The Heisman conversation is heating up early in 2026, and one thing is already clear: Arch Manning isn’t just part of the discussion - he’s leading it.
The Texas quarterback has officially taken the pole position in the Heisman odds race, and it’s not hard to see why. Manning’s raw talent has always been undeniable, and now, with a full offseason under his belt and a team built to maximize his strengths, the stars are aligning in Austin.
But this isn’t just about Arch. Texas has been aggressive in the transfer portal, and the addition of former Auburn wideout Cam Coleman gives the Longhorns another potential game-changer on offense.
Coleman, a big-bodied, explosive receiver, is also listed among the Heisman hopefuls, albeit further down the board. Still, the mere fact that Texas has two players in the Heisman odds mix says a lot about where this program is headed.
Here’s a look at the current favorites, according to one oddsmaker:
- Arch Manning (Texas) 13/2
- CJ Carr (Notre Dame) 7/1
- Dante Moore (Oregon) 8/1
- Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) 9/1
- Julian Sayin (Ohio State) 9/1
- Josh Hoover (Indiana) 10/1
- Gunner Stockton (Georgia) 11/1
- Sam Leavitt (LSU) 12/1
- Jayden Maiava (USC) 14/1
- John Mateer (Oklahoma) 16/1
- Marcel Reed (Texas A&M) 16/1
- Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech) 18/1
- LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) 22/1
- Malachi Toney (Miami) 25/1
- Byrum Brown (Auburn) 28/1
- Dylan Raiola (Oregon) 28/1
- Bryce Underwood (Michigan) 33/1
- Demond Williams Jr.
(Washington) 40/1
- Devon Dampier (Utah) 40/1
- Austin Mack (Alabama) 50/1
- Keelon Russell (Alabama) 50/1
- Aaron Philo (Florida) 55/1
- Bear Bachmeier (BYU) 60/1
- Lincoln Kienholz (Louisville) 60/1
- Rocco Becht (Penn State) 60/1
- Kevin Jennings (SMU) 65/1
- Austin Simmons (Ole Miss) 70/1
- Avery Johnson (Kansas State) 70/1
- Christopher Vizzina (Clemson) 70/1
- Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State) 70/1
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (Cal) 70/1
- Ahmad Hardy (Missouri) 80/1
- Bo Jackson (Ohio State) 80/1
- Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss) 80/1
- Noah Fifita (Arizona) 80/1
- Cam Coleman (Texas) 100/1
- CJ Bailey (NC State) 100/1
- Connor Weigman (Houston) 100/1
- Nico Iamaleava (UCLA) 100/1
- Anthony Colandrea (Nebraska) 125/1
- Kamario Taylor (Mississippi State) 125/1
- Nick Marsh (Indiana) 125/1
- Cutter Boley (Arizona State) 150/1
- Alonza Barnett (UCF) 175/1
- Beau Pribula (Virginia) 175/1
- Cameron Dickey (Texas Tech) 175/1
- Katin Houser (Illinois) 175/1
- Kenny Minchey (Kentucky) 175/1
- Malik Washington (Maryland) 175/1
- Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami) 175/1
- Charlie Becker (Indiana) 200/1
- Ethan Grunkemeyer (Virginia Tech) 200/1
- KJ Jackson (Arkansas) 200/1
- Nate Frazier (Georgia) 200/1
- Ryan Williams (Alabama) 200/1
Texas, who entered last season with sky-high expectations as the preseason No. 1, didn’t quite reach the College Football Playoff but still closed strong. Their 41-27 win over Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl was a showcase for Manning, who torched the Wolverines for 376 yards and four touchdowns. That performance wasn’t just a statement - it was a signal that Manning’s time is now.
And now, with Coleman lined up out wide and a roster that looks deeper and more dynamic than it did a year ago, the Longhorns are positioned to make another run - this time with more than just team success on the line. Manning and Coleman both have their eyes on individual hardware, and if Texas lives up to the hype, there’s a real chance one (or both) could be headed to New York in December.
The Heisman race is long, winding, and often unpredictable. But as things stand in January, the road to the trophy runs straight through Austin.