CBS Sports Identifies Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith as Top Heisman Contenders for 2026
A new analysis from CBS Sports highlights Texas quarterbacks Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith as the primary favourites, while noting a shift in the landscape following the previous season's outcomes.
CBS Sports has released a speculative assessment identifying potential Heisman Trophy candidates for every team within the post-spring top 25 for the 2026 college football season. The analysis suggests that the race for the nation's highest individual honour remains wide open, a sentiment underscored by the fact that three of the four finalists from the 2025 season have already transitioned to the NFL.
Among the prospects highlighted, Arch Manning of Texas and Jeremiah Smith are singled out as the top favourites to lead the charge. The report notes that while the field is vast, these two stand out as the primary contenders heading into the campaign. The evaluation also points to CJ Carr of Notre Dame as a modest favourite, though the overall list is characterised as having plenty of opportunity for other players to emerge.
The evaluation draws upon the post-spring top 25 rankings to map out the most likely candidates for each programme. Notable names identified in this scope include Julian Sayin of Oklahoma State, Dakorien Moore of Texas A&M, and Isaiah Sategna of Oklahoma. The analysis indicates that the 2026 candidate list is slightly less quarterback-heavy than the previous year, with a total of 15 players identified across the major programmes.
Specific team dynamics are scrutinised in the report, such as the potential impact of losing running mates on individual player statistics. For instance, the departure of Carnell Tate to the NFL is noted as a factor that could increase the passing volume for Jeremiah Smith. Similarly, the analysis considers the trajectory of CJ Carr following a strong finish to the 2025 season, suggesting he has a chance to rank as the nation's best quarterback if he replicates his recent production.
The CBS Sports assessment serves as a preliminary look at the competitive landscape before the season begins, acknowledging that many variables remain subject to change. With the departure of key figures like Fernando Mendoza and the evolving rosters of teams like Arizona State and Oklahoma, the institution's analysis provides a framework for understanding the depth of talent available for the upcoming year.
