The 2026 College Football season is months away. However, the race for the Heisman Trophy is already heating up! Below is an overview of the oddsmakers’ top ten favorite picks for securing College Football’s most prestigious honor.
(Odds courtesy of Bet365)
Early 2026 Heisman Trophy Odds, Picks & Predictions
1. CJ Carr (QB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish) | +800
CJ Carr enters the 2026 season as the early Heisman favorite at +800, which is a reflection of both his pedigree and Notre Dame’s national title expectations. A former five-star recruit, Carr now steps into Year 2 as the full-time starter with growing buzz as a potential top quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft class. Carr’s 2025 production was efficient and controlled, with 2,741 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions while completing 66.6% of his passes. He added three rushing scores, but his impact came almost entirely from the pocket. His Quarterback Rating, or QBR, of 83.4 ranked among the best in the country, underscoring how effective he was operating within structure.
From a scouting perspective, Carr wins with timing and precision. His compact, repeatable release allows the ball to come out clean and on schedule, particularly on out-breaking routes and back-shoulder throws. He’s comfortable working through reads and shows advanced anticipation, consistently throwing receivers open. When he finds rhythm, like his perfect stretch against Boston College, he can carve up defenses. Just as importantly, he’s coachable, cleaning up early-season issues and showing clear week-to-week growth. However, there are concerns around pressure and playmaking. CJ Carr isn’t a threat as a runner, and when protection broke down against USC and Pittsburgh, his mechanics and decision-making slipped. His production also benefited from his team’s strong run game that kept defenses honest.
Looking ahead to 2026, the setup is ideal. Notre Dame has elite talent and added transfer receivers to elevate the passing game. If Carr proves he can maintain efficiency without perfect conditions and deliver in big moments, he has the clearest path to New York among this group.
2. Arch Manning (QB, Texas Longhorns) | +850
Entering 2026 as one of the most scrutinized and most dangerous players in college football, the expectation reflected in the +850 odds of Arch Manning is clear. This is the year he needs to take the leap from intriguing talent to full-fledged superstar. With championship aspirations and a loaded roster at Texas, the stage couldn’t be bigger.
Manning’s 2025 production showed both promise and inconsistency. He threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a completion rate of 61.4%. He added 399 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground. That dual-threat production is a major part of his value; he’s not just a passer, he’s a structural problem for defenses. But Manning still has inconsistencies, missing routine throws, largely due to footwork issues that show up under pressure. His processing can lag against complex coverages, and early in the season, turnovers clustered when his confidence dipped.
Everything is in place for 2026; Texas is stacked with elite weapons and depth, giving Arch Manning arguably the best supporting cast in the country. If the second-half version of his 2025 season proves to be the real baseline and the accuracy stabilizes, he has the highest ceiling in this entire field.
3. Trinidad Chambliss (QB, Ole Miss Rebels) | +900
Trinidad Chambliss is the most unconventional name near the top of the 2026 Heisman board at +900 odds. However, his rise makes him impossible to ignore. A former Division II standout at Ferris State, Chambliss exploded onto the national stage in 2025 at Ole Miss, turning a Cinderella story into legitimate Heisman buzz. His production was electric, ending the 2025 season with 3,937 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions, paired with 527 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground. That versatility made him one of the most dangerous and unpredictable quarterbacks in the country, capable of flipping games in a matter of plays.
The profile of Chambliss is built on explosiveness. He’s a true dual-threat with game-breaking speed, the kind that forces defenses to dedicate a spy and alters coverage structures. His arm talent matches the athleticism; he can drive the ball vertically with both velocity and touch, making him a constant deep-ball threat. The Ole Miss QB thrives outside of structure, extending plays naturally and keeping his eyes downfield. Add in his competitive toughness and ability to deliver in big moments, and it’s easy to see why teammates gravitate toward him. However, Chambliss could still use more refinement. His accuracy on short and intermediate throws can be off, and his pocket discipline remains a work in progress. He’ll bail from clean pockets and can be slow processing post-snap rotations, leading to missed opportunities or forced throws.
Ole Miss has reloaded for 2026 with one of the top transfer classes in the country, which includes an upgraded receiver room that should elevate the passing game. Trinidad Chambliss spent the offseason battling for eligibility, but he’ll now face the pressure to prove 2025 wasn’t a one-year flash. If he takes even a modest step forward as a passer while maintaining his explosiveness, he can become one of the most chaotic and dangerous Heisman Trophy candidates.
