Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr and Texas signal-caller Arch Manning are among the leading contenders for the 2026 Heisman Trophy, according to The Post's early watch list. The field for college football's top individual honor is noted as deep, with a significant number of quarterbacks expected to contend.
Carr, projected as a favorite, had a strong freshman season, throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns with a 66.6% completion rate. He will have enhanced offensive responsibilities in the upcoming season, supported by receivers Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse. Manning is also considered a favorite after a strong second half of the previous season, during which he amassed 1,846 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only two interceptions while completing 60.3% of his passes. He benefits from a talented supporting cast including receivers Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman, and running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers.
Dante Moore, Oregon's quarterback, returns to the Ducks after forgoing potential NFL draft status. As a redshirt junior, he is anticipated to be one of the sport's top players, aiming to improve on his 30 touchdown, 3,565-yard campaign from the previous season. Moore could become Oregon's second Heisman winner, following Marcus Mariota's 2014 victory.
Other notable contenders include Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who led the team to a program-record 13 wins and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance after taking over mid-season. Chambliss secured an extra year of eligibility through a lawsuit.
Darian Mensah, a transfer quarterback from Duke to Miami, is also highlighted. Mensah, who threw 34 touchdown passes as a sophomore, is expected to perform well with a more talented roster.
Ohio State's Julian Sayin is poised for a significant sophomore season, though his Heisman candidacy could be affected by the presence of star receiver Jeremiah Smith and the Buckeyes' tendency for blowouts. Smith, a wide receiver also at Ohio State, is recognized for his exceptional talent, having already amassed numbers that place him in the school's top 10 for receptions, yards, and touchdowns in just two seasons. He would have been a top-five NFL draft pick if eligible.
The list also includes several potential sleepers. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover, a transfer from TCU, is recognized for his past performance with 56 touchdown passes over two seasons. BYU running back LJ Martin, the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, is a key factor in the Cougars' predicted success, having recorded 1,560 total yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons, who recorded 12 sacks last year, is noted as a defensive player with the potential to challenge Heisman history, a feat not achieved by a pass rusher since 1980.