3 Best Bets for 2026 Heisman Trophy Winner

Arch Manning, Darian Mensah, and Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele top the early Heisman futures odds

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Sports analyst Geoff Schwartz shares his top 3 picks to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy, including Texas QB Arch Manning, Miami transfer Darian Mensah, and Cal's rising star Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Schwartz believes these young quarterbacks have the talent and supporting casts to make a run at college football's top individual award.

Why it matters

The Heisman Trophy is one of the most prestigious individual honors in sports, and early futures bets can provide valuable insight into which players are expected to have breakout seasons and contend for the award. These picks highlight some of the top young QB talent across the country and the high-powered offenses they'll be leading.

The details

Schwartz believes Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli, is poised for a big sophomore season at Texas after showing promise as a freshman. He also likes the potential of Miami transfer Darian Mensah, who put up big numbers at Duke, as well as Cal's Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who had an electric true freshman campaign. All three QBs have the talent, supporting casts, and high-profile programs to emerge as Heisman contenders in 2026.

  • Arch Manning finished his first season as Texas' starting QB in 2025.
  • Darian Mensah transferred to Miami in the 2026 offseason.
  • Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele had a standout true freshman season at Cal in 2025.

The players

Arch Manning

The Texas Longhorns' sophomore quarterback and nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning.

Darian Mensah

The Miami Hurricanes' new transfer quarterback, who previously played at Duke.

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele

The Cal Bears' rising sophomore quarterback, who had an impressive true freshman season in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Arch Manning just finished his first season as the Texas starting quarterback. He started slowly with some poor performances against a few better teams. The Longhorns lost to Ohio State and Oklahoma in their first six games. People turned away from Texas before it ripped off six wins in its last seven, including the bowl win over Michigan.”

— Geoff Schwartz, Sports Analyst (foxsports.com)

“Mensah will play with the best talent of his career next season in Miami. The Hurricanes do lose some offensive linemen to the NFL, but they return their running back and some outstanding talent at wide receiver.”

— Geoff Schwartz, Sports Analyst (foxsports.com)

“In the final month of the season, Cal played against ranked Louisville and SMU. JKS threw for 650 yards with six touchdowns in those two games.”

— Geoff Schwartz, Sports Analyst (foxsports.com)

What’s next

As the 2026 college football season approaches, these early Heisman favorites will look to solidify their status as top contenders for the award. Fans and analysts will closely monitor their performances, especially in key matchups against ranked opponents.

The takeaway

The 2026 Heisman race features a talented crop of young quarterbacks who have the potential to put up big numbers and lead their teams to success. While Arch Manning, Darian Mensah, and Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele may be long shots at the moment, their combination of skill, supporting casts, and high-profile programs make them intriguing futures bets to keep an eye on as the season approaches.