Get ready for an exciting college football season as we dive into the world of the Heisman Trophy favorites for 2026. Phil Steele, a renowned expert in the field, has released his top-10 picks, and it's a quarterback-dominated list with a single wide receiver making the cut. This year's lineup showcases the dominance of quarterbacks in the Heisman race, with 16 of the last 20 winners being signal-callers. However, there have been some notable exceptions, including Travis Hunter, DeVonta Smith, Derrick Henry, and Mark Ingram II, who broke the quarterback mold.
The Front-Runners
At the top of Steele's list is Arch Manning, the highly anticipated starter for Texas. Manning had a strong finish to his first season as a starter, leading Texas to a 7-1 record in his final eight games. His impressive stats, including 2,012 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, have him poised to be a strong contender for the Heisman.
Dante Moore, the Oregon quarterback, is also a top favorite. After opting to stay in college, Moore had a stellar first season as a starter, throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns. With a talented receiving corps returning, including Jamari Johnson and Dakorien Moore, Moore could be a serious contender for the award.
Rising Stars
CJ Carr, the Notre Dame freshman, had an impressive debut season, throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns. ESPN's Todd McShay even went as far as to say Carr is on track to become a legendary Notre Dame quarterback. Trinidad Chambliss, the Ole Miss quarterback, is another rising star. Chambliss stepped in for an injured starter and led the Rebels to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
Julian Sayin, the Ohio State quarterback, had a stellar first season as a starter, throwing for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. Sayin's accuracy and leadership have him in the Heisman conversation. Darian Mensah, the Miami transfer from Duke, is also a strong contender. Mensah's passing yards and touchdowns ranked highly in the nation, and his coach, Mario Cristobal, has high praise for his skills and leadership.
Transfer Portal Impact
The transfer portal has had a significant impact on this year's Heisman race. Sam Leavitt, the Arizona State transfer to LSU, is the first starting quarterback of the Lane Kiffin era. Leavitt's mobility and creativity could be a game-changer for the Tigers. Josh Hoover, the TCU transfer to Indiana, has the tough task of succeeding a Heisman winner. Hoover's experience and hard work could make him a dark horse in the race.
Wide Receiver Contender
Jeremiah Smith, the Ohio State wide receiver, is the only non-quarterback on Steele's list. Smith's impressive stats and accolades, including Unanimous All-American and Big Ten Receiver of the Year, make him a unique contender. While receivers rarely win the Heisman, Smith's skills and ability to stretch the field vertically could make him a historic candidate.
The Underdogs
Devon Dampier, the Utah quarterback, had a solid first season as a starter, throwing for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns. With some coaching changes at Utah, Dampier could be an underdog to watch.
Deeper Analysis
The dominance of quarterbacks in the Heisman race is an interesting trend. While it's a quarterback-driven league, the occasional non-quarterback winner adds an element of surprise. The impact of the transfer portal on this year's race is also notable, with several high-profile transfers making an impact.
Conclusion
The 2026 college football season promises to be an exciting one, with a strong group of Heisman contenders. From the front-runners to the underdogs, each player brings something unique to the table. As we gear up for the season, it's an exciting time for college football fans, and the Heisman race will undoubtedly be a thrilling journey. Get ready for some incredible performances and an unforgettable season!
