The 2026 Heisman Trophy Race Has Seven Names You Need to Know

Key Points:

• Since 2000, quarterbacks have dominated the Heisman Trophy, winning 20 of 26 awards, making it challenging for players at other positions to break through unless they have extraordinary seasons.
• Entering the 2026 season, seven standout players, including quarterbacks CJ Carr (Notre Dame), Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Arch Manning (Texas), Dante Moore (Oregon), and Julian Sayin (Ohio State), along with defensive back Leonard Moore (Notre Dame) and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), are considered top Heisman contenders.
• CJ Carr led Notre Dame to 10 consecutive wins in 2025 with strong passing stats, while Trinidad Chambliss emerged as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback at Ole Miss, guiding the team to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
• Arch Manning rebounded from a slow start in 2025, benefiting from a new top receiver at Texas, and Dante Moore returns to Oregon motivated to lead his team past the national title hurdle after a solid previous season.
• Defensive back Leonard Moore is a rare non-quarterback Heisman candidate due to his lockdown coverage and interceptions, while wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is one of the nation’s most dominant receivers, continuing Ohio State’s tradition of producing elite pass catchers.