Can't Wait For Saturday Maybe Reed turns into the next Johnny Manziel ,,, without the baggage
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Jun. 28—***
Earlier in June, I used this space to count down the Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2026. (The list is at the bottom.)
That doesn't come close to covering all the possibilities. Last year, Fernando Mendoza wasn't considered a candidate going into the year. So, into July. I will float some names of guys who might enter the conversation if they get off to a hot start.
Today, a guy who has spent his entire college career at the same school.
Marcel Reed Texas A&M quarterback
The Tennessee native began his college career in College Station in 2023 and has stayed put. Such a concept, with many players, especially quarterbacks, looking for greener pastures,
Reed has found his happy place after throwing for 3,169 yards in 2025 with 25 touchdowns. It would be better if threw fewer than 12 interceptions this time around.
Reed is a threat with his legs, running for 13 touchdowns an more than a combined 1,000 yards the past two seasons.
The Aggies have a new offensive coordinator and that might be trouble for a returning quarterback in some cases. Not here. New OC Holmon Wiggins was already on the staff and plans to use Reed's full skillset.
The schedule is dotted with talented teams — Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas — but no Georgia or Mississippi. Reed will have a chance to get off to a fast start.
Mike Elko's team had a disappointing close to the 2025 season, fist losing to bitter rival Texas, then dropping a College Football Playoff game 10-7 against eventual runner-up Miami. The Aggies figured they might win the whole thing.
Texas A&M doesn't have a long history with the Heisman Trophy. John David Crow became the first winner from the school in 1957. And Johnny Manziel was the first freshman to win in 2012.
Crow, a two-way player at A&M, was a standout in the NFL for the Chicago Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
Manziel struggled after being picked in the first round of he NFL draft by Cleveland. He lasted only two seasons, throwing as many interceptions seven, as touchdown passes.
1. Jeremiah Smith Ohio State receiver
2. Arch Manning Texas quarterback
3. Malachi Toney Miami receiver
4. Julian Sayin Ohio State quarterback
5. Trinidad Chambliss Mississippi quarterback
6. CJ Carr, Notre Dame quarterback
7. Dante Moore, Oregon quarterback
8. Demond Williams Jr., Washington quarterback
9. Josh Hoover, Indiana quarterback
10. Darian Mensah, Miami quarterback
Byrum Brown, Auburn quarterback
Sam Leavitt, LSU quarterback
John Mateer, Oklahoma quarterback
Bo Jackson, Ohio State running back
Jayden Maiava, Southern California quarterback
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