The Heisman Favorite is not Arch Manning at the moment, but there are four QB’s in the Top 5

The early betting favorites for the 2026 Heisman Trophy are loaded with superstar quarterbacks and elite playmakers. Right now, most sportsbooks have two names sitting at the top of the board: Arch Manning and CJ Carr.

Here are the current favorites to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy:

1. CJ Carr (Notre Dame QB) – Carr is currently listed as one of the favorites after a breakout season leading Notre Dame. Many analysts believe he has the combination of production, leadership, and national exposure voters love. 
2. Arch Manning (Texas QB) – Manning remains one of the biggest names in college football and is tied near the top of most sportsbooks. His NFL upside and last name keep him constantly in the national spotlight. 
3. Dante Moore (Oregon QB) – Moore shocked many people by returning to Oregon instead of entering the NFL Draft, instantly making the Ducks a title contender and himself a major Heisman candidate. 
4. Julian Sayin (Ohio State QB) – Sayin has been viewed as a future star for years, and his efficiency in Ohio State’s offense has many believing he could put up monster numbers in 2026. 
5. Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State WR) – Smith is the top non-quarterback in the race and is already being called one of the best receiver prospects in years. Some analysts believe he could become the first wide receiver to seriously threaten for the award in a long time. 

Other names generating Heisman buzz include:

• Josh Hoover
• Darian Mensah
• Gunner Stockton
• Sam Leavitt

The 2026 Heisman race is expected to be one of the most competitive in years because of the amount of elite quarterback talent returning to college football. Right now, though, Arch Manning, CJ Carr, and Jeremiah Smith are the names generating the most national attention heading into the season. WHO DO YOU THINK WINS IT ALL?