This year’s Heisman race already projects as one of the most competitive in recent memory, even with the season still four months away. A strong group of quarterbacks, along with some of the top skill players in the country, will all be in contention for college football’s most prestigious individual award.
This list highlights some top candidates to watch entering the 2026–27 season, grouped by position and listed alphabetically within each group.
QBs
CJ Carr | Notre Dame
Last year, the freshman Carr leaned on runners Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to lead the offense. However, Carr showed promise, throwing at least one touchdown in his first 12 starts. Without his star backs, Carr gets an opportunity to demonstrate the fullness of his talent next season.
Trinidad Chambliss | Ole Miss
Chambliss emerged as one of the most intriguing breakout quarterbacks in the country last season, flashing the dual-threat playmaking that can fuel a Heisman campaign. With Pete Golding taking over for Lane Kiffin, who bolted for Baton Rouge, it will be worth monitoring how the offense evolves. My bet is it will continue to operate at a high level and provide Chambliss with the platform to showcase his immense skill set.
Josh Hoover | QB | Indiana
Hoover enters as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country, bringing nearly 10,000 career passing yards and consistent production across multiple seasons at TCU. His command of the passing game and comfort in RPO-heavy systems should translate quickly in Curt Cignetti’s offense, especially with a strong supporting cast around him. Indiana should remain in the national picture, and Hoover’s volume and efficiency give him a clear path into the Heisman conversation.
Sam Leavitt | LSU
When Lane Kiffin wants a quarterback, that player usually becomes a top college QB. Leavitt is a phenomenal ceiling raiser, leading Arizona State to the CFP two years ago. With LSU’s supporting cast and Kiffin’s track record, Leavitt should remain in contention deep into the season.
Arch Manning | Texas
Yes, he was overhyped last year. However, removing the unrealistic expectations tied to his last name reveals a quality quarterback working with a limited supporting cast. He had several Heisman moments a season ago and, with Cam Coleman by his side, I expect a big jump up in 2026.
Jayden Maiava | USC
Maiava and coach Lincoln Riley had a successful first season together, and a more comfortable Maiava should take another step forward. He will have fewer weapons this year, but his talent and Riley’s history of producing Heisman winners firmly place him in the conversation.
John Mateer | QB | Oklahoma
Mateer was one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the country early last season, leading Oklahoma to a 4–0 start and emerging as the Heisman favorite before a hand injury derailed his momentum. Playing through that injury down the stretch masked his true level, but a healthy Mateer brings elite dual-threat production after leading the FBS in total touchdowns in 2024. If he returns to his early-season form and takes a step forward as a passer, Mateer has the profile to lead a contender and re-enter the Heisman race.
Drew Mestemaker | Oklahoma State
Mestemaker reunites with former North Texas coach Eric Morris at Oklahoma State. He threw for an FBS-leading 4,379 yards last season and should now receive national attention in a power conference.
Dante Moore | Oregon
Moore returning to college was a surprising decision given his draft stock. With how well he played last season, it makes sense to run it back for one more year. If he matches or exceeds that production, he will be firmly in the Heisman race.
Marcel Reed | Texas A&M
Reed has the athletic tools every team covets at quarterback. He is a dynamic playmaker who thrives on explosive plays. His Heisman case will hinge on improvement as a pocket passer and limiting turnovers.
Julian Sayin | Ohio State
If not for a late-season stumble against Indiana, Sayin may have secured last year’s Heisman. The competition will be tougher this season, but his accuracy should lead to several résumé-building performances.
Brendan Sorsby | Texas Tech
The 2025 transfer prize brings the offensive firepower Texas Tech needs for its title hopes. Sorsby is a three-year starter who produced 3,380 yards of total offense for Cincinnati last season and could take another step forward in a stronger system.
Gunner Stockton | Georgia
Stockton is not a highlight-reel player, but he has won back-to-back SEC titles while producing at a high level. His accuracy and arm strength stand out, and increased use of his mobility could elevate his Heisman case.
Non-QBs
Cam Coleman | WR | Texas
Coleman impressed despite Auburn’s struggles and now joins a far more talented Texas roster. He may share the spotlight with Arch Manning, but the production should be there for a Heisman-caliber season.
Ahmad Hardy | RB | Missouri
The Louisiana-Monroe transfer dominated his first FBS season, finishing with 1,649 rushing yards. With a year of SEC play behind him, his production could rise even further, especially given Missouri’s questions at quarterback.
Kewan Lacy | RB | Ole Miss
Lacy is a red-zone weapon who forms one of the nation’s top backfield duos alongside Trinidad Chambliss. He emerged as a focal point of Ole Miss’ offense last season, totaling 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 303 receiving yards. If he replicates that production on a contending team, Lacy will have a strong case to be in the Heisman conversation.
Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State
Smith has been the best player in college football over the past season and a half. He is nearly impossible to defend and likely would have been a Heisman finalist if not for late-season injuries. Now fully healthy, he returns to one of the nation’s top teams.
Malachi Toney | WR | Miami
Toney emerged as the centerpiece for last year’s runner-up, leading the nation in receptions and consistently delivering in high-leverage moments. His production stands out, especially for such a young player.
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