The Heisman watch is starting to take shape as the 2026 college football season moves through Week 3. With several of the top players putting together great performances, every game is becoming more important for those hoping to take home a Heisman Trophy.
Week 3 provides opportunities for leading Heisman candidates to strengthen their race for the Heisman. From quarterbacks making big plays to running backs and other offensive stars producing at a high level, the performances this week could have a major impact on the race as the season continues.
Heisman Watch Entering Week 3
5. QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame
CJ Carr continued his strong start as Notre Dame defeated Rice 52-0. Carr has passed for 492 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions so far this season.
Against the Owls, Carr tied a career-high with four passing touchdowns while throwing for 253 yards. He completed 16 of 20 passes in the game. Notre Dame plays Michigan State next. The juniors impressive 2025 season combined with his hot start makes him an ideal Heisman Candidate as we enter Week 3.
Interestingly though, the Irish aren’t expected to have a challenge until they play the BYU Cougars on October 17.
4. QB Arch Manning, Texas
Arch Manning in 2026 has passed for 500 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Texas had a wild comeback against Ohio State, down by 20 points in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns rallied from down 23-3 to win 24-23 and now claim the No. 1 ranking in the nation. It was the Longhorns largest comeback since 2007.
Arch Manning did not have an incredible day, but he also faced an elite Ohio State defense. Manning will have plenty of time and opportunities to put together an amazing 2026 season. After helping the Longhorns take down the best team in the country, Manning should still be seen as a Heisman caliber quarterback.
3. WR Malachi Toney, Miami
Malachi Toney had an opening performance against Stanford that was great, as he caught 12 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Toney had another strong day against Florida A&M with four receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown.
The Miami Hurricanes have looked dominant so far thanks to Toney and Darian Mensah, as they defeated Florida A&M 77-7. The Hurricanes play Wake Forest next. That gives Malachi Toney another wonderful chance to continue his strong start, especially after the Demon Deacons struggled to take down the Purdue Boilermakers. After an insane freshman season in 2025, in which Toney caught 109 passes for 1,211 and 10 touchdowns, Toney has a great chance to compete for the Heisman.
2. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
The game against Texas did not go Ohio State’s way. But clearly Jeremiah Smith was their best player on that field.
Smith was still great even in Ohio State’s 24-23 loss at Texas, catching eight passes for 164 yards and one touchdown.
So far this season he has 16 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Smith himself has put up back-to-back seasons with over 1,243 yards, and so far, it seems like the junior has the ability to be even better.
This week Ohio State will go home to face Kent State – a perfect opportunity for Smith to show he can win the Heisman in 2026.
1. QB Darian Mensah, Miami
Mensah completed 27 of 30 passes for 401 yards and five touchdowns against Stanford in Week 1.
Then, against Florida A&M, Mensah completed 14 of 15 passes for 252 passing yards and three touchdowns in the first half. He was benched for the second half with the game well in hand.
So far this season Mensah leads the nation with a 91.1 percent completion rate, and is second with 14.5 yards per attempt and tied for third with eight passing touchdowns – all while throwing no interceptions. The quarterback has threw for more touchdowns than incompletions so far this season.
The Hurricanes take on Wake Forest Friday night. That will give Mensah a chance to improve his numbers even more. With a great offense, Mensah can continue to put up great numbers and take home the Heisman trophy.
You could not ask for a better performance so far in 2026. Mensah seems like the best player in the country at the moment.
Others will certainly appear on such a list as the season continues. But the performance of these players standout.
Main Image: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
