Yahoo Sports forecasts open 2026 Heisman race with Stockton and Underwood as frontrunners
Preseason predictions identify Georgia’s Gunner Stockton and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood as leading candidates, though analysts warn the field remains wide open with potential dark horses.
Yahoo Sports has released its preseason top 12 predictions for the 2026 Heisman Trophy, describing the upcoming season as one of the most competitive in recent memory. The analysis highlights a deep pool of talent, featuring future NFL quarterbacks from national championship-calibre teams and elite wide receivers. While the publication identifies specific frontrunners, it notes that the identity of the eventual winner remains uncertain, with several players positioned to emerge as surprise candidates.
Gunner Stockton of Georgia and Bryce Underwood of Michigan are identified as the leading candidates in the prediction list. Stockton, who finished seventh in the Heisman voting last season, is ranked 11th in the 2026 forecast. The analysis suggests that while Stockton will lead a strong Georgia squad in the SEC and national championship hunt, his individual passing statistics may not be sufficient to secure the award, potentially leaving him just outside the top ten.
Bryce Underwood of Michigan is ranked 10th in the predictions. The field is described as particularly interesting due to the presence of high-profile players from major programmes. However, the report cautions that the current landscape of the sport, driven by Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal, tends to concentrate star talent at the biggest institutions. This dynamic makes it difficult for players from smaller schools to generate the widespread interest necessary to win the trophy, a trend that has held true in previous years.
The 2026 race is expected to feature potential upsets from players such as Sam Leavitt, Jayden Maiava, and Malachi Toney. Leavitt, the new quarterback at LSU, is identified as a potential top-three candidate, contingent on his health status. Jayden Maiava of USC is predicted to land in the top ten, while Malachi Toney of Miami is noted as a contender, although the analysis suggests he lacks the dual-threat versatility of previous winners like Travis Hunter.
Historical context underscores the unpredictability of the award, with recent winners including Fernando Mendoza, Diego Pavia, Ashton Jeanty, Travis Hunter, and Jayden Daniels often rising from outside the initial consensus. The Yahoo Sports report emphasises that while the current stars are prominent, the true frontrunners may yet to reveal themselves as the season progresses. The competition is framed not just as a contest of individual skill, but as a test of institutional strength and media narrative in an era of heightened player mobility.
