2026 Heisman Trophy Odds: Jeremiah Smith Takes Commanding Lead Following Record-Setting Performance

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith cemented his position as the early favorite for the 2026 Heisman Trophy with a historic performance against Iowa, surging from second place at +360 to the commanding +110 favorite.

Smith’s dominance continued as he set multiple Ohio State records, including most catches (207) and most receiving yards (825) by a Buckeyes receiver in a single season, while also tying the program record with his fourth touchdown of the game against the Hawkeyes.

The Heisman pose after his 57-yard touchdown against Iowa was a subtle acknowledgment of his supremacy in the race, though Smith has largely distinguished himself through his extraordinary statistical performances rather than flashy celebrations.

The latest Heisman odds from FanDuel Sportsbook as of October 3rd show Smith’s clear advantage, with Oklahoma quarterback Darian Mensah trailing at +480 as the second choice.

2026 Heisman Trophy Odds

Jeremiah Smith: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
Darian Mensah: +480 (bet $10 to win $58 total)
Keelon Russell: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
CJ Carr: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Trinidad Chambliss: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Arch Manning: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Malachi Toney: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Gunner Stockton: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Kamario Taylor: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Julian Sayin: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)

Smith’s momentum builds on a stellar 2025 season where he led Indiana to a perfect 16-0 record, captured the national championship, and won the Heisman Trophy before being selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Raiders.

Jeremiah Smith, WR: +110

Smith’s second consecutive game with over 200 receiving yards showcased his electric talent, as he dominated both Illinois (217 yards) and Iowa with consistent big-play ability that has made him the clear front-runner for college football’s most prestigious award.

Darian Mensah, QB: +480

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Darian Mensah is the +440 second choice to win the Heisman Trophy (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images).

Mensah’s outstanding start to the 2026 season includes a record-breaking 401-yard, five-touchdown performance against Stanford in Week 1, making him just the sixth quarterback since 2000 to achieve those stats with at least 90% completion rate.

He followed up with a perfect 14-of-15 passing performance for 252 yards and three touchdowns versus Florida A&M, then nearly matched the consecutive completion record against Wake Forest before delivering another dominant showing against Central Michigan with 338 yards and four touchdowns.

Keelon Russell, QB: +750

Keelon Russell jumped from +1600 to the Heisman Trophy favorite. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Russell’s three-touchdown performance against Mississippi State vaulted him into Heisman consideration, joining an elite group of Alabama quarterbacks with 14+ total touchdowns through the first five games of the season.

Despite briefly leading the odds at +350, Russell settled back into a tie for third place at +750 following Smith’s statement game, though his impressive statistics and Alabama’s high-powered offense keep him in serious contention.

CJ Carr, QB: +750

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CJ Carr keeps slowly rising the Heisman oddsboard. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)

Carr’s efficient 234-yard, four-touchdown performance against North Carolina propelled Notre Dame to a 37-26 victory and secured his place in a three-way tie at +750 odds, though his Heisman case remains limited by Notre Dame’s favorable schedule strength.

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Trinidad Chambliss, QB: +1600

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Trinidad Chambliss fell to fourth place in the Heisman trophy race after Ole Miss’ loss to Florida in Week 4. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images).

Chambliss delivered a memorable performance against his former coach Lane Kiffin and LSU in Week 3, but Ole Miss’s subsequent loss to Florida exposed defensive vulnerabilities that could derail their Heisman hopes.

Though Chambliss compiled 298 passing yards and three total touchdowns in the loss, his odds have dropped from +1100 to +1600, highlighting the importance of not just individual statistics but also team success in Heisman consideration.

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