2026 Heisman Trophy Predictions: Ranking the Top 10 Candidates Ahead of Week 6

As every Heisman Trophy contender knows, college football has a lot of talent. But only one player wins the trophy. Winning the Heisman is a one-way ticket to the top of the NFL draft. Fernando Mendoza, Travis Hunter, Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams are four of countless previous winners who have punched their ticket in this way.

Keeping that in mind, here's a look at the top 10 players who have made a solid case to win the award heading into the Week 6 slate, including Malachi Toney, Jeremiah Smith, and more.

Top 10 Heisman Contenders To Know Heading into Week 6

#10 – Princewill Umanmielen, DE, LSU Tigers

Princewill Umanmielen has gotten to the quarterback better than anyone else in college football with eight sacks so far this season. Defense isn't typically thought of in connection with the Heisman, but if anyone has a shot this season, it is Umanmielen. He will need to keep pace to overcome the others ahead of him, however.

#9 – Dylan Riley, RB, Boise State Broncos

Dylan Riley leads college football in total rushing yards, which automatically puts him into consideration. Riley is also over 6.3 yards per carry, which makes him reliable, and has scored five touchdowns on the ground. However, he still has room for improvement to have a shot at winning the award over the other names.

Not many had the USC Trojans pegged as a serious force in the AP Poll Top 25 coming into the year, but one reason for the team's hot start has been Jayden Maiava. The quarterback is third in passing touchdowns and second in passing yards. However, the Trojans' recent struggles against Oregon and a near loss against the Washington Huskies leave him well outside the top 5.

#7 – Malachi Toney, WR, Miami Hurricanes

Malachi Toney has dominated this season with 604 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He doesn't lead college football in either category, which is why he's not at the top of the list. Plus, it is historically harder for a receiver to win the Heisman, which will hold back the other receiver ahead of him as well.

Jadan Baugh leads the FBS in rushing touchdowns (11) and is fifth in rushing yards. His 6.5 yards per carry also ranks higher than Dylan Riley's 6.3, which puts him on pace to be the most likely back to win the Heisman this year.

#5 – Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

Jeremiah Smith is first in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns. If there is a wide receiver that is going to win the Heisman, it is Smith. Since 2020, two receivers have won the award, which makes him a serious contender to win in 2026.

#4 – Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia Bulldogs

Gunner Stockton is tied for ninth in touchdown passes and is third in passer rating at 202.1 (ESPN). As such, Stockton is a top contender to win the Heisman. It also helps to be part of a program with plenty of visibility on any given week.

#3 – Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes

Since 2021, four of the last five Heisman Trophy winners have been quarterbacks. Julian Sayin could be the fifth since 2021. Entering Week 6, Sayin has thrown just one interception to 13 touchdowns. He has been explosive and safe with the ball, which is the hardest thing for any quarterback to do.

With Fernando Mendoza gone, many expected the Indiana Hoosiers' quarterback room to take a step back, but it has not. However, thus far, it is impressively difficult to argue that there has been any decline from Mendoza, last year's Heisman winner. Hoover has thrown for 15 touchdowns and zero interceptions with a completion rate of 71%.

#1 – Darian Mensah, QB, Miami Hurricanes

Darian Mensah has yet to throw an interception this season, and the quarterback has thrown for 15 touchdowns. Thus far, some may argue that Mensah has been an upgrade from Carson Beck, which is saying something after his predecessor went to the National Championship last season. Mensah also leads college football with an 84.2% completion rate.

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