With College Football’s National Championship capturing the spotlight and the NFL Draft in April fast approaching, the focus naturally begins to shift toward the future, making this an ideal moment to identify the players who could emerge as early Heisman Trophy favorites for the 2026 college football season.
1) Arch Manning, QB, Texas
2025 Stats: 61.4% completion, 3,163 passing yards, 399 rushing yards, 36 total touchdowns
2025 PFSN CFB QB Impact Score: 83.1, B
Arch Manning enters the 2026 season with all the ingredients of a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender. Much of Manning’s Heisman outlook hinges on Texas’ ability to retool its offensive line. Improved protection could unlock the full potential of the former five-star quarterback.
As the heir to the Manning name, Arch has already shown he can make plays at all three levels and stress defenses with his legs.
The biggest hurdle in 2026 will be consistency against SEC opponents. Losses to Florida and Georgia last season highlighted the learning curve for the young quarterback, particularly when defenses forced him into hurried decisions.
Texas’ decision to retain star wide receiver Ryan Wingo was a massive boost, giving Manning a reliable target heading into next season. If Manning can clean up the turnovers, reduce sacks, and take command of significant moments in SEC play, he has a clear path to leading the Heisman conversation.
2) Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
2025 Stats: 77% completion, 3,610 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns
2025 PFSN CFB QB Impact Score: 90.8, A-
Julian Sayin wasted no time establishing himself as one of college football’s premier quarterbacks in 2025. Sayin’s command of Ohio State’s offense was a major reason the Buckeyes stormed through the regular season undefeated. Entering the Big Ten Championship Game, he was firmly entrenched in the Heisman Trophy race, pushing Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as the front-runner for much of the year.
However, Ohio State’s loss to Indiana in that title game proved costly, dampening Sayin’s national momentum and ultimately knocking him out of contention.
Looking ahead to 2026, Sayin’s Heisman case is clear. If Ohio State can pair another strong team finish with a return to the top of the Big Ten, his elite accuracy and surgical style of play will keep him at the center of the national conversation.
With another year of experience and unfinished business after last season’s setback, Julian Sayin enters 2026 as one of the most polished and dangerous quarterbacks in college football
3) CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
2025 Stats: 66.6% completion, 2,741 passing yards, 27 total touchdowns
2025 PFSN CFB QB Impact Score: 85.9, B
Poised for a major leap as one of college football’s rising quarterbacks, CJ Carr’s 2025 résumé already places him in elite company at Notre Dame. He threw at least one touchdown pass in each of his first 12 career starts, plus his 24 passing touchdowns over that stretch are also tied for the most by a Notre Dame player in their first 12 starts since 1966.
Year two will bring increased responsibility. With running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price off to the NFL Draft, Carr is expected to shoulder a larger share of the offensive workload and push the ball downfield more frequently.
He showed the ability to manage games when needed, but also flashed the arm talent and confidence to take over contests through the air. With a more pass-centric offense expected in 2026, his statistical ceiling rises significantly. With experience, protection, and opportunity all aligning, CJ Carr has the tools to emerge as one of college football’s breakout stars in 2026.
4) Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, QB, Cal
2025 Stats: 64.2% completion, 3,454 passing yards, 22 total touchdowns
2025 PFSN CFB QB Impact Score: 77.7, C+
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele burst onto the national scene in 2025 with one of the most impressive true freshman seasons college football has seen in recent years. He made history by becoming only the second true freshman in FBS history to throw for at least 200 yards in each of his first 11 career starts, a remarkable indicator of both consistency and command.
California will usher in a new era under head coach Tosh Lupoi, a Cal alum whose arrival signals a renewed commitment to building the program around its young quarterback, with Sagapolutele as the centerpiece, providing him with a rare level of stability and trust.
If the Golden Bears take a step forward in 2026, Sagapolutele’s name could quickly find its way into the national spotlight. With historic freshman production already on his résumé and an offense tailored to his strengths, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has all the tools to emerge as a legitimate Heisman Trophy dark horse in 2026.
5) Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
2025 Stats: 87 receptions, 1,243 receiving yards, 13 total touchdowns
2025 PFSN CFB WR Impact Score: 85.1, B
Arguably the most polished wide receiver at his age, Jeremiah Smith has rewritten the Ohio State record books at a rapid pace. He became the fastest Buckeye to reach 2,000 career receiving yards in just 24 games, surpassed 100 career receptions in only 20 games, and hit the 25-touchdown mark by his 25th appearance.
With 2026 likely marking Smith’s final season in Columbus, the stakes are even higher. He has been viewed as a generational wide receiver prospect since his arrival on campus, and with another stellar year, he could challenge the quarterback-heavy Heisman narrative.
Smith’s route-running, physicality at the catch point, and ability to create separation have made him nearly uncoverable, regardless of coverage. If Smith can push his production even higher and serve as the focal point of another deep Ohio State run, he just might be another Heisman candidate for the 2026 season.
