Heisman Watch: Darian Mensah Remains Leader in Latest Heisman Odds, Jeremiah Smith in Hot Pursuit
Darian Mensah remains the Heisman Trophy favorite after another efficient Miami win, while Arch Manning surged after Texas stunned Ohio State and Jayden Maiava continues piling up touchdowns at USC. Check out the latest 2026 Heisman Trophy odds entering Week 3.
Peter Alexis - September 16, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT
5 Minute ReadDarian Mensah Extends Heisman Lead, Jeremiah Smith Biggest Riser in Chase
The early Heisman race is already beginning to separate, with Mensah setting the pace after two dominant outings for Miami. Jeremiah Smith remains the top non-quarterback threat, while Manning, CJ Carr and Trinidad Chambliss are all positioned for major national-stage opportunities over the next few weeks.
The odds remain fluid this early in the season, but production and quality wins are already starting to matter. Here is a look at the top 10 contenders, their latest performances, season numbers and what comes next.
2026 Heisman Trophy Odds
Click here for complete Heisman Trophy Odds
2026 Heisman Trophy Odds Breakdown
Darian Mensah +550 Check out these best odds at bet365 Sportsbook
Mensah followed his 401-yard, five-touchdown Miami debut by completing 14 of 15 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns in a 77-7 rout of Florida A&M. He is now 41-of-45 for 653 yards and eight touchdowns through two games, and Miami visits Wake Forest on Thursday night.
Jeremiah Smith +750 Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
Smith was spectacular even in Ohio State's 24-23 loss at Texas, catching eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. He has 16 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns through two games, with the Buckeyes returning home to face Kent State on Saturday.
Arch Manning +1000 Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Manning's raw stat line was modest against Ohio State at 195 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception, but he led Texas back from a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 24-23 win. He has 500 passing yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions this season before Texas hosts UTSA.
CJ Carr +1100 Check out these best odds at bet365 Sportsbook
Carr continued his excellent start by completing 16 of 20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns in Notre Dame's 52-0 win over Rice. He has thrown for 492 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions through two games, with Michigan State visiting South Bend next.
Trinidad Chambliss +1300 Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Chambliss was extremely efficient in Ole Miss' 41-9 win over Charlotte, completing 23 of 26 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. He is up to 561 yards, five touchdowns and one interception this season, and his next opportunity is a major one with LSU visiting Oxford.
Malachi Toney +1300 Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Toney followed his record-setting 234-yard opener with four catches for 96 yards and another touchdown against Florida A&M. The Miami star already has 16 receptions for 330 yards and four touchdowns through two games before the Hurricanes travel to Wake Forest.
Julian Sayin +1600 Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
Sayin threw for 278 yards with one touchdown and one interception against Texas, but Ohio State failed to score in the fourth quarter of its 24-23 loss. The returning Heisman finalist has 598 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception through two games and gets a favorable bounce-back matchup against Kent State.
Josh Hoover +2000 Check out these best odds at BetMGM Sportsbook
Hoover needed only 11 attempts to throw four touchdown passes in Indiana's 55-0 win over Howard, finishing with 145 yards before backups took over. The TCU transfer has eight touchdowns without an interception through two games while completing 70.4% of his passes, and Indiana hosts Western Kentucky next.
Jayden Maiava +2500 Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Maiava keeps putting up huge numbers, throwing for 261 yards and five touchdowns in USC's 49-30 win over Louisiana. He has already produced 896 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and just one interception across three games, with the Trojans traveling to Rutgers for their first conference test.
Sam Leavitt +2500 Check out these best odds at bet365 Sportsbook
Leavitt had a volatile outing against Louisiana Tech, throwing for 344 yards and a touchdown but also three interceptions, while compensating with three rushing scores in LSU's 45-14 win. He has 574 passing yards, 135 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns through two games, but four interceptions remain a concern before a huge road matchup at Ole Miss.
More College Football Odds
Affiliate Disclosure.
We are not a gambling or betting operator, but we receive a commission from these companies when we advertise their brands and refer customers to them (affiliate marketing). We provide information, odds information and links to websites of these companies. Some of the information made available on our site may be positioned as a result of a commission paid to us by a third party. We do not take or place bets/transactions and any information on Our Products is provided for entertainment purposes only.
