Arch Manning leads a way-too-early look at the 2026 Heisman Trophy race, though the Texas quarterback is far from alone atop an early list filled with star power and returning production. CBS Sports' David Cobb put together a list of college football’s best players.
Manning closed the 2025 season with momentum for the Longhorns. Over Texas’ final five regular-season games, he accounted for 15 total touchdowns as a passer and runner while throwing just two interceptions. He also surpassed 300 yards passing three times during that stretch. Arch was last year's preseason Heisman favorite, but that title quickly went away.
There will be plenty of competition with Manning, who is expected to return and not test the NFL Draft waters. Quarterbacks Marcel Reed of Texas A&M and Jayden Maiava of USC are also draft-eligible but will contend for college football’s top individual award. Reed already said he'll be back and Maiava hasn't been at the forefront of many draft conversations.
Reed can begin building momentum immediately with a strong showing in the College Football Playoff. The dual-threat quarterback threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns while guiding Texas A&M to an 11-1 regular season. His return would come with some transition as the Aggies adjust a new offensive coordinator following Collin Klein’s departure to become Kansas State’s head coach.
At USC, Maiava appears to be building a Heisman spotlight under Lincoln Riley, who has already coached three winners. He led the Big Ten with 3,431 passing yards during the regular season and guided the Trojans to a 9-3 record. A College Football Playoff appearance in 2026 would likely place him squarely in the New York conversation.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is also worth keeping an eye on. After earning a trip to New York as a finalist this season, the Buckeyes passer and his top target, Jeremiah Smith, finished sixth could join him in the Heisman mix next year.
Other names to watch include Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, an accurate passer surrounded by elite talent, and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, who proved capable in clutch moments and should take another step forward in 2026.
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