NCAAF · 17 minutes ago

FanDuel’s Top 5 Ranked Heisman Trophy Favorites Feature NFL Royalty and College Powerhouses

Bo Marchionte

Host · Writer

5-Tie) Trinidad Chambliss
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss +1300
- School: Ole Miss
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 205
Strength of Schedule

The SEC provides no weeks off. Games against conference heavyweights give Chambliss multiple opportunities to create defining Heisman moments while leading a projected playoff contender.

Why He Wins

Quarterback production has dominated recent Heisman voting, and Chambliss offers something many of the other contenders don't elite dual-threat value.

Another season approaching 4,000 passing yards while adding 500-plus rushing yards and double-digit rushing touchdowns would give him one of the most complete statistical profiles in college football.

Ole Miss is expected to contend for an SEC title and playoff berth, so every signature win would boost his candidacy. If he continues protecting the football while producing explosive plays with both his arm and legs, he'll be difficult for voters to ignore.

Why He Doesn't Win

Playing in the SEC means every week is another battle against NFL-caliber defenses, leaving almost no margin for error. Chambliss also shares the spotlight with one of the conference's deepest rosters, meaning individual statistics could be spread throughout the offense.

Quarterbacks like C.J. Carr, Arch Manning and Julian Sayin may produce bigger passing numbers in more quarterback-friendly systems. If Ole Miss drops a couple of key conference games or his touchdown totals don't climb into the mid-30s, voters could favor quarterbacks with flashier statistical seasons despite Chambliss playing outstanding football.

2025 Stats
- Passing Yards: 3.937
- Touchdowns: 22
- Interceptions: 3
- Passer Rating: 155.4
1) CJ Carr
C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame
- School: Notre Dame
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 210
Strength of Schedule

Notre Dame faces multiple marquee opponents but also has an opportunity to stack wins against a schedule viewed as favorable enough to produce elite quarterback numbers.

Why He Wins

Quarterbacks on playoff-caliber teams almost always dominate the Heisman conversation, and Carr enters the season with exactly that profile. Notre Dame is expected to contend nationally, and his combination of efficiency, touchdown production, and low-risk decision-making creates an ideal formula.

If he approaches 35-40 touchdown passes while leading the Irish to 11 or 12 regular-season wins, voters will have a difficult time looking elsewhere. Playing for one of college football's most recognizable brands only amplifies every performance, especially in nationally televised games. A playoff run paired with elite efficiency could make Carr the clear favorite by November.

Why He Doesn't Win

The biggest obstacle may not be his talent but perception.

Notre Dame's schedule has drawn criticism for lacking week-after-week heavyweight opponents, meaning Carr could post outstanding numbers without producing enough signature Heisman moments.

For preseason favorites, expectations are unforgiving anything short of elite often feels disappointing in the eyes of voters.

2025 Stats
- Passing Yards: 2,741
- Touchdowns: 24
- Interceptions: 6
- Passer Rating: 168.1
2) Arch Manning
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
- School: Texas
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 219
Strength of Schedule

Texas may have the nation's toughest road to the College Football Playoff with marquee games against Ohio State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, LSU, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Missouri. Every big performance will carry Heisman weight.

Why He Wins

No player will have more opportunities to impress voters than Manning. Texas plays one of the nation's most difficult schedules, meaning nearly every marquee performance comes against ranked competition. If he leads the Longhorns to an SEC Championship and College Football Playoff berth while eclipsing 4,000 total yards and approaching 40 touchdowns, he'll own the strongest résumé in college football. The Manning name brings attention, but voters won't hand him anything. Against this schedule, every signature win becomes another Heisman moment, and few quarterbacks enter the season with a brighter spotlight.

Why He Doesn't Win

The same spotlight that helps Manning can also become his biggest obstacle. Every interception, every slow start and every Texas loss will receive national attention. The Longhorns' demanding SEC schedule leaves little room for error, and one or two disappointing performances against elite defenses could shut the door.

2025 Stats
- Passing Yards: 3,163
- Touchdowns: 26
- Interceptions: 7
- Passer Rating: 144.9
3) Darian Mensah
Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
- School: Miami
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 205
Strength of Schedule

Miami's ACC slate features major measuring-stick games against Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina and Pittsburgh, giving Mensah several national showcase opportunities while the Hurricanes chase a playoff berth.

Why He Wins

The blueprint is obvious.

Cam Ward proved Miami quarterbacks can become Heisman finalists by producing explosive offense and winning big games. Mensah already has the arm talent and experience to duplicate that path. If Miami reaches the ACC Championship Game while he throws for another 4,000-plus yards with 35 to 40 touchdowns, he'll have one of the strongest statistical résumés in the country. National attention will follow a playoff-caliber Hurricanes team, and marquee wins over Clemson or Florida State could become defining Heisman moments.

Why He Doesn't Win

Miami's offense is loaded with playmakers, which could work against Mensah by spreading the spotlight across the roster.

