Heisman Watch: Ranking Top Contenders After Week 1, Darian Mensah Clear Leader

Darian Mensah Leads Heisman Race After Week 1, Who is Primed to Catch Up in Week 2?

Darian Mensah wasted little time making his mark at Miami, throwing five touchdown passes against Stanford and moving ahead of the preseason contenders in the Heisman market. His immediate connection with Malachi Toney has given the Hurricanes two prominent candidates, with the quarterback leading this group at a best available price of +650.

The biggest opportunity to challenge that lead comes Saturday when Ohio State visits Texas, putting Arch Manning, Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith on the same national stage. Elsewhere, favorable matchups offer several contenders a chance to build their numbers, although comfortable victories could limit playing time. Each player’s price below reflects the best odds shown across the available sportsbooks.

2026 Heisman Trophy Odds

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2026 Heisman Trophy Odds Breakdown

QB Darian Mensah, Miami (+650) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Mensah completed 27 of 30 passes for 401 yards and five touchdowns in Miami’s 45-6 victory over Stanford, delivering the standout quarterback performance of the opening week. His move from +1100 before that game to the top of the market reflects both the production and how comfortable he looked directing his new offense. Three touchdown connections with Toney immediately established a partnership capable of keeping both players in the national conversation.

Miami hosts Florida A&M on Thursday, giving Mensah an opportunity to reinforce that strong first impression before the weekend’s marquee games. The main obstacle to another enormous stat line could be playing time if the Hurricanes build an early lead. Efficient scoring drives would maintain his momentum, but a signature performance from one of the quarterbacks in Austin could still put pressure on his position as favorite.

QB Arch Manning, Texas (+1000) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Manning threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns in Texas’ 59-7 victory over Texas State, providing a strong start even as Mensah captured more of the early attention. He also threw an interception, leaving a reminder that protecting the football will matter considerably more when the competition improves. The opening production keeps him near the front of the market without needing to rely solely on preseason expectations.

Ohio State visits Saturday in a matchup that could reshape the Heisman race. Manning has an opportunity to pair impressive statistics with a victory over a leading national contender, something the opening blowout could not provide. A composed performance against the Buckeyes would strengthen his case substantially, while costly mistakes would be magnified against an opponent capable of controlling the game.

QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame (+1200) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Carr threw two touchdown passes as Notre Dame pulled away from Wisconsin for a 41-13 victory after carrying just a 13-10 lead into halftime. It was a successful team opener, but the Irish’s rushing attack and defense shared much of the spotlight. Compared with the huge passing totals produced elsewhere, Carr’s performance left room for a more convincing individual statement.

Rice visits Saturday, offering a chance for Notre Dame to establish its passing game earlier and put Carr at the center of the scoring. He does not need to chase statistics at the expense of offensive balance, but more explosive completions would help him keep pace with the leaders. The risk for his weekly production is another game in which the ground attack takes over and the starters finish early.

QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (+1300) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook

Chambliss threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score in Ole Miss’ dramatic 41-38 victory over Louisville. Unlike several contenders who enjoyed comfortable openers, he had to remain productive in a competitive game throughout the evening. His ability to contribute through the air and on the ground gives him multiple ways to build a compelling Heisman résumé.

Charlotte comes to Oxford this week, presenting an opportunity to follow that demanding opener with a more controlled performance. Chambliss should have opportunities to generate explosive plays, although a comfortable lead could reduce his workload. Building an early cushion through his own production would be the ideal outcome for a candidate trying to close the gap on Mensah.

WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (+1300) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Smith produced 151 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the first half of Ohio State’s 56-3 victory over Ball State. That immediate dominance reinforced his place among the leading non-quarterback candidates, even without needing a full game to accumulate numbers. His ability to turn routine possessions into explosive scoring opportunities gives Ohio State an offensive centerpiece who can command attention independently of his quarterback.

Saturday’s trip to Texas provides a much stronger test and a much larger opportunity. A receiver’s Heisman case benefits from memorable performances against elite opposition, particularly when his catches decide a close game. Smith will share the stage with Sayin and Manning, but a series of decisive plays could make him the defining figure of the matchup.

WR Malachi Toney, Miami (+1400) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Toney caught 12 passes for a school-record 234 yards and three touchdowns against Stanford, accounting for more than half of Mensah’s passing yardage. His performance made him far more than a supporting character in Miami’s offensive breakout. The best available +1400 also represents a shorter price than the +1800 noted immediately after that opening surge.

Florida A&M visits Thursday, and Toney’s established connection with Mensah gives him a clear route to another productive outing. Matching last week’s extraordinary total is an unrealistic weekly benchmark, especially if Miami rotates its personnel early. Continued involvement near the end zone and another explosive play or two would help sustain his candidacy alongside the market’s leading quarterback.

QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State (+1500) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score in Ohio State’s 56-3 win over Ball State. It was a productive opening performance, although Smith’s spectacular first half naturally drew a substantial share of the attention. Sayin’s challenge is to show that his command of the entire offense deserves recognition alongside the talent surrounding him.

The trip to Texas gives him a direct comparison with Manning and an opportunity to secure one of the season’s most valuable early victories. Handling pressure, extending drives and distributing the ball beyond Smith would strengthen his individual case. A strong road performance could move him considerably closer to the favorites, particularly if he outplays the quarterback currently priced ahead of him.

QB Dante Moore, Oregon (+1500) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Moore completed 28 of 37 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns as Oregon overcame a halftime deficit to beat Boise State 34-27. His individual production was strong enough to compete with most of the leading candidates, even if the Ducks’ narrow victory lacked the visual impact of other teams’ blowouts. He also demonstrated that he could sustain an offense through a game that remained competitive late.

Oregon travels to Oklahoma State on Saturday, giving Moore another chance to pair significant passing production with a road victory. A cleaner overall performance would help direct attention toward his play rather than the Ducks’ need to recover from mistakes. At +1500, he remains within striking distance if Oregon wins and his numbers continue at the opening week’s pace.

QB Sam Leavitt, LSU (+1600) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Leavitt generated 343 total yards as LSU overwhelmed Clemson 51-10, giving his campaign an immediate result against a recognizable opponent. His ability to contribute as both a passer and runner stood out in an emphatic beginning to Lane Kiffin’s tenure. That versatility offers a strong foundation for a Heisman push if LSU continues producing convincing victories.

Louisiana Tech visits Saturday, providing an opportunity to develop the passing game further while maintaining the threat of Leavitt’s legs. He may not need to carry the same workload if LSU takes control early, so efficiency and touchdown involvement will matter more than sheer volume. Another sharp performance would reinforce the impression that the Clemson result was the beginning of something sustainable.

QB Jayden Maiava, USC (+2000) Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Maiava completed 23 of 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns in USC’s 39-0 victory over Fresno State. Two of those scoring passes went to freshman Trent Mosley, adding another promising connection to an offense that was remarkably efficient. Despite that performance, Maiava remains the longest-priced contender among these 10 players at +2000.

USC hosts Louisiana on Saturday, giving him another opportunity to maintain that precision before the schedule becomes more demanding. A productive outing would keep him relevant while several shorter-priced candidates face greater immediate pressure. The larger opportunity comes from sustaining this level against stronger opposition, but another efficient victory would ensure he reaches those games with momentum.

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