CJ Carr Leads Early Heisman Odds as Notre Dame Eyes Big 2026
The 2026 college football season is still months away, but the Heisman conversation is already heating up - and CJ Carr is right in the middle of it. After a breakout redshirt freshman campaign, the Notre Dame quarterback has emerged as the early betting favorite to take home college football’s most prestigious individual honor next fall.
Carr’s debut season in South Bend was everything Irish fans could’ve hoped for. He completed 66% of his passes for 2,741 yards, tossed 24 touchdowns, and limited mistakes with just six interceptions - a stat line that doesn’t just pop on paper, it speaks to poise and efficiency well beyond his years. Now, as he heads into his sophomore season, Carr isn’t just in the Heisman conversation - he’s leading it.
FanDuel’s early Heisman Trophy odds have Carr sitting at the top of the board at 8/1. Not far behind is Texas quarterback Arch Manning at 8.5/1, setting the stage for what could be a fascinating race between two of the most high-profile young QBs in the country.
And it’s not just hype - Carr’s rise to the top of the odds board has been swift. Just days ago, he and Manning were neck-and-neck. Now, Carr has created some separation, a reflection of both public confidence and the favorable circumstances surrounding his 2026 campaign.
Behind Carr and Manning, the next tier of contenders includes a mix of high-upside quarterbacks and elite playmakers. Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith - the latter being the only non-quarterback in the top 12 - are both listed at 11/1, alongside Indiana's Josh Hoover and Oregon’s Dante Moore. Smith’s inclusion is notable; it's rare for a wide receiver to crack the upper echelon of Heisman odds this early, and it speaks volumes about the impact he made last season.
Further down the list, Miami wideout Malachi Toney checks in at 27/1 after his own electric freshman year. But after Toney, it’s back to a quarterback-heavy field rounding out the top 20 - a reminder of just how quarterback-centric the Heisman race has become in recent years.
One key factor working in Carr’s favor? The schedule.
Notre Dame’s 2026 slate is noticeably more forgiving than in years past. Instead of opening the year against a powerhouse like Texas A&M or Miami, the Irish will kick off against a Wisconsin team that struggled to a 4-8 finish in 2025.
That softer start could give Carr the runway he needs to build early momentum - and in the Heisman race, early momentum can be everything.
Of course, preseason odds are just that - early projections. But Carr’s combination of production, pedigree, and opportunity makes him a legitimate contender. If he picks up where he left off, and Notre Dame can string together wins, expect the Heisman buzz around Carr to only grow louder.