The 2026 college football season could be one of the most thrilling in recent memory, especially when it comes to the Heisman Trophy race. There’s a wild mix of candidates—each with their own story and style—so it’s tough to pick a clear favorite.
From veteran quarterbacks to explosive wideouts, the field feels wide open. Let’s take a look at the top 10 Heisman Trophy contenders for 2026 and what makes each of them so intriguing.
Arch Manning: The Comeback Kid
Arch Manning’s journey has been, well, a bit of a rollercoaster. Last season was rough—his team fell hard and missed the playoff conversation entirely.
Now he’s back, and honestly, he looks fired up. With a stronger offensive line and some shiny new weapons from the portal, Manning has the pieces he needs for a big year.
He’s got another offseason under his belt, which never hurts. If he puts it all together, Manning’s Heisman case could get loud in a hurry.
Advantages of Playing in South Bend
Quarterbacking for Notre Dame always comes with perks—national TV, that golden helmet, and plenty of eyeballs. That stuff matters more than folks admit.
Last year, the Irish played it safe on offense, running the ball a ton. This time, Manning’s expected to carry more of the load and maybe push Notre Dame back toward the playoff mix.
CJ Carr: The Irish Hope
CJ Carr, also at Notre Dame, is set for a leap forward. He was the fifth-most efficient passer in 2025, which is no small feat.
With more passing attempts coming his way, Carr could put up numbers that turn heads. If he does, he’ll boost the Irish’s playoff chances, too.
National Exposure and Offensive Evolution
Like Manning, Carr gets the Notre Dame spotlight. This year, the offense will lean harder on his arm, so he’ll have plenty of chances to show what he can do.
Dante Moore: The Oregon Trailblazer
Dante Moore could’ve gone pro as a high draft pick, but he chose to stay at Oregon. That says something about his mindset.
The Ducks’ schedule is packed with big matchups, so Moore will have the stage to make his case. If he can steer Oregon toward a title run, his Heisman odds jump way up.
Big-Game Opportunities
Moore’s got lots of chances to shine in primetime. How he handles those moments will pretty much define his Heisman campaign.
Marvin Harrison Jr.: The Unstoppable Receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a force since his first snap. He battled injuries last year, but when he’s on, defenders just can’t keep up.
If he stays healthy, Harrison could lead the country in yards and touchdowns. There’s a real shot he follows DeVonta Smith’s path and brings home the Heisman as a receiver.
Overcoming Injuries
Staying on the field is the big question. If he does, his highlight plays alone might keep him in the mix all season.
Jaden Leavitt: The Transfer Sensation
Jaden Leavitt’s move to a powerhouse program has people talking. He led Arizona State to the playoff last year, and now he’s got even better talent around him.
With Lane Kiffin calling plays, Leavitt’s ceiling only goes higher. If he stays healthy, don’t be surprised if he’s in New York come December.
Lane Kiffin’s QB Magic
Kiffin’s got a knack for getting the best out of his quarterbacks. With the right scheme, Leavitt could power his new team into the playoff picture again.
Connor Sorsby: The Lubbock Savior
Connor Sorsby had the NFL on the table but stuck around for another college season. Now he’s at Texas Tech, and folks in Lubbock are buzzing.
He’s a true dual-threat, which makes him a headache for defenses. Sorsby’s got the tools to light up the scoreboard and maybe make some Heisman noise.
Reviving the Red Raiders
Sorsby’s experience gives Texas Tech a real shot at turning things around. If he’s consistent, he’ll stay in the Heisman conversation.
Julian Sayin: The Buckeye’s Precision
Julian Sayin at Ohio State is chasing another Heisman finalist nod. He’s known for his accuracy, and now he’ll work with a new offensive coordinator who really trusts him.
Ohio State’s schedule is brutal, so Sayin will have to deliver in the biggest games. If he does, voters will notice.
Thriving Under Pressure
Sayin’s got to show up when it matters most. Big wins against tough opponents could lock in his Heisman candidacy.
Brock Vandagriff: The Georgia Enigma
Brock Vandagriff has led Georgia to two straight SEC titles, yet somehow he’s still flying under the radar. His stats—24 touchdowns to just 5 picks, nearly 70% completions—are hard to ignore.
With another year, there’s a sense he could take things up a notch. Maybe this is the season he finally gets the recognition.
Proving the Doubters Wrong
Vandagriff’s got a knack for coming through in the clutch. If he does it again, he’ll be tough to leave off the ballot.
Jackson Mateer: The Sooner Sensation
Jackson Mateer was trending toward Heisman favorite status before injuries got in the way. Oklahoma’s bringing back a strong squad, so Mateer’s got a chance to reclaim that hype.
He’s a highlight machine when healthy. The Sooners will need him at his best if they want to chase big goals.
Heisman History in Norman
Oklahoma’s got a deep Heisman tradition. If Mateer leads them to some statement wins, maybe he joins that legendary list.
Jayden Maiava: The Lincoln Riley Effect
Lincoln Riley just knows how to coach Heisman quarterbacks. Jayden Maiava, a transfer with all the physical tools, could be Riley’s next big project.
He’s got the arm, the accuracy, and now the system. If things click, Maiava could be the breakout name everyone’s talking about by midseason.
Rebuilding the Offense
Maiava needs to find new weapons now that key receivers are gone.
With Riley’s offensive creativity, though, Maiava could still lead his team to big things. Maybe even a Heisman run—who knows?
For more detailed insights and analysis, check out the full list of candidates on Sports Illustrated.
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