College Football season is just weeks away! As we continue to preview every team and look at every futures market out there, it’s time to dive into the Heisman Trophy. One of, if not the most prestigious trophies in all of sports. Back-to-back seasons, a 50/1 or longer shot has hoisted the famed trophy. Will that be the case again in 2026? Let’s jump in and look at the Heisman Trophy odds and best bets for 2026’s College Football season.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza put a bow on the perfect storybook season in 2025 by capturing the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship. The first quarterback to do so since Joe Burrow in 2019 at LSU. At this time last year, Mendoza was at 55/1 odds to win the award. In 2024, Colorado’s Travis Hunter etched his name in the history books; he was at 50/1 prior to the season kickoff when he won the award.
In 2026, there’s a loaded class of names atop the board, but it felt that way in 2025 as well. Will it be a favorite? Or who could emerge from the depths of the odds board and shock the nation, leaving their mark on history by winning the 2026 Heisman Trophy?
2026 Heisman Trophy Odds
CJ Carr +750
Arch Manning +800
Darian Mensah +1000
Dante Moore +1100
Julian Sayin +1300
Trinidad Chambliss +1300
Jeremiah Smith +1500
Josh Hoover +1500
Gunner Stockton +2500
Jayden Maiava +2500
John Mateer +2500
Keelon Russell +2500
Sam Leavitt +2500
Marcel Reed +3000
Malachi Toney +3500
Bryce Underwood +4000
LaNorris Sellers +5000
Will Hammond +5000
Bear Bachmeier +6000
Demond Williams Jr. +6000
Drew Mestemaker +6000
Jaron-Keawa Sagapolutele +6000
Austin Mack +7500
Byrum Brown +7500
Conner Weigman +7500
Devon Dampier +7500
Kevin Jennings +7500
Lincoln Kienholz +7500
Rocco Becht +7500
Aaron Philo +10000
Ahmad Hardy +10000
Austin Simmons +10000
Avery Johnson +10000
Bo Jackson +10000
CJ Bailey +10000
Cam Coleman +10000
Christopher Vizzina +10000
DJ Lagway +10000
Dylan Raiola +10000
Kewan Lacy +10000
Mark Fletcher Jr. +10000
Nico Iamaleava +10000
Noah Fifita +10000
Alberto Mendoza +15000
2026 Heisman Trophy Best Bets
Jeremiah Smith – Ohio State (+1500)
I’ve already made the case for the Ohio State Buckeyes to win the 2026 College Football National Championship. A big part of why I think they can do that is Jeremiah Smith. As I look through the favorites, Smith is easily my favorite player. This kid is an absolute stud, arguably one of the most talented wide receivers Ohio State has seen. And boy, have they seen some wide receivers.
Smith has his quarterback, Julian Sayin, returning, which is huge for their chemistry. Wide receivers don’t win the Heisman often, but like DeVonta Smith before him, this Smith has what it takes. Smith had 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 receiving TDs in only 13 games in 2025. He also added a rushing TD. He’ll be the guy for the Buckeyes this season. Watch for him to set himself apart.
Sam Leavitt (+2500)
Sam Leavitt leaves Arizona State to team up with Lane Kiffin. You can’t get on a much bigger stage than that. What Leavitt did at Arizona State was impressive. Last season was cut short, but he’s healthy and ready to go for 2026. Playing in the SEC, playing at a storied school like LSU that’s seen Heisman winners, it’s all set up for Sam this season. Getting paired with an offensive genius like Lane Kiffin pushes it over the top.
Leavitt has that dual-threat ability that’s so important for this award. He’s not just going to stand in the backfield and deliver darts, even though he can. He’ll have those designed runs and scramble plays that create those “Heisman Moments.” In 2024 at Arizona State, Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He ran for another 443 yards and five additional touchdowns. Now, two years older and more mature at LSU, get ready for the Leavitt breakout, because it’s coming.
Christopher Vizzina (+10000)
Want a true longshot? How about Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina? It’s a true longshot, and he’s not even been named the starter. But in order for someone this far down the board to win it, there has to be a story worth selling. Vizzina was a highly recruited quarterback out of Alabama who committed to Clemson. He sat behind Cade Klubnik for three full seasons. He didn’t transfer; he didn’t whine and cry; he waited. Now, he’s got his opportunity. It isn’t being handed to him; he’s still got to earn it over freshman Tait Reynolds.
If Vizzina can win this job, and suddenly he’s got Clemson, a blue blood of College Football on the verge or back in the College Football Playoffs, it’ll put him on everyone’s radar. We don’t know what Vizzina is capable of, but we’ve seen a flash. He filled in for Klubnik last season against SMU. He went 29/42 for 317 yards and three touchdowns. His arm talent showed big time that day. Let’s assume this is what he can do if given the chance this year. He gets LSU as the opener, and South Carolina right away. That’s his opportunity to put his name on the map. Bringing 7-6 Clemson back into the picture can vault a player’s stock tremendously.
