With the 2025 Heisman Trophy race determined, it is time to begin looking forward to the 2026 Heisman race. The outlook for faculty soccer’s most prestigious particular person award can be partially decided by NFL Draft and switch portal choices finalized through the weeks forward.
However whilst we wait to see how the game’s shifting roster dynamics play out and the place some potential star gamers will land — or if they’re going to stay in faculty soccer in any respect — there are a number of apparent early frontrunners. A few them are Ohio State stars who have been within the combine this season.
Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin made it to New York as a finalist this season behind a standout redshirt freshman marketing campaign. His prime goal, Jeremiah Smith, completed sixth within the 2025 voting as a sophomore. It could be no shock if both or each are in New York subsequent yr with an opportunity to hoist the {hardware}.
There can be loads of competitors, nonetheless. Quarterbacks Arch Manning (Texas), Marcel Reed (Texas A&M) and Jayden Maiava (USC) are every draft-eligible, however they’re poised to be within the Heisman combine in the event that they return. Here is an early rundown of 2026 Heisman Trophy contenders.
Prime Heisman contenders in 2026
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Manning ended the 2025 season trending in the correct course. He totaled 15 touchdowns as a passer and runner with simply two interceptions over the Longhorns’ closing 5 common season video games and surpassed 300 yards passing in three of these contests. Although he’s draft-eligible, Manning must return to school soccer to proceed his improvement.
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
Sayin was the one 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist who is just not draft eligible in 2026, and he needs to be in retailer for an enormous redshirt sophomore season. Ohio State is poised to be elite at receiver once more, and Sayin has already confirmed himself as probably the most correct passers faculty soccer has seen in a technology. He needs to be proper again within the combine a yr from now.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Smith completed sixth within the 2025 Heisman Trophy voting after totaling 80 grabs for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns by means of the Massive Ten Championship Recreation. The previous five-star prospect is able to making performs that few others can, and he may have quite a few college information in his sights subsequent season as a junior.
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M
Reed can gentle launch his 2026 Heisman Trophy marketing campaign with a robust efficiency within the CFP. The twin-threat playmaker established a robust baseline by throwing for almost 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns whereas main Texas A&M to an 11-1 common season. He’ll be working with a brand new offensive coordinator subsequent season amid Collin Klein’s departure to turn into Kansas State’s coach.
Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
USC coach Lincoln Riley has already produced three Heisman Trophy winners. It takes little creativeness to examine Maiava turning into the fourth. He led the Massive Ten with 3,431 passing yards within the common season whereas main the Trojans to a 9-3 mark. If USC makes the CFP in 2026, Maiava can be in New York as a Heisman finalist.
Different names to know
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama: Simpson is draft-eligible, but when he returns to school soccer, he’s sure for a giant yr. Although his efficiency tapered off within the second half of the 2025 season, he is an correct passer surrounded by expertise.
Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia: Stockton proved himself to be greater than able to operating the present for Georgia in 2025. He delivered in clutch moments as each a runner and passer and needs to be even higher in 2026.
Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas: Will Mestemaker observe coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State? That is still to be seen, however after main the FBS in passing yards at 4,129, he’ll be a possible issue within the Heisman race no matter the place he performs.
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State: Indicators recommend Leavitt is transferring after an injury-abbreviated redshirt sophomore season. Do not be shocked if he lands with a big-name program and places up big-time numbers.
Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri: Hardy ranks second within the FBS in speeding yards at 1,560, making him one of many 2025 season’s Most worthy transfers. After starting his profession at Louisiana-Monroe, Hardy has blossomed right into a star.
Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss: Lacy ranks second within the FBS in speeding touchdowns with 20 after rising as one of many sport’s prime breakout stars. The Missouri switch is averaging 5 yards per carry and in addition has 25 receptions.
