4 dark horse candidates who could win the Heisman Trophy in 2026
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The college football season is right around the corner and it’s never too early to start thinking about who might be the best player in the nation. When it comes to the coveted Heisman Trophy, names that immediately pop are Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, and CJ Carr, among others.
However, there are other players who could battle their way into contention by the end of the football season. Obviously, their teams need to win, on top of putting up big numbers, and these four dark horse candidates could get the job done.
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QB Will Hammond, Texas Tech
Will Hammond wasn’t supposed to start this season for the Red Raiders, but following the debacle with Brendan Sorsby, Hammond is in line to start.
Texas Tech has quite the explosive offense and regardless of who starts under center — they produce. It’s a small sample size, but Hammond did throw for a total of 680 yards and seven touchdowns in mop-up duty in 2025.
The Red Raiders are going to sling the ball around, and after making the College Football Playoff a season ago, Texas Tech will be closely watched. The Red Raiders are expected to contend for the Big 12 once again this season, and if they do so, it’s likely that Hammond has a big season through the air.
RB Jordan Marshall, Michigan
The Heisman isn’t a running back award any longer. In fact, the last running back to win the award was Alabama’s Derrick Henry back in 2015.
When it comes to Michigan, all eyes are going to be on Bryce Underwood. While Underwood is going to be a key factor in how well the Wolverines do this season, running the football is still going to be the mantra in Ann Arbor.
Jason Beck is the new offensive coordinator, and his offenses have finished No. 2 in the nation in the past two seasons. Marshall began last season as a backup and finished the season hurt. Despite all of that, he nearly ran for 1,000 yards.
If Michigan finds a way to win 10 or more games, Marshall has a real shot to have not only a career year, but also head to New York.
WR Cam Coleman, Texas
A change of scenery was necessary for the former top prospect. After two average years at Auburn, the 6’3″ wideout is now at Texas with Ryan Wingo and catching passes from Heisman contender Arch Manning.
Coleman has caught for over 1,300 yards in total during the two seasons at Auburn, along with catching 13 touchdowns.
Texas had the 44th passing offense in the nation last season and at times, Manning wasn’t overly impressive. But entering 2026, Manning has a full season under his belt and the passing attack should only improve.
That sets up Coleman to have a big season at Texas.
QB Kevin Jennings, SMU
SMU made the College Football Playoff two seasons ago, and the Mustangs were competitive this past season. In both years, Kevin Jennings threw for over 3,200 yards and he’s in the picture as one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks.
SMU isn’t a national team like Miami, Clemson, or Florida State, but SMU is a team that could unseat the ‘Canes this season.
And if the Mustangs do that, it will take Jennings to continue to progress. Entering his third year as the starter, Jennings needs to limit the interceptions, and if he can do that, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him sitting in New York.
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