Way-Too-Early Heisman Contenders for 2026

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Way-Too-Early Heisman Contenders for 2026

Kyle Wood

Sun, Dec 14, 2025 ·

10 min read

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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, becoming the first player in program history to win college football 's most prestigious award. Mendoza's victory also marks a return to the norm of a quarterback winning the award, which has been the case in 21 out of 26 seasons since 2000.

Although this season is far from over, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, one of the four 2025 finalists, stands out as an early candidate to win the award in 2026. As a rising star on a team that played for the Big Ten championship and advanced to the College Football Playoff, Sayin is an easy favorite to identify. But the rest of the field, which figures to be fraught with NFL Draft decisions and transfer portal movement in the coming weeks, looks quite open.

Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Sayin's Buckeyes teammate, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton and Texas quarterback Arch Manning are all players who were mentioned in the Heisman mix at some point this season and are expected to be back with their respective teams in 2026. But remember, Mendoza had long odds when the season began. Winners can come out of nowhere, and we landed on a few dozen candidates.

Who are the early frontrunners and potential sleepers for the Heisman Trophy in '25? Athlon Sports breaks down the top candidates:

Texas quarterback Arch Manning warms up before the Longhorns' game against Texas A&M at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Nov. 28, 2025.© Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Way-Too-Early Heisman Contenders

The Frontrunners

Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Sayin earned an invite to New York in his first season as the starter in Columbus. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season and their first win over rival Michigan since 2019. Sayin, who set a record for completion percentage and finished first in passer rating en route to a College Football Playoff berth, could enter the 2026 season as the Heisman favorite.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Smith is already widely recognized as one of the top wide receivers in college football, and he's in a stable environment with Sayin back as his quarterback for what's likely to be Smith's final college season. While it would take gargantuan numbers for a receiver to win the award, Smith has demonstrated that he's capable, with back-to-back seasons of 1,000-plus yards and 10-plus touchdowns as an underclassman for a perennial playoff contender.

Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia

Although eligible for the 2026 draft, Stockton is expected back for another season in Athens after leading the Bulldogs to an SEC title and top-four seed in the CFP. Stockton was extremely accurate and turnover-averse in his first full season as the starter, and his mobility (eight rushing touchdowns) is an underrated aspect of his game.

Arch Manning , QB, Texas

Arch Madness, Manning Mania — whatever you want to call it, the Longhorns' quarterback fell shy of the sky-high expectations set for him this season. The preseason Heisman favorite did not finish among the finalists as Texas missed the playoff, but Manning quietly played very well down the stretch. Another season in Austin could see him realize his full potential.

CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame

Carr only lost two games in his first season as the starter for the Fighting Irish, and both were to playoff teams. The redshirt freshman put up impressive numbers in leading his team to 10 straight wins. It sounds as if Notre Dame will be playing with a chip on its shoulder in 2026 after its CFP snub. And with running back Jeremiyah Love off to the NFL, more of the offensive burden will fall on Carr's shoulders.

Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M

Reed confirmed he'll be back with the Aggies in 2026, making him one of the top returning signal-callers in the country. His marked improvement as a passer helped take Texas A&M's offense up a notch on its path to the playoff, and he's always a threat to take off and run.

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier runs for a touchdown as Utah defensive tackle Pupu Sepulona (45), cornerback Elijah Davis (9) and linebacker Levani Damuni (3) defend at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Oct. 18, 2025.Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The Next Tier

Bear Bachmeier, QB, BYU

Thrust into the starting job as a true freshman, Bachmeier got the Cougars to the Big 12 Championship Game. He's a willing runner (11 rushing touchdowns) with room to grow as a passer. With coach Kalani Sitake and Bachmeier both back, BYU should be in the mix once again in 2026.

Bryce Underwood, QB, Michigan

Underwood, a true freshman who came in with considerably more hype than Bachmeier, had an up-and-down season in Ann Arbor. He played better than his statistics would indicate, but the bigger question for Underwood is whether he'll remain with the Wolverines after coach Sherrone Moore's firing . The former No. 1 recruit was a one-time LSU commit, and the Tigers hired Lane Kiffin in the biggest domino of the coaching carousel.

John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma

While Mateer could depart for the draft, he still has eligibility if he wants to stick around for another season in Norman. The Washington State transfer took college football by storm this season until he suffered a hand injury. Mateer wasn't the same player upon his return, though the Sooners still qualified for the CFP. Another healthy season at OU could boost his draft prospects for 2027.

