As the 2026 college football season approaches, experts are placing their bets on which teams will contend for the national championship and who will take home the Heisman Trophy. Notre Dame and Ohio State are emerging as frontrunners for the national title, while the Heisman race features a diverse group of quarterbacks and a notable wide receiver.
National Championship Contenders
Notre Dame is highlighted as a strong contender, with analysts pointing to their talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and a favorable schedule. Head coach Marcus Freeman's past success, including reaching a national title game, and the team's strong finish to the previous season fuel optimism. The Irish are noted for having a roster comparable to other top programs, but with a seemingly easier path, potentially offering significant value.
Ohio State is also a prominent pick, driven by their consistent talent, strong defense, and an established offensive connection between quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith. Despite a challenging schedule, the Buckeyes are considered capable of overcoming losses due to their depth and ability to reload year after year. Analysts trust Ohio State more than other teams in their price range, viewing them as a safe bet with the best player in the country.
Other teams mentioned as potential national championship contenders include Miami, Oregon, and USC. Miami is seen as having a strong redemption narrative after a previous championship game loss, with a revamped offense and a potent quarterback-to-wide receiver duo. Oregon is noted for returning key stars, including quarterback Dante Moore and talented receivers, alongside a strong defensive front. USC, with the most returning starters among major contenders and a favorable home schedule, is also considered a dark horse at longer odds.
Heisman Trophy Aspirations
The Heisman Trophy race is projected to be highly competitive. Quarterbacks are heavily favored, with Darian Mensah of Miami and Dante Moore of Oregon identified as strong candidates. Mensah, who has a history of leading teams to conference championships and boasts impressive passing statistics, is expected to be a central figure in a favored ACC team. Moore is returning to Oregon with Heisman-caliber numbers and a strong supporting cast, positioned for a prominent role on a top team.
Arch Manning of Texas is another quarterback with Heisman potential, despite a less-than-stellar first season. His development is seen as a positive, and he benefits from a talented roster, particularly at receiver. Byrum Brown, a dual-threat quarterback now at Auburn after a successful stint at USF, is also a dark horse pick, known for his significant passing and rushing yardage.
Other quarterbacks mentioned include John Mateer of Oklahoma, who showed resilience despite an injury, and Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele of Cal, who flashed significant potential late in his freshman season. Even at long odds, Sagapolutele could become a major factor if Cal experiences a strong season.
Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State is noted as a potential Heisman winner, though analysts acknowledge the historical difficulty for wide receivers to win the award unless they exhibit exceptional two-way play. Despite this, Smith's status as arguably the best player in the country makes him a candidate to watch.
Finally, Drew Mestemaker of Oklahoma State is a long-shot pick. After a successful freshman season at North Texas, he's transferring to a Big 12 program where the high-volume offense could provide him with the platform to gain Heisman recognition.