The offseason is always a wild ride for college football fans. Speculating about potential Heisman Trophy candidates is half the fun.
Some players are obvious frontrunners. Others, though, come out of nowhere and surprise everyone with breakout seasons.
Looking ahead to 2026, there are a handful of longshots worth a closer look. Let’s dig into a few of these prospects and see what makes them so intriguing.
Rocco Becht: Penn State’s New Hope
Rocco Becht made some noise at Iowa State, even as the team struggled late in 2025. He kept the Cyclones in the mix when things could’ve easily gone off the rails.
Now, he’s landed at Penn State. Big move, new stage, and a fresh shot to boost his NFL Draft stock—all while Matt Campbell tries to flip Penn State’s fortunes in year one.
Big 10 Challenges and Opportunities
Penn State usually holds its own in the Big 10, except for those brutal matchups against Michigan and Ohio State. If that trend sticks, Becht should have chances to put up eye-catching numbers.
Those big performances? They could push his Heisman case forward. Definitely a player to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.
Kewan Lacy: Ole Miss’s Offensive Dynamo
If there’s a running back ready to shake up the Heisman race, it’s Kewan Lacy. Doesn’t seem to matter who’s calling the plays—Lacy is the engine for Ole Miss’s offense.
Sure, Ole Miss might not repeat their wild 2025, but Lacy’s numbers should still put him in the Heisman mix. He just has that kind of presence on the field.
Impact on Ole Miss’s Season
Lacy will be the guy Ole Miss leans on. Even if the team takes a step back, his stats alone could keep his name in the Heisman conversation.
Consistency is his secret weapon. If he keeps delivering, you’ll hear his name all year.
Nico Iamaleava: A Redemption Story
Nico Iamaleava’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster. He led Tennessee to their first College Football Playoff, then got caught up in NIL drama and a rocky start at UCLA.
But 2026? Maybe it’s his shot at redemption. He’s now working with Bob Chesney, the coach who took James Madison to their first CFP. That’s a fresh start if there ever was one.
The Chesney Effect
Chesney’s coaching style could be just what Iamaleava needs. If UCLA heats up, a lot of credit will go to Chesney for helping Iamaleava play to his potential.
Who knows? This could be the year Iamaleava becomes a real Heisman threat.
Cam Coleman: The Unsung Hero
Arch Manning draws most of the attention at quarterback, so Cam Coleman might not get much Heisman buzz—at least not right away. But if Manning locks onto Coleman as his go-to target, things could change fast.
After a bumpy start, Coleman’s betting on Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns offense to help him reset. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need.
Sarkisian’s Offensive Mastery
Sarkisian knows how to build a high-powered offense. Adding a playmaker like Coleman just makes things even more interesting.
If Coleman starts piling up numbers, don’t be shocked if his name pops up in Heisman talks.
Mark Fletcher Jr.: Miami’s Rising Star
Mark Fletcher Jr. made a splash during Miami’s run to the national championship game last season. Darian Mensah might grab some of the headlines, but Fletcher isn’t going away.
If Miami puts together another surprise playoff run, Fletcher’s contributions could put him squarely in the Heisman spotlight. Could be fun to watch how this shakes out.
Miami’s Dynamic Duo
Fletcher and Mensah could form a formidable duo for Miami this season. Their combined efforts might just spark another wild playoff run—honestly, that alone could put Fletcher right in the thick of the Heisman conversation.
Keep an eye on Miami. The team’s performance could have a real impact on Fletcher’s Heisman chances, for better or worse.
For more details and a deeper dive into other Heisman longshots, check out the full article on Heisman longshots poised to surge.
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