Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first national title since, oh, ever, and took home the Heisman Trophy in the process. Mendoza completed a stellar 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards and 39 touchdowns after transferring from Cal. Now that Mendoza, Pavia, and Love are NFL-bound, the 2026 Heisman race is wide open, so let’s take a way-too-early look.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, fresh off a season with 87 catches for 1,243 yards, is the current favorite.
- Oregon quarterback Maddox Moore, who surprisingly returned to school despite NFL projections, threw for 3,565 yards last season.
- Miami QB Enaji Mensah transferred from Duke after breaking his contract and should make an instant impact after the Hurricanes reached the CFP title game.
Will Jeremiah Smith Continue Ohio State’s WR Dominance?
Jeremiah Smith arguably was the best player in college football this past season, racking up 87 catches, 1,243 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. He is the fastest Buckeyes player to reach career milestones of 2,000 receiving yards (24 games), 100 catches (20) and 25 touchdown receptions (25). Smith is looking to follow in the footsteps of recent Ohio State receiver Heisman finalists like Marvin Harrison Jr., who finished 4th in the 2024 Heisman voting. “Smith is a generational talent,” said ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “He’s got the size, speed, and hands to dominate college football for the next two years, and potentially win the Heisman.” He is currently listed at +800 to win the Heisman, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. With Ohio State’s emphasis on the passing game and Smith’s exceptional talent, he will be a strong contender for the Heisman.
Can a Transfer Quarterback Win Back-to-Back Heismans?
The transfer portal has reshaped college football, with quarterbacks finding new homes and immediately contending for the Heisman. Both Miami and Texas Tech are banking on transfer quarterbacks to elevate their programs. Enaji Mensah, formerly of Duke, transferred to Miami after breaking his multiyear contract. Mensah, in his last season with Duke, threw for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns. Texas Tech landed Will Sorsby from Cincinnati, who passed for 2,800 yards and rushed for 580 last season. The NCAA has made it easier than ever for players to transfer and play immediately, so don’t be surprised if a transfer QB hoists the trophy again. “The game has changed,” said Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt. “These guys want to win now, and the portal gives them that opportunity.”
Which Dark Horses Could Emerge in the 2026 Season?
While the established stars get most of the attention, several under-the-radar players could emerge as Heisman contenders. Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is one such player. As a true freshman, he threw for over 200 yards in each of his first 11 starts and led Cal to upsets over ranked opponents. Another intriguing name is North Texas quarterback Stone Mestemaker, who transferred to Oklahoma State after leading the FBS with 4,379 passing yards and winning the Burlsworth Trophy. Keep an eye on LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. He saw limited action in 2025 but has the potential to be a star.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana: The 2025 Heisman winner completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards and 39 touchdowns.
- Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State: Sayin threw for 3,323 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in 2025.
- Ohio State Buckeyes: The Buckeyes finished the 2025 season with an 11-2 record, losing to Indiana in the Big Ten championship game 13-10.
- Maddox Moore, QB, Oregon: He passed for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025. The Oregon Ducks finished the 2025 season with an 11-3 record.
- Enaji Mensah, QB, Miami: Transferred to Miami after throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns for Duke in 2025. Miami reached the CFP title game in 2025.
What This Means
- For college football fans: The 2026 Heisman race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with no clear frontrunner and several players capable of making a run at the trophy.
- For bettors: Keep an eye on the early odds and identify potential value picks. Players like Sagapolutele and Mestemaker could offer significant payouts if they live up to their potential.
- For fantasy football players: Track the performances of these players throughout the 2026 season, as they could be key contributors to your fantasy teams.
