Best early bets to capture 2026 Heisman Trophy

Steve Starr
By , Updated on: Mar 2, 2026 12:00 AM
2026 heisman trophy winner picks

Fernando Mendoza was a 60–1 longshot to win the Heisman Trophy heading into last season. After leading No. 1 Indiana to a perfect 13-0 regular-season record and their first-ever national title, he won the award and is now set to be drafted No. 1 by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Will a player come out of nowhere to capture the 2026 Heisman Trophy? Let's look at the latest betting futures. Odds are subject to change.

2026 Heisman Trophy WinnerBetOnlineBovadaMyBookie
Arch Manning TEX+550+550+550
Trinidad Chambliss Ole Miss+650+650+650
CJ Carr ND+750+750+750
Dante Moore ORE+900+900+900
Josh Hoover IND+1000+1000+1000
Julian Sayin OSU+1200+1200+1200
Darian Mensah MIA FL+1200+1200+1200
Sam Leavitt LSU+1300+1300+1300
Jeremiah Smith OSU+1400+1400+1400
Jayden Maiava USC+1400+1400+1400
John Mateer OKL+1600+1600+1600
Gunner Stockton UGA+1800+1800+1800
LaNorris Sellers SCAR+1800+1800+1800
Malachi Toney MIA+2200+2200+2200
Marcel Reed TAMU+2500+2500+2500

Boost Your College Football Picks

Before getting your wagers down on the 2026 Heisman Trophy, check out these resources for betting on NCAAF college football online to ensure you are getting the best bets available. You can also use sportsbooks reviews 2025 to find a betting site for your college football betting picks. And if you're new to the world of online sports betting, don't fret about being in over your head. There are plenty of how-to tips in our handy sports betting guide.

Arch Manning opens as Heisman favorite

Arch Manning (+550) has more than genetics working in his favor. After a strong finish to last season, the former five-star recruit now gets to throw to standout receiver Cam Coleman. Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns also brought in RB Hollywood Smothers, and Texas has many returnees on the offensive line.

Other top contenders

Trinidad Chambliss (+650) was a breakout star of the College Football Playoffs, but the NCAA denied Ole Miss' waiver application to get him another year of eligibility. While a Mississippi court could rule in the Rebels favor, hold off on this bet until you know Chambliss is suiting up.

CJ Carr (+750) passed for 24 TDs in his first 12 starts, putting together one of the finest first-year quarterback performances in Notre Dame history. Believe it or not, the Irish are tied with Oklahoma for the most Heisman-winning QBs (4), but it's been awhile since their last one in 1964. Working in Carr's favor: he is NOT related to David or Derek.

Dante Moore (+900) eschewed the chance to go top two in the 2026 NFL Draft for another shot at the national title with Oregon. After throwing 30 TDs last year, expectations will be sky-high for both Moore and the Ducks in 2026.

What about a position player?

Jeremiah Smith (+1400) became the fastest Ohio receiver to reach 2,000 yards (24 games), 100 catches (20) and 25 TD receptions (25), and the Buckeyes are known for wide receiver talent if nothing else. But while he may have been the best player in college football last season, only five non-QBs have won the Heisman since the year 2000. 

2026 Heisman Trophy Winner Picks

Julian Sayin (+1200) and Darian Mensah (+1200) both offer good value at the moment. Sayin was a 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten title game from winning the award in 2025 and his Buckeyes are always in championship contention. Meanwhile, Mensah tossed 34 touchdowns with Duke last year and, thanks to the transfer portal, will now be playing with the best talent of his career in Miami.

Julian Sayin 2026 Heisman Trophy Winner
Bovada
+1200

Meet the author

Steve Starr

Accomplished Sports Betting Specialist with over two decades of experience in sports analytics, strategic betting formulation, and risk management, with a particular focus on professional sports such as the NFL, NBA, and NHL. Proven success in applying statistical mo...

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