One of the most complete quarterbacks in the country entering the 2026 College Football season, Dante Moore sits firmly in the heart of the Heisman race at +1100. After choosing to return to Oregon instead of entering the NFL Draft, Moore now has a chance to turn an already-impressive résumé into a defining season on a team in contention for a National Championship. He was among the most efficient quarterbacks in college football, with 3,565 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions alongside a 71.8% completion rate. He added modest rushing production, but Moore’s impact comes as a pure passer. His stats reflect a quarterback operating in full control of his offense and capable of attacking all levels of the field.
Looking from a scouting perspective, Moore is a rhythm-based passer with high-end arm talent. His quick release allows him to neutralize pass rush, while his ability to layer throws and hit intermediate routes in stride consistently keeps offenses on schedule. He’s particularly dangerous pushing the ball downfield, combining touch and trajectory to fit throws into tight windows. Just as important, his processing speed and pocket movement improved significantly after his early-career struggles, allowing him to stay composed and deliver on time. There are still areas to watch; Moore offers limited value as a runner, and when protection breaks down, he can force throws rather than resetting the play. His lean frame also raises durability questions over a full season.
Ultimately, Dante Moore’s success may hinge on Oregon’s rebuilt offensive line and a new play-caller. The Ducks have championship-level talent across the roster, and if Moore maintains his efficiency while delivering in marquee games, he has one of the clearest paths to New York and potentially QB1 status in the 2027 NFL Draft.
5. Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State Buckeyes) | +1100
Julian Sayin enters the 2026 season as one of the most proven commodities in the Heisman race at +1100, coming off a fourth-place finish in last year’s voting. As the quarterback of a team perpetually contending for a national title, Sayin already has the résumé and the spotlight to make a serious run at the award.
He finished 2025 with elite production in the form of 3,610 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing an outstanding 77.0% of his passes. Averaging 9.2 yards per attempt with a QBR of 88.4, Sayin combined efficiency with explosiveness in a way few quarterbacks in the country could match. However, there are limitations. Sayin offers little as a runner and operates almost entirely within structure. His frame raises durability questions, and late in the season, especially against top-tier defenses, he showed moments of hesitation against disguised coverages and heavy pressure.
The situation remains ideal in 2026, with Ohio State’s elite receiving talent and a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, which could potentially add new dimensions to the offense. With another year of experience and a championship-caliber roster around him, Julian Sayin has both the production baseline and team success needed to make a legitimate push for the Heisman Trophy.
6. Josh Hoover (QB, Indiana Hoosiers) | +1200
For scouting purposes, Hoover’s defining trait is processing speed. He diagnoses defenses quickly, both pre- and post-snap, working through progressions with rare tempo. His ability to sync his eyes, feet and hips allows him to move efficiently between reads, creating throwing windows before they fully develop. He’s comfortable manipulating safeties with his eyes and shows strong touch on layered throws, particularly over the middle of the field. In the pocket, he climbs well and delivers under pressure without flinching, all traits that translate to high-level passing offenses. The concerns revolve around physical limitations, as Hoover lacks elite arm strength, with some throws floating when velocity is needed. He also offers virtually nothing as a runner, placing added pressure on his ability to win strictly within structure. Combined with a modest frame, it raises questions about how he holds up against top-tier defenses.
7. Darian Mensah (QB, Miami Hurricanes) |+1400
Darian Mensah enters the 2026 season as one of the most intriguing transfer quarterbacks in the country, landing at Miami with +1400 Heisman odds. After the Hurricanes’ run to the National Championship game in 2025, the expectation is no longer rebuilding; it’s sustaining success. Mensah now steps into a system that has consistently elevated transfer quarterbacks into national stars. His 2025 production at Duke was elite, ending the season at 3,973 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and just six interceptions while completing 66.8% of his passes. He was among the most productive quarterbacks in the country, highlighting a player capable of both volume and efficiency at a high level.
Mensah is a player who wins with accuracy, timing and control of the middle of the field. His intermediate passing is a major strength, consistently attacking the 10–20 yard window with precision and smart decision-making. He processes quickly before the snap, identifies leverage against man coverage and delivers the ball on time. When plays break down, he maintains composure, extending plays and throwing effectively on the move rather than defaulting to scrambling. However, his frame raises durability questions, and his deep ball can be inconsistent, particularly when pressured. Ball security has also been an issue at times, especially when navigating traffic in the pocket.
Looking ahead to 2026, Darian Mensah lands in an ideal situation. Miami has built a proven pipeline of transfer quarterbacks thriving in this system, and he arguably arrives with better prior production than his predecessors. The narrative is clear; if he can translate that success to a national title contender and deliver in big moments, he has a legitimate way into the Heisman conversation.
8. Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State Buckeyes) | +1400
The lone non-quarterback on this list, Jeremiah Smith at +1400 is both the most unique and most difficult Heisman case. If the award truly goes to the best player in college football, wide receiver Smith may already have the strongest argument in the country. His production was elite this past season, with 87 receptions, 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per catch. Those numbers placed him among the most productive receivers in the nation, but the challenge, as always, is positional bias and history suggests that kind of statline on its own may not be enough to break through in a quarterback-dominated race.
His path to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy is clear but difficult. Ohio State remains a national title contender with a loaded offense, but for Jeremiah Smith to truly contend, he’ll likely need a historic season, something in the range of 1,600+ yards and 18+ touchdowns. If he reaches that level, Smith won’t just be in the conversation; he could redefine it.
9. Gunner Stockton (QB, Georgia Bulldogs) | +1600
Coming off a strong first year as Georgia’s starter, Gunner Stockton is a quarterback to watch at +1600 odds. While he may not carry the same national hype as some of the names above him, Stockton’s combination of production, team success and returning experience makes him a legitimate contender. He had a quietly productive season in 2025, racking up 2,894 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with just five interceptions while completing 69.7% of his passes. He added a significant rushing element as well, totaling 462 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. That dual-threat production helped power Georgia to another SEC title and a College Football Playoff appearance.
Stockton brings a balanced skill set from a scouting perspective. He has enough arm talent to attack all areas of the field, paired with a quick release that allows him to operate efficiently within structure. His mobility is a key part of his game, both as a designed runner and when extending plays outside the pocket. He shows good touch on intermediate throws and operates comfortably within Georgia’s pro-style system. His competitiveness and leadership were evident throughout his first season as a starter, but there is a concern about his ceiling. Stockton is still developing as a full-field passer and can struggle working through progressions against complex defenses. His mechanics tend to get less reliable, and he doesn’t always take advantage of downfield opportunities despite strong efficiency on deeper throws.
The situation for Stockton in 2026 is strong; Georgia returns one of the most experienced rosters in the SEC and remains firmly in the national title picture. With another year of development and a new group of offensive weapons stepping in, Gunner Stockton has a clear shot. If he can elevate from efficient to explosive, he could push himself into the top tier of this race.
10. Sam Leavitt (QB, LSU Tigers) | +1800
Sam Leavitt rounds out the top ten as one of the most volatile and intriguing Heisman candidates at +1800. After transferring to LSU to become the face of Lane Kiffin’s new era in Baton Rouge, Leavitt enters 2026 with both immense upside and significant unknowns following an injury-shortened 2025 season. He was efficient in his limited time, finishing the year with 1,628 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions while completing 60.7% of his passes. He added 306 rushing yards and five touchdowns, showcasing the versatility that makes him such a dangerous playmaker when healthy.
With a game built on decision-making and play extension, Leavitt takes care of the football at an elite level. He consistently avoids negative plays while still pushing the ball downfield, and his ability to operate under pressure stands out. He maintains composure, delivers accurately on the move and creates opportunities outside of structure. Leavitt’s anticipatory throwing and ball placement allow receivers to generate yards after the catch, while his athletic background shows in his spatial awareness and controlled scrambling ability. When he’s in rhythm, he combines quick processing with explosive play potential, particularly on deep shots. However, there is legitimate reason to worry; the frame of the Tigers’ new QB raises durability questions, especially coming off injury, and his release speed remains an area for development. He’s a good but not elite athlete, meaning he must continue to win with timing and decision-making rather than pure physical tools.
It will be fascinating to watch LSU this season, as they bring in a top-ranked transfer class to support Sam Leavitt and implement Lane Kiffin’s quarterback-friendly system. The narrative is powerful: a new coach, a new program direction and a new high-upside quarterback returning from injury. If Leavitt stays healthy and adapts quickly, he could be the biggest riser in this entire field.
My 2026 Heisman Trophy Picks: Best Value on the Board
If you’re playing the value game rather than just picking the favorite, this board is surprisingly balanced and there are two standout angles.
The first is Jeremiah Smith at +1400 odds. He’s already one of the best players in college football regardless of position, and if this is his final season at Ohio State, the narrative writes itself. We’ve seen voters reward truly dominant non-quarterback seasons before, and Smith has that ceiling. For him to win, the numbers likely need to jump into historic territory, but that’s entirely realistic given his talent. These odds won’t last if he opens with a couple of signature performances once this season starts. At this price, he’s arguably the best pure value on the board.
If you’re betting on a Heisman Trophy winner, I’d bet on Jeremiah Smith for upside and Dante Moore for stability.
Thanks for reading my Early 2026 Heisman Trophy Odds, Picks & Predictions. For more College Football Betting content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports*
