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The 2026 Heisman Trophy race continues to deliver surprises as college football enters the final weeks of November. Several contenders have strengthened their cases, while injuries and unexpected losses have changed the conversation. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, and Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr lead the discussion. However, Utah quarterback Devon Dampier and several emerging stars remain serious contenders.
Notre Dame’s victory over Miami created the biggest shakeup in the race. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s struggles have raised questions about Smith’s chances despite his outstanding production. According to the Heisman Trophy’s official website, national analysts disagree about the current favorite. Some favor Smith, while others prefer Mensah or Carr.
Here are the updated Heisman Trophy rankings entering Week 11, based on individual performance, team success, and national recognition.
1\. Jeremiah Smith — WR, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith continues to demonstrate why many consider him college football’s most talented offensive player. Despite Ohio State’s recent struggles, Smith remains a major threat against opposing defenses. Smith has accumulated approximately 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdown receptions this season. His combination of speed, strength, and exceptional catching ability makes him extremely difficult to defend. Furthermore, Smith has continued producing despite
Ohio State lost starting quarterback Julian Sayin to an injury. That challenge has forced the Buckeyes to adjust their offense around freshman quarterback Luke Fahey. Smith’s individual accomplishments have kept him near the top of national Heisman discussions. The Athletic’s latest staff poll gave Smith 16 of 24 first-place votes. However, Ohio State’s three losses could complicate his chances. Smith must continue delivering outstanding performances while the Buckeyes attempt to finish their season strongly. Polymarket listed Smith as its favorite Wednesday morning, giving him a 29% implied probability of winning.
2\. Darian Mensah — QB, Miami Hurricanes
Darian Mensah remains one of college football’s most productive quarterbacks despite Miami’s recent defeat against Notre Dame. His accuracy and touchdown production have helped the Hurricanes compete among the nation’s strongest programs. Mensah entered November with tremendous momentum following several impressive performances. However, Notre Dame challenged Miami’s offense during Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup. The Hurricanes eventually fell 31-24, suffering their first defeat of the season. Nevertheless, Mensah helped Miami overcome a significant deficit and nearly force overtime.
He completed 24 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns, according to On3’s game report. His late-game performance demonstrated his ability to compete under pressure. Additionally, Mensah faced Notre Dame without standout receiver Malachi Toney. Toney underwent ankle surgery, creating another obstacle for Miami’s passing attack. Mensah must keep producing against upcoming opponents to strengthen his candidacy. A strong November could return him to the top of the rankings. Bleacher Report ranked Mensah first in its November 10 Heisman evaluation.
3\. CJ Carr — QB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Few players improved their Heisman positioning more than Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr during Week 10. His performance against Miami gave the Fighting Irish a signature victory. Carr completed 29 of 40 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he helped Notre Dame defeat the nation’s top-ranked team, 31-24. That victory significantly improved Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff outlook. It also provided Carr with a defining moment against another leading Heisman candidate. Carr has thrown 21 touchdown passes against just one interception this season. His decision-making and consistency have become major strengths for Notre Dame’s offense.
Furthermore, several sportsbooks moved Carr into the favorite’s position following the Miami victory. BetMGM listed Carr at +165 entering Week 11. However, the competition remains extremely close. Carr must continue winning while maintaining his outstanding touchdown-to-interception ratio. Another impressive performance could push him ahead of Smith and Mensah.
4\. Devon Dampier — QB, Utah Utes
Devon Dampier continues building an impressive Heisman case while leading Utah through an undefeated season. His dual-threat abilities make him one of the country’s most dangerous quarterbacks. Dampier delivered another outstanding performance during Utah’s 28-20 victory over BYU. He threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns while adding 89 rushing yards and two scores. Furthermore, his leadership has helped Utah reach a 9-0 record. The Utes also climbed to second in the College Football Playoff rankings.
Dampier has recorded 20 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns this season. Those numbers demonstrate his ability to create scoring opportunities through multiple approaches. However, Utah’s quarterback needs another signature performance to challenge the leading candidates. An undefeated regular season could significantly strengthen his chances. No Utah player has ever captured the Heisman Trophy. Dampier has an opportunity to change that history.
5\. Drew Mestemaker — QB, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker deserves considerable attention following another impressive offensive performance. His consistency has helped him emerge among the nation’s leading passers. Mestemaker threw for 313 yards and four touchdowns against Kansas State. Oklahoma State dominated the Wildcats 66-28, strengthening his Heisman credentials. Additionally, Mestemaker has surpassed 300 passing yards in eight consecutive games. His production has helped him overcome a disappointing season-opening performance against Tulsa.
The former North Texas quarterback has demonstrated impressive accuracy and command of Oklahoma State’s offense. He also ranks among the national leaders in passing touchdowns. Nevertheless, Mestemaker faces considerable competition from quarterbacks representing highly ranked programs. He needs continued production and additional national attention to challenge the favorites. His outstanding passing numbers make him a legitimate candidate for a late-season surge.
6\. Gunner Stockton — QB, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton continues strengthening his Heisman candidacy as the Bulldogs pursue another championship. Stockton delivered an impressive performance during Georgia’s dominant 42-7 victory over Ole Miss. He threw four touchdown passes and added another score on the ground. Furthermore, Stockton has completed more than 70% of his passes this season. His efficient play has helped Georgia remain among the nation’s strongest teams.
The Bulldogs have responded impressively following their earlier loss against Auburn. Stockton’s leadership has played an important role in that turnaround. However, his statistical production trails several leading Heisman contenders. Georgia’s team success could help close that gap. A strong finish against Southeastern Conference competition would strengthen his argument. Stockton remains a dangerous contender entering the final weeks.
7\. DeSean Bishop — RB, Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop has quietly assembled one of college football’s strongest rushing campaigns. Bishop has accumulated 1,066 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season. His physical running style has helped Tennessee maintain a balanced offensive attack. Furthermore, Bishop recorded his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing performance against Kentucky. He finished that contest with 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Tennessee dominated Kentucky 34-6, giving Bishop another opportunity to showcase his talent. However, running backs face considerable competition from quarterbacks in modern Heisman voting. Bishop must continue producing exceptional performances to attract additional attention. On3 ranked him fourth in its latest staff Heisman poll. That recognition demonstrates his growing national reputation.
8\. Keelon Russell — QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has entered the Heisman conversation following several impressive performances. Russell helped Alabama defeat LSU 31-13 during an important Southeastern Conference matchup. He completed 17 of 24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, Russell avoided throwing an interception against the Tigers. His efficient performance helped Alabama maintain its College Football Playoff position.
The Crimson Tide have continued improving following their earlier defeat against Tennessee. Russell’s development has played an important role in that improvement. However, Russell still trails several candidates in overall Heisman recognition. He needs another strong performance against quality competition to improve his standing. Alabama’s remaining schedule gives Russell opportunities to build his résumé before conference championship weekend.
Other Heisman Contenders Worth Watching
Several additional players deserve recognition for their outstanding performances. Duke running back Nate Sheppard has accumulated 1,189 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. He recently recorded 217 rushing yards and three touchdowns against North Carolina State. Meanwhile, Oregon State quarterback Braden Atkinson leads the country with 3,169 passing yards. His teammate Jesse Legree has also impressed with 1,209 receiving yards.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers has improved considerably during the Gamecocks’ four-game winning streak. His recent performances have helped South Carolina return to national relevance. However, Miami receiver Malachi Toney faces an uncertain Heisman outlook following ankle surgery. His injury interrupted an outstanding season and significantly affected Miami’s offense.
Who Will Win the 2026 Heisman Trophy?
The race remains extremely competitive entering the final weeks of the regular season. Smith possesses the individual production and national recognition necessary to win the award. However, Ohio State’s struggles could hurt his chances. Mensah continues delivering impressive numbers, although Miami’s defeat against Notre Dame created additional pressure.
Carr might possess the strongest momentum following Notre Dame’s signature victory. His efficiency and team success make him especially dangerous. Meanwhile, Dampier could emerge as the biggest challenger if Utah finishes undefeated. The Heisman Trophy Trust will announce the winner December 12 in New York City. Ultimately, the final weeks will determine which candidate separates himself from the competition. One outstanding performance could completely change the rankings. For now, Smith holds the top position in this ranking, but Carr and Mensah remain close behind. The 2026 Heisman Trophy race promises an exciting finish.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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