The Heisman Trophy Race: A Quarterback's Game?
The 2026 college football season is almost upon us, and with it comes the annual buzz around the Heisman Trophy. Phil Steele, a renowned analyst, has released his top-10 favorites for the prestigious award, and it's a list that demands attention.
The Quarterback Dominance
What's immediately striking is the overwhelming presence of quarterbacks. Nine out of ten contenders are signal-callers, a trend that mirrors the recent history of the Heisman. The last four winners have all been quarterbacks, and 16 of the last 20. This begs the question: Is the Heisman Trophy becoming a quarterback's award?
Personally, I believe this trend reflects the evolving nature of college football. The game has increasingly become more pass-heavy, with offenses relying on dynamic quarterbacks to lead the charge. The quarterback position has become the focal point of modern football, and it's no surprise that the Heisman Trophy, an award that celebrates individual excellence, follows suit.
The Top Contenders
Let's delve into the top contenders, starting with the frontrunner, Arch Manning of Texas. Manning, a name synonymous with football royalty, had a stellar finish to his first season as a starter, leading Texas to a 7-1 record in his final eight games. His performance has set the stage for a potential Heisman-worthy campaign in 2026.
Dante Moore of Oregon is another strong candidate. After opting to stay in college instead of entering the NFL Draft, Moore has a chance to build on an impressive freshman year. With a talented supporting cast, including superstar tight end Jamari Johnson, Moore could be a serious contender.
CJ Carr of Notre Dame is also in the mix. Despite Notre Dame's near miss of the College Football Playoff, Carr's freshman season was exceptional. ESPN's Todd McShay even went as far as to say that Carr is tracking toward becoming a legendary Notre Dame quarterback.
The Underdogs and Surprises
The list also features some intriguing underdogs and surprises. Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss, who led his team to the College Football Playoff for the first time, is a name to watch. ESPN's Jordan Rodgers believes Chambliss is the best quarterback in the country, which is high praise indeed.
Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith are also in the conversation. Sayin, a highly accurate passer, led Ohio State to an unblemished regular season, while Smith, a wide receiver, tops On3's list of the top 100 players in college football for 2026. Smith's inclusion is particularly interesting, as receivers are often overlooked in the Heisman race.
The Transfer Portal Impact
The transfer portal has also made its mark on this list. Darian Mensah, who transferred from Duke to Miami, and Sam Leavitt, who moved from Arizona State to LSU, are both in the top 10. This highlights the increasing role of the transfer portal in shaping college football's landscape, allowing players to quickly make an impact at new programs.
The Final Word
As we approach the new season, the Heisman Trophy race is already shaping up to be a captivating narrative. While the quarterbacks dominate the conversation, it's important to remember that the award is about individual excellence, regardless of position. The players on this list have the talent and the platform to make their mark, and I, for one, can't wait to see how the season unfolds.
