Darian Mensah takes 2026 Heisman betting lead after Miami debut
FOX Sports says the Miami quarterback’s DraftKings odds shortened to +550 after a 401-yard, five-touchdown Week 1 performance.
Miami quarterback Darian Mensah has become the betting favourite for the 2026 Heisman Trophy after a standout Week 1 debut, according to odds reported by FOX Sports from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Mensah threw for 401 yards and five touchdowns, with FOX Sports reporting that he became the sixth quarterback since 2000 to complete at least 90 per cent of his passes while recording 400 or more passing yards and five touchdowns in a game.
His odds shortened from +1150, the fourth-shortest price entering the week, to +550 following the performance. The movement reflects the betting market and does not determine the Heisman result.
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr moved from +700 to +800, making him the second choice. Carr had entered the season as the favourite and is scheduled to make his 2026 debut against Wisconsin.
Miami teammate Malachi Toney was listed at +1300 after also rising on the oddsboard. Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith were among the other leading contenders listed by DraftKings.
The odds were reported by FOX Sports as of 5 September and may change as the season progresses. Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman after leading Indiana to a reported 16–0 national championship season before becoming the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
