Heisman Trophy Projection 2026

The Heisman Trophy is perhaps the most storied and overrated award in sports because it is essentially a popularity contest. The Heisman Trophy is given to the best player in college football, even though it never goes to linemen and has hardly ever gone to a defensive player. If the Trophy truly went to the best player in college football, Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett would have won the award for their sophomore seasons. Other defensive players who deserved the award included players like Jonathan Allen, Ndamukong Suh, Joey Bosa, and more. Instead, the Heisman is really just a popularity contest focused on quarterbacks with an occasional surprise at another position.

Twelve years ago, we were correct when we predicted Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota would win the Trophy. Nine years ago, we predicted Baker Mayfield to win the Heisman, and he did, in fact, win the 2017 Heisman Trophy. Four years ago, in the preseason, we predicted USC quarterback Caleb Williams would win the Heisman, and he did. Three years ago, we selected Oregon’s Bo Nix, but he came up short to LSU’s Jayden Daniels. We had Daniels in the runner-up spot. Two years ago we had Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter as an Honorable Mention, but Hunter ended up winning the award.

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

In 2025, Sayin (6-1, 208) took over as the starting quarterback for Ohio State and had a great supporting cast with some elite receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate to help him hit the ground running as a starter. He completed 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Sayin looks on the smaller side, but he showed quality accuracy, ball security, field vision, and decision-making in his debut season. With Smith returning and other good receiving talent, Sayin should produce a massive 2026 season, and he could easily be a Heisman finalist.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Smith took college football by storm as a freshman, and he dominated for the Buckeyes. In his debut season, Smith caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns. He showed size, speed, athleticism, and natural feel in a tremendous freshman year, helping Ohio State win a National Championship. In 2025, Smith caught 87 passes for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite the steady double coverage, Smith was a force once again. In this analyst’s opinion, Smith is the best player in college football and he should be a Heisman finalist. Still, he probably won’t win the award because the Buckeyes will spread the ball around and Smith will once again have very good production. Still, it may not be prolific enough to overcome the quarterback bias with the media and Heisman voters.

C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame

Carr (6-3, 205) developed nicely in his first season as a starter, and by the end of the year, he was showing NFL starting ability. Carr completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,741 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was accurate, managed the game well, possesses developed field vision, and is a dangerous pocket passer with functional mobility. Carr is also known to have great leadership, character, and loves football. I think he will be a top Heisman candidate with a good supporting cast around him, but the Fighting Irish featured a balanced offense with an intention to run the ball, so Carr’s stats might not be as prolific as other Heisman finalists.

Heisman Trophy Runner-Up:

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Moore was a dynamic point-producer for the Ducks in 2025, making plays with his arm and legs. In 2025, Moore completed 73 percent of his passes for 3,280 yards with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Moore (6-3, 203) is a dangerous quarterback who is tough to defend. He has shown impressive arm talent and feel as a passer. Moore throws some beautiful deep balls and shows impressive composure and poise for a young player. With good talent around him, I think Moore is going to have a huge season for the Ducks, and it would not be at all surprising if he wins the Heisman Trophy.

Heisman Trophy Winner:

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

The Longhorns quarterback is one of the most hyped players in the history of the sport, and it will be fascinating to see if he can live up to the insane expectations in 2026. Manning (6-5, 243) could rise to be a top-of-the-draft prospect, and he showed improvement as he gained experience in his first season as the starter for Texas. In 2025, Manning completed 61 percent of his passes for 3,163 yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He had 10 rushing touchdowns. Manning could produce a huge season with Texas landing star receiver Cam Coleman in the transfer portal to go along with other good receivers. With his name and pedigree helping him, Manning is my pick to win the Heisman in 2026.

Honorable Mentions:

Offense: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker, Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, Florida running back Jadan Baugh, Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, and Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams.

Defense: Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, South Carolina defensive lineman Dylan Stewart, Alabama defensive lineman Yhonzae Pierre, and Texas defensive lineman Colin Simmons.