The Heisman Trophy conversation usually starts with the obvious names, and 2026 is no different. Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith and CJ Carr are the first players who jump to mind.
But the race has a way of opening up once the season starts rolling. Team success matters.
Big numbers matter. And every year, a few players work their way from the background into the center of the spotlight.
These four could be in that mix.
Will Hammond’s path at Texas Tech changed quickly after the situation with Brendan Sorsby, and now he’s lined up to start for the Red Raiders. That matters because Texas Tech has an offense built to put stress on defenses no matter who is taking snaps.
Hammond already flashed a little in 2025, throwing for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in mop-up duty. With Texas Tech coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and expected to be in the Big 12 hunt again, there’s a real chance Hammond piles up the kind of passing numbers that get Heisman voters’ attention.
Jordan Marshall is the kind of candidate who fits a different kind of Heisman path. Running backs don’t win the award like they used to - Derrick Henry was the last one, back in 2015 - but Michigan still wants to lean on the run.
Bryce Underwood will draw plenty of attention, yet the Wolverines’ identity still points toward physical football. New offensive coordinator Jason Beck brings a strong track record, with his offenses finishing No. 2 in the nation in the past two seasons.
Marshall started last season as a backup, finished it injured, and still came close to 1,000 rushing yards. If Michigan gets to 10 wins or more, he could be the kind of back who ends up with a huge year and a trip to New York.
Cam Coleman’s move to Texas gives him a different stage and a much clearer spotlight. The former top prospect had two average seasons at Auburn, but now he’s in Austin catching passes from Arch Manning alongside Ryan Wingo.
Coleman has already produced, totaling more than 1,300 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns over his two years at Auburn. Texas finished 44th in the nation in passing offense last season, and Manning wasn’t always sharp.
Still, with a full season under his belt, the quarterback room should be more settled in 2026. That gives Coleman a strong chance to put up the kind of numbers that turn a talented receiver into a Heisman dark horse.
Kevin Jennings has already shown he can produce at a high level for SMU. The Mustangs reached the College Football Playoff two seasons ago and stayed competitive this past season, and Jennings topped 3,200 passing yards in both years.
He’s also in the conversation as one of the ACC’s better quarterbacks. SMU may not carry the national brand of Miami, Clemson or Florida State, but it has the kind of team profile that could shake up the conference race.
If the Mustangs are going to push past the Hurricanes, Jennings will have to keep growing. Now entering his third season as the starter, he needs to cut down on interceptions.
If he does, a New York invitation wouldn’t be a surprise.
In Other News...
Houston Camp Buzz Is Building Around Conner Weigman For One Reason
Houston wrapped up its first week of fall camp with some encouraging signs as it looks ahead to the 2026 season, and the early buzz has centered on a roster that appears deeper than it was a year ago. Wide receiver and the offensive line stood out in particular, with sophomore Koby Young and senior guard Shadre Hurst both drawing attention for their work during the opening stretch.
Conner Weigman has also opened camp on a strong note, and the senior quarterback is already showing a clearer command of the offense. The most noticeable part of his start has been the growth in his throwing ability after a healthy offseason, which has given Houston reason to feel better about what the passing game can become once the intensity ramps up. [Read more 🡒]
Houstons 2026 Offense Is Taking Shape With One Big Question
Houston is wrapping up its first week of fall camp, and the early shape of the offense is starting to come into focus. The quarterback room has a clear hierarchy, the backfield looks deep, and there is enough movement across the receiving corps and offensive line to suggest the Cougars will have plenty of options when the 2026 season arrives.
The bigger question is how quickly all of those pieces settle into something reliable. Transfers and returning players are both in the mix up front and out wide, which gives Houston a chance to build around experience while also sorting out roles that are still taking form. For a team trying to define its offensive identity early, the next stretch of camp should go a long way toward revealing which groups are ready now and which ones still need time. [Read more 🡒]
Houston May Have Its Best Shot Yet To Climb The Big 12
Houstons path in the Big 12 looks a lot sturdier heading into 2026 than it has in some recent seasons, and a big reason is the way the roster is lining up around the quarterback position. Conner Weigman brings experience, while Keisean Henderson arrives with the kind of hype that usually signals a programs long-term answer. With both in the building, the Cougars have the rare luxury of combining a proven option with a highly rated prospect who could take over when the time is right.
The rest of the offense also gives Houston a better foundation than it has had in a while. A rebuilt offensive line should help stabilize the front, the receiving corps looks strong, and the running back room adds depth that can keep defenses honest. Put it all together, and the Cougars finally have the sort of roster balance that can make a real climb in a league where margin for error is thin. [Read more 🡒]