Top Contenders for the 2026 Heisman Trophy: Who Stands Out?
As the 2025 Heisman race concludes, the spotlight shifts to potential candidates for the 2026 award, including players like Arch Manning and Julian Sayin.
With the 2025 Heisman Trophy race decided, it’s time to look ahead to contenders for the 2026 Heisman. The outcome for college football’s top individual accolade will be influenced by NFL Draft and transfer portal outcomes to be resolved soon.
Several standout players are already emerging as frontrunners as we await roster changes. Notably, Julian Sayin of Ohio State, a 2025 finalist, and his teammate Jeremiah Smith show strong potential next season.
Among the top competitors, Arch Manning (Texas), Marcel Reed (Texas A&M), and Jayden Maiava (USC) stand out as notable talent if they choose to stay in college. Here’s a glimpse into the 2026 Heisman Trophy contenders.
