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CJ Carr, Arch Manning Lead Wide-Open 2026 Heisman Race
CJ Carr and Arch Manning currently have the best betting chances to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy.
Carr plays quarterback for Notre Dame, and Manning plays quarterback for Texas.
Their odds are close, so neither player is considered a clear favorite.
Several other quarterbacks are also near the top of the list.
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is the highest-ranked non-quarterback.
Carr needs to help Notre Dame keep winning, possibly through an undefeated regular season.
Manning needs to show improvement in important games after struggling early last season.
Smith could move ahead if he produces far more than the quarterbacks.
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr and Texas quarterback Arch Manning are the early 2026 Heisman favorites.
Carr is listed at 7-1 and Manning at 15-2 by DraftKings, indicating a closely contested market.
Six other players have odds of 15-1 or shorter, including five quarterbacks and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Notre Dame is expected to contend for an undefeated season, putting pressure on Carr to remain efficient and win consistently.
Manning’s key early opportunity comes September 12 against Ohio State, while Smith could challenge the quarterback dominance with a standout season.
- Who
- Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, and several other leading college football players, including Jeremiah Smith.
- What
- They are among the leading candidates in an open 2026 Heisman Trophy race.
- Where
- The contenders play for Notre Dame, Texas, Ohio State, Oregon, Miami, Ole Miss, and Indiana.
- When
- The race concerns the 2026 college football season; Texas hosts Ohio State on September 12, and Notre Dame hosts Miami on November 7.
- Why
- Betting odds show a crowded field without a dominant favorite, with players’ chances likely to change based on early-season performances.
Key facts
- Early favorite
- CJ Carr is listed at 7-1 by DraftKings.
- Second favorite
- Arch Manning is listed at 15-2.
- Other leading quarterbacks
- Dante Moore and Darian Mensah are 11-1; Julian Sayin is 12-1; Trinidad Chambliss is 13-1; and Josh Hoover is 15-1.
- Top non-quarterback
- Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is listed at 14-1.
- Notre Dame win total
- Notre Dame’s projected win total is 11.5 games.
- Manning’s key test
- Texas hosts Ohio State on September 12 and is an early 1.5-point favorite.
- Carr’s key test
- Notre Dame hosts Miami on November 7 and is projected to be favored by about a touchdown.
Sources
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