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Demond Williams Jr., QB, Washington

Williams wowed at times in his first full season as the Huskies' starter, though he struggled against top competition. With coach Jedd Fisch set to stay in Seattle, Williams stands to take another step forward as a dangerous dual-threat option.

Devon Dampier, QB, Utah

Dampier is another draft-eligible signal-caller who might be best off coming back for another season. He excelled in making the leap from the Mountain West to the Big 12, improving his passing efficiency while remaining a mobile threat for a team that finished on the CFP bubble.

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava celebrates his touchdown against Michigan State with wide receiver Makai Lemon and running back Waymond Jordan at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 20, 2025.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NFL Draft/Transfer Watch

Dante Moore , QB, Oregon

Moore, the projected No. 7 pick in Luke Easterling's latest mock draft, is likely off to the NFL whenever the Ducks' playoff run ends. Although he's spent two seasons in Eugene, this was his first as the starter. Moore would be the third consecutive Oregon quarterback to be drafted, joining Dillon Gabriel and Bo Nix .

Ty Simpson , QB, Alabama

Simpson is also a projected Round 1 selection, per Easterling, but he's slated to go later than Moore amid a second-half dropoff. Perhaps that opens the door for Simpson, who's been in Tuscaloosa since 2022, to return for a fifth season. How he and the Crimson Tide fare in the College Football Playoff could influence that decision.

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LaNorris Sellers , QB, South Carolina

Sellers was set for a breakout season that never materialized. Not only did his Heisman hopes and the Gamecocks' playoff plans crumble, South Carolina missed a bowl game entirely. His slumping draft stock could keep in college for another season. But where might that be? Sellers would be highly sought after in the portal if he opts to transfer, but the hire of offensive coordinator Kendall Briles could keep him in Columbia.

Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas

Mestemaker was a revelation this season for the Mean Green, leading the FBS in passing yards (4,129) and setting a new program record with 608 in a single game. That kind of production is sure to garner Power 4 interest. It's worth noting that former North Texas coach Eric Morris took the Oklahoma State job. Could he and Mestemaker reunite in Stillwater?

Jayden Maiava, QB, USC

Maiava put more than enough on tape for the Trojans to pique the interest of NFL teams. But at the moment, he's not a projected first-round prospect. Considering coach Lincoln Riley's track record with quarterbacks, another season at USC might make sense for all parties.

Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State

Leavitt broke out last season for the Sun Devils during a surprise run to the CFP. He kept up that level of play in 2025, handing Texas Tech its lone loss, until he underwent season-ending foot surgery. It's been reported that Leavitt intends to enter the transfer portal, and he's sure to be an impact addition wherever he lands.

Byrum Brown, QB, South Florida

Brown put up video game-like numbers this season for the Bulls, tallying over 4,000 yards of offense and 42 total touchdowns. With coach Alex Golesh off to Auburn , Brown has opted out of South Florida's bowl game (and will apparently help coach). Brown has options: Return to Tampa with new coach Brian Hartline , leave for the NFL or hit the portal. If he chooses to transfer, the Loveliest Village on the Plains is a landing spot to watch.

Colton Joseph, QB, Old Dominion

Unlike Brown and Mestemaker, fellow Group of 5 quarterbacks who received plenty of praise, Joseph's season flew a bit more under the radar. The dual-threat signal-caller put the Monarchs' offense on his back in a nine-win season. With the news that he will enter the transfer portal, P4 teams are sure to come calling.

Then-Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin talks with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss during the Rebels' game against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium on Nov. 28, 2025.© Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Eligibility Questions

Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss

Chambliss was one of the biggest surprises of the season. The Division II transfer stole Austin Simmons' job in Oxford and absolutely lit it up for the Rebels en route to the CFP. Chambliss has reportedly filed a waiver in hopes of returning for another season. If approved, might that be at Ole Miss, in Baton Rouge with his former coach, or elsewhere?

Joey Aguilar, QB, Tennessee

Aguilar was involved in another one of the season's biggest stories after the dramatic Nico Iamaleava transfer saga. The Vols clearly won the quarterback "trade" with UCLA as Aguilar paced the SEC in passing. Depending on the outcome of an ongoing lawsuit, he could be deemed eligible and get another season in coach Josh Heupel's high-powered offense.

Other Names to Watch

Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati

Austin Simmons, QB, Ole Miss

Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska

DJ Lagway, QB, Florida

Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri

Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss

Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn

Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama

Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida

Malachi Toney, WR, Miami

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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