2026 Heisman Trophy: CBS Sports names front-runners for the college football's top award

The 2025 Heisman Trophy race is in the books, and now the college football world can turn its attention to the 2026 Heisman Trophy race. There, it should be a highly competitive race with several players set to return who look like candidates for college football’s top award.

Ahead of the 2026 season, CBS Sports took a look at those candidates. That included sorting them into two categories. That’s the top Heisman contenders for the 2026 season and other names to know for the race. Of course, there’s plenty of room for surprises beyond that too.

Several players who CBS Sports lists could be on the move next season. That includes in the Transfer Portal or going into the NFL Draft. So, with the offseason just around the corner, there’s time for things to change.

Top Heisman contenders in 2026

Arch Manning, QB, Texas Longhorns

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning got his first action as a starter in 2025. That moment had been highly anticipated since he was in high school and it came with mixed results. Still, with another year of experience, he very well could contend for the Heisman Trophy.

Of course, Manning does have the option to enter the NFL Draft. That’s not what most people anticipate, though, as returning to Texas for another season should help him improve that stock. Certainly, being a Heisman winner wouldn’t hurt either.

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes

It was a disappointment in New York for Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin. A Heisman finalist this season, he didn’t end up going home with the hardware. Instead, he’ll have to refocus on the College Football Playoff and winning on the field.

As a redshirt freshman, Sayin was a Heisman finalist. He’ll be back again in 2026 with added experience that is almost impossible to find in college football. So, there’s no reason why he can’t win.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

Coming into the 2025 season, Jeremiah Smith was commonly thought of as the best receiver in all of college football. He wouldn’t end up winning the Biletnikoff Award or being a Heisman finalist, though he was still thought of as the most talented receiver in the country.

Just a sophomore, Smith will be back next season and will, once again, be among the most thrilling players in the game. The only concern is whether or not he and Sayin will steal Heisman votes from one another.

Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M Aggies

Marcel Reed has been a revelation at quarterback for Texas A&M. The Aggies’ signal caller led Texas A&M to the College Football Playoff and has made them a legitimate threat to win the national championship. He’d use both his arm and legs to get there too.

As one of the most exciting players in the game who plays on a massive stage in the SEC, Reed is going to have the spotlight on him in 2026. If he plays up to his capability, he’ll be in the Heisman conversation once again. There’s no reason to think he can’t win it too.

Jayden Maiava, QB, USC Trojans

After taking over as the USC starter late in 2024, Jayden Maiava would hit his stride in 2025. Now, he and head coach Lincoln Riley are looking for a way to build on that once again.

If there is one thing that Lincoln Riley has found success doing it’s developing quarterbacks and explosive offenses. That’s led to Heisman Trophy success, including at USC. So, it’s not unfair to have high expectations for next season.

Other names to know

Ty Simpson, QB Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is eligible to turn his attention to the NFL Draft next season. If he chooses to return to college, though, Simpson is going to be viewed as one of the best quarterbacks in the entire sport. He could very well even be a Heisman contender.

Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia managed to win the SEC and a first round bye in the first season Gunner Stockton led the Bulldogs as their starting quarterback. He’ll likely be back next season with much higher expectations from the jump. So, he could feasibly end up in the Heisman race more so than he was in 2025.

Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas Mean Green

There is a chance that Drew Mestemaker could be a transfer this offseason, as his head coach is on his way to Oklahoma State. That comes after the pair combined for a phenomenal season at the Group of Five level. With more attention on him from the start, regardless of where he’s playing, the Heisman isn’t out of the question.

Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State Sun Devils

For the past two seasons, Sam Leavitt has been vital to making Arizona State one of the best teams in the Big 12. Now, there are rumblings that he could transfer. Regardless of where he ends up, Leavitt should be a Heisman contender.

Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri Tigers

The Missouri Tigers managed to find one of the best running backs in the entire country this season, bringing in Ahmad Hardy. He’d rush for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. If he can build on that in 2026, the Heisman may not be able to ignore his success.

Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss Rebels

Another running back to keep an eye out on for the Heisman race next season is Kewan Lacy. The Ole Miss running back had 20 rushing touchdowns this year. That’s hard to ignore, but it’s also hard to replicate.