Notre Dame QB CJ Carr left off way-too-early 2026 Heisman list

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The ink has barely dried off the 2025 Heisman Trophy, but it’s never too early to predict what we’ll all see next year, and many will have Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr on their lists.

That won’t include Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick, who released his way-too-early 2026 Heisman Trophy finalists. He had two Ohio State players in quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who finished No. 4 and No. 6 in this year’s voting. Chadwick also had Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, who finished No. 7 this season, but unlike the Buckeyes, could turn pro after this season is over.

The final player he had on his list was Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who also saw plenty of preseason hype heading into this season, only to fall well short of expectations. If there is one player on his top-four that Carr should be over, it’s Manning, as the Notre Dame quarterback threw for just 201 less yards passing, but had the same amount of touchdowns, 24, less interceptions, 6 to 7, and had a higher QBR.

To me the hype being Manning is all in his last name, which Carr should have plenty of as well, being the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd. Lists like these will just fuel Carr’s fire as he should have a huge second season as Notre Dame’s starter.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen

This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame QB CJ Carr not on way-too-early 2026 Heisman list

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos