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2026-27 Heisman Trophy Predictions and Best Bets for Winner

by Joey House - 8/5/2026

Heisman Trophy predictions Arch Manning Texas Longhorns

The 2026 Heisman Trophy race is heating up as college football prepares for another highly competitive season. With the regular season just weeks away, betting markets and analysts have identified a clear group of frontrunners, dominated by quarterbacks from high-profile programs. These candidates bring proven production from 2025, surrounding talent, and team expectations that position them for national attention. Their paths to the award will depend on sustained excellence, signature wins, and the ability to elevate already-strong teams further into the College Football Playoff picture.

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Best Bets

CJ Carr, Notre Dame, QB +750

Carr enters the season after a highly efficient redshirt freshman campaign in 2025. He completed 195 of 293 passes for 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, posting a passer rating of 168.1 while adding three rushing scores. Notre Dame finished 10-2 under his leadership, and his accuracy and decision-making stood out against a solid schedule. In 2026, the Fighting Irish feature an experienced offensive line and capable skill players, giving him a platform for increased volume. Notre Dame's relatively favorable schedule could allow him to pile up stats while the team remains in the College Football Playoff conversation. Consistency and fewer early-season growing pains will be key if he is to hold off the field and claim the trophy. His composure as a young starter already marks him as a player ready for the national stage.

Arch Manning, Texas, QB +775

Manning remains a household name after his first full season as the Longhorns' starter in 2025. He completed 248 of 404 passes for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 399 yards and 10 scores, accounting for 3,562 total yards and 37 touchdowns as Texas went 10-3. His late-season surge, including strong performances in key wins, showed the dual-threat ability that made him a top recruit. Texas has loaded the roster around him again, and a favorable early schedule including high-profile games should keep him in the national spotlight. Manning must avoid the early inconsistency that plagued parts of 2025 and deliver week after week against a demanding slate to turn preseason hype into hardware. The combination of pedigree, physical tools, and supporting talent makes him one of the most watched players in the country.

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss, QB +1100

Chambliss brings dual-threat electricity after a breakout 2025 season. Taking over as the starter, he completed 294 of 445 passes for 3,937 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just three interceptions while rushing for 527 yards and eight scores. His total offense exceeded 4,400 yards as the Rebels reached the College Football Playoff with a 13-2 record. He earned SEC Newcomer of the Year honors and finished eighth in Heisman voting. Granted a sixth year of eligibility, he returns to a high-powered offense that thrives on explosive plays. If Ole Miss sustains its SEC contention and he maintains his low-turnover efficiency, his combination of passing and running production could make him a late-season favorite. The experience of already performing under playoff pressure gives him an edge few others possess.

Dante Moore, Oregon, QB +1150

Moore opted to return rather than enter the NFL Draft and enters 2026 as one of the most polished passers in the group. In 2025, he completed 296 of 412 attempts for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 71.8 percent completion rate and 163.7 passer rating. He added 156 rushing yards and two scores while leading the Ducks to a 13-2 record and deep playoff run. His accuracy and ability to distribute the ball in a sophisticated system give him a high floor. Oregon's talent-rich roster and Big Ten schedule provide ample opportunities for big statistical games. Staying healthy and cutting down interceptions will determine whether he can separate himself in a crowded quarterback field—his decision to return signals confidence that a Heisman-caliber season is within reach.

Julian Sayin, Ohio State, QB +1150

Sayin already experienced the Heisman stage as a 2025 finalist after finishing fourth in voting. He completed 301 of 391 passes for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, leading the nation in completion percentage at 77.0 percent with a 177.5 rating. He guided the Buckeyes to a 12-2 record, including a perfect regular season. His precision and command of the offense make him a natural candidate again. With elite weapons still in Columbus and high national championship expectations, he should post similar efficiency numbers. Sustaining that level through a tough Big Ten slate and potential playoff run will keep him firmly in the conversation. Few players enter a season with as much recent national exposure or proven production under the brightest lights.

Longshots

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State, WR +1300

Smith stands as the premier non-quarterback option after posting 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, finishing sixth in Heisman voting. The junior wide receiver has already delivered back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and holds multiple Ohio State receiving records. With Julian Sayin returning and the Buckeyes expected to contend for a national title, Smith's target share and big-play ability could produce another dominant year. Wide receivers rarely win the award, but a record-setting campaign paired with team success could push him into serious contention if the quarterback field underwhelms.

Malachi Toney, Miami, WR +3500

Toney emerged as one of the most dynamic freshmen in 2025, leading the nation with 109 receptions for 1,211 yards and adding 10 touchdowns while helping Miami reach the national championship game. His explosive speed and ability to create after the catch make him a constant threat. Returning for his sophomore season alongside a talented supporting cast, Toney could see even more opportunities in a high-powered offense. At these odds, he represents true longshot value, needing both individual dominance and Miami's continued success to climb the rankings. Yet, his highlight-reel plays give him a realistic path if voters look beyond quarterbacks.

Conclusion

Carr, Manning, Chambliss, Moore, Sayin, Smith, and Toney all enter the 2026 season with realistic paths to the Heisman Trophy. The five quarterbacks offer the traditional combination of high-volume production and team success that voters have favored in recent years. At the same time, Smith's consistent dominance as Ohio State's top receiver and Toney's explosive playmaking ability at Miami give the race genuine depth at the skill positions. A strong start for any of these seven players, especially in high-profile games, can quickly reshape the odds. Whether the award stays with a quarterback or finally returns to a wide receiver, the competition among this group promises to deliver one of the most compelling Heisman races in years.

Pick: Dante Moore, Oregon, QB +1150

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