Heisman momentum meter: Fast-rising star joins familiar names in latest power rankings

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Miami’s offense continues to absolutely dominate its opponents, thanks to what’s shaping up to be the best quarterback-receiver duo in college football between Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney.

While it’s still early, Mensah and Toney are turning into high-end Heisman Trophy contenders this season after leading the Hurricanes to a pair of dominant wins over Stanford and Florida A&M to open the campaign.

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, one of the most-talented college football players in recent memory, is also making his case as an early Heisman contender. The third-year receiver was dominant in the Buckeyes’ loss to Texas, finishing the game with eight receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown, marking his second consecutive game with at least 150 receiving yards and a touchdown.

OPINION: Texas, Arch Manning get signature win. Now the heavy lifting begins

Could 2026 be the year college football adds another non-quarterback Heisman winner? Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s latest Heisman momentum meter before Week 3 of the season:

1. Darian Mensah, QB, Miami ↔️ (last week: 1)

Nothing new was learned about Miami from its 77-7 romp of Florida A&M in Week 2, but Mensah continued to be ultra-efficient for the Hurricanes.

Mensah was 14-of-15 passing for 252 yards with three touchdowns in the win, raising his completion percentage through two games to a ridiculous 91.1%. He also ranks No. 1 nationally in ESPN’s QBR at 96.5.

The Hurricanes paid big money to lure Mensah from Duke in the transfer portal. Their investment is paying off.

2. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State ⬆️ (last week: 4)

Smith would possibly be No. 1 in the rankings if Ohio State held on to beat Texas on the road in Week 2, but the Buckeyes lost a 23-3 fourth-quarter lead. He was dominant regardless, with eight receptions for 164 yards with a touchdown. 

Smith has the name recognition and the talent to make him a top contender in what’s likely to be his final season of college football.

3. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss ⬇️ (last week: 2)

Chambliss wasn’t asked to do much in Ole Miss’ 41-9 win over Charlotte in Week 2, but he still completed 23-of-26 passes for 225 yards with two touchdowns.

Chambliss was dynamite in Ole Miss’ opener against Louisville, essentially willing the Rebels to victory. He’ll keep his spot near the top of the momentum meter if he keeps producing.

4. Kamario Taylor, QB, Mississippi State ⬆️ (last week: 10)

Welcome to the top tier, Kamario Taylor. The first-year full-time starter is blossoming into one of the best players in college football, with eight total touchdowns through two games for Mississippi State.

Taylor was 16-of-22 passing for 227 yards with three touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 38-13 win over Minnesota in Week 2, along with 13 carries for 86 yards. Mississippi State looks much improved and Taylor is a big reason for it.

5. Jayden Maiava, QB, USC ⬇️ (last week: 3)

College football fans have heard this before: USC’s defense hasn’t looked great, but its quarterback has.

Maiva threw for 261 yards with five touchdowns in USC’s 49-30 win over Louisiana in Week 2, raising his season total to 896 passing yards with 10 touchdowns to an interception. 

Maiava leads the country in passing yards and passing touchdowns due to the Trojans playing in Week 0, but the second-year USC starter has been prolific so far nonetheless.

6. Malachi Toney, WR, Miami ↔️ (last week: 6)

Miami didn’t need much of Toney against Florida A&M, although the second-year receiver still caught four passes for 96 yards and a touchdown in the huge win. 

He’s going to have plenty more chances going forward, especially once Miami gets in the full swing of conference play. The only thing holding back Toney right now is a huge performance in a signature win for the Hurricanes.

7. Arch Manning, QB, Texas ⬇️ (last week: 5)

Manning wasn’t great through three quarters against Ohio State in Week 2, but he was clutch in the fourth quarter, leading three consecutive touchdown drives to finish off Texas’ 24-23 comeback win.

Manning was 23-of-37 passing for 195 yards with a touchdown to an interception in the tough matchup, also rushing eight times for 24 yards. His numbers weren’t the best, but it’s doubtful he cares about stats after knocking off the then-No. 1-ranked team.

The comeback win certainly helps his Heisman case, though.

8. Josh Hoover, QB, Indiana ⬆️ (last week: 9)

Hoover was only asked to throw 11 times against Howard in Week 2, but four of his six completions went for touchdowns.

Hoover was 6-of-11 passing for 145 yards with four scores in Indiana’s 55-0 win, raising his touchdown total to eight on the season. The reigning champs haven’t played anyone of note yet, but Hoover’s passing ability with Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker will put him in Heisman conversations.

9. CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame ⬆️ (last week: unranked)

Carr broke out for Notre Dame last year as a first-time starter, and has looked like a veteran through two games in 2026.

Carr completed 16-of-20 passes for 253 yards with four touchdowns in the Fighting Irish’s 52-0 win over Rice in Week 2. Notre Dame’s matchup against Miami later in the season could be huge for multiple players’ Heisman chances. 

10. Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia ⬆️ (last week: 12)

Stockton has three incompletions to eight touchdowns through two Georgia wins this season, even if those wins came against Tennessee State and Western Kentucky.

The returning starter faces Oklahoma’s stout defense in two weeks, and a big performance against the Sooners could vault Stockton into higher status.

11. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State ⬇️ (last week: 7)

It’s going to be hard for Sayin to overcome Smith, his teammate, as Ohio State’s top Heisman contender this season. He completed 17-of-32 passes for 278 yards with a touchdown to an interception in OSU's loss to Texas in Week 2.

Regardless, Sayin is going to put up big numbers this season for one of the best teams in college football and was a finalist for the award last season. That can’t be discounted.

12. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State ⬆️ (last week: unranked)

Not many expected Mestemaker to make the list after Oklahoma State’s disappointing 24-10 loss to Tulsa in Week 1. But the North Texas transfer outplayed Dante Moore in the Cowboys’ 39-31 win over the Ducks, passing for 317 yards with two touchdowns while rushing for 109 yards and another score.

Mestemaker has four interceptions to four total touchdowns this season, but he’s the entire engine for first-year coach Eric Morris’ offense, as Mestemaker’s arm is relied on to dig Oklahoma State out of trouble with big-time throws. He’s back on the 2027 NFL Draft radar after the big-time turnaround from Week 1 to 2. 

Players dropped out: Dante Moore (8), Kevin Jennings (11)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heisman momentum meter: Fast-rising star joins familiar names in latest power rankings

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