playoffs after a conference title game loss hurt his case. Few match his numbers or backstory—he started as a walk-on. Will he stay or chase greener pastures?
CJ Carr, Notre Dame's QB, passed for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025. After a fierce preseason battle, he shone as a rookie starter, nearly guiding the Fighting Irish to the playoffs with 10 straight wins. His consistency was key, including a touchdown pass in each of his first 12 starts—matching a feat from Everett Golson over a decade ago.
Finally, Demond Williams, Washington's dual-threat QB, totaled 2,850 passing yards, 595 rushing yards, and 27 touchdowns in 2025. He's among the best in his class, alongside stars like Haynes King or Marcel Reed, using his unique style to fit Washington's system. The challenge? Improving in losses, where his TD-to-INT ratio was 3-to-6. Big-game heroics will define his Heisman hopes.
There you have it—an early glimpse at the 2026 Heisman contenders. But here's where it gets really interesting: With so many quarterbacks dominating the list, does that mean the award is out of reach for skill players like receivers or running backs? Or could a year of parity shift things? What do you think—will a non-QB win it, or is this just a QB-centric sport? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below!