The ACC also doesn't carry the same week-to-week national perception as the SEC, meaning he'll likely need elite numbers to separate himself from quarterbacks like C.J. Carr, Arch Manning and Julian Sayin. One or two costly losses could quickly derail both Miami's playoff hopes and his Heisman campaign.

Expectations are sky high, and while Mensah has the tools, the margin for error is slim when competing against several other quarterbacks expected to post monster seasons.

2025 Stats
- Passing Yards: 4,006
- Touchdowns: 34
- Interceptions: 6
- Passer Rating: 103.5
4) Dante Moore
Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass during warmups during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
5-Tie) Julian Sayin
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
- School: Ohio State
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 208
Strength of Schedule

Ohio State enters the season ranked No. 1 and faces one of the nation's toughest schedules, highlighted by Texas and a loaded Big Ten slate. Every marquee game is a potential Heisman statement.

Why He Wins

The formula is simple. Quarterbacks, the nation's No. 1 team, beat elite opponents and post another 3,500-plus passing yard season with 35 to 40 touchdowns. Sayin already proved he can produce at an elite level, and another year of chemistry with one of college football's most talented receiving corps could unlock even bigger numbers.

If Ohio State wins the Big Ten and secures the top seed in the College Football Playoff, voters will naturally gravitate toward the quarterback leading that charge. Winning on the biggest stage has historically carried enormous weight in the Heisman race.

Why He Doesn't Win

Ironically, Ohio State's abundance of talent could work against him. Jeremiah Smith, Bo Jackson and the Buckeyes' supporting cast are capable of stealing headlines on any given Saturday. Sayin also faces sky-high expectations after already becoming a Heisman finalist, meaning voters may expect statistical improvement rather than simply another outstanding season.

If Ohio State leans more heavily on its running game or defense in key victories, his numbers could lag behind quarterbacks like C.J. Carr, Arch Manning or Darian Mensah. At the top of the Heisman race, even a slight statistical dip can be costly.

2025 Stats
- Passing Yards: 3,632
- Touchdowns: 32
- Interceptions: 8
- Passer Rating:4
5-Tie) Trinidad Chambliss
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss +1300
- School: Ole Miss
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 205
Strength of Schedule

The SEC provides no weeks off. Games against conference heavyweights give Chambliss multiple opportunities to create defining Heisman moments while leading a projected playoff contender.

Why He Wins

Quarterback production has dominated recent Heisman voting, and Chambliss offers something many of the other contenders don't elite dual-threat value.

Another season approaching 4,000 passing yards while adding 500-plus rushing yards and double-digit rushing touchdowns would give him one of the most complete statistical profiles in college football.

Ole Miss is expected to contend for an SEC title and playoff berth, so every signature win would boost his candidacy. If he continues protecting the football while producing explosive plays with both his arm and legs, he'll be difficult for voters to ignore.

Why He Doesn't Win

Playing in the SEC means every week is another battle against NFL-caliber defenses, leaving almost no margin for error. Chambliss also shares the spotlight with one of the conference's deepest rosters, meaning individual statistics could be spread throughout the offense.

Quarterbacks like C.J. Carr, Arch Manning and Julian Sayin may produce bigger passing numbers in more quarterback-friendly systems. If Ole Miss drops a couple of key conference games or his touchdown totals don't climb into the mid-30s, voters could favor quarterbacks with flashier statistical seasons despite Chambliss playing outstanding football.

2025 Stats
- Passing Yards: 3.937
- Touchdowns: 22
- Interceptions: 3
- Passer Rating: 155.4
1) CJ Carr
C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame
- School: Notre Dame
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 210
Strength of Schedule

Notre Dame faces multiple marquee opponents but also has an opportunity to stack wins against a schedule viewed as favorable enough to produce elite quarterback numbers.

Why He Wins

Quarterbacks on playoff-caliber teams almost always dominate the Heisman conversation, and Carr enters the season with exactly that profile. Notre Dame is expected to contend nationally, and his combination of efficiency, touchdown production, and low-risk decision-making creates an ideal formula.

If he approaches 35-40 touchdown passes while leading the Irish to 11 or 12 regular-season wins, voters will have a difficult time looking elsewhere. Playing for one of college football's most recognizable brands only amplifies every performance, especially in nationally televised games. A playoff run paired with elite efficiency could make Carr the clear favorite by November.

Why He Doesn't Win

The biggest obstacle may not be his talent but perception.

Notre Dame's schedule has drawn criticism for lacking week-after-week heavyweight opponents, meaning Carr could post outstanding numbers without producing enough signature Heisman moments.

For preseason favorites, expectations are unforgiving anything short of elite often feels disappointing in the eyes of voters.

2025 Stats
- Passing Yards: 2,741
- Touchdowns: 24
- Interceptions: 6
- Passer Rating: 168.1