Lemon City Live 2026 Heisman Watchlist | Week 7

Miami, Florida – A week of exciting football and chaos has concluded, but the Lemon City Live Heisman Watchlist Power Rankings remain surprisingly stable. No. 2 Georgia edged sixth-ranked Alabama in a 20-17 thriller, while Oklahoma upset No. 1 Texas 27-24 in their Red River rivalry game. Elsewhere, No. 7 Indiana rallied to defeat Nebraska 20-17. This is the Cornhuskers’ 31st consecutive defeat against a ranked opponent, including 10 straight under coach Matt Rhule. Nebraska’s last ranked victory was against No. 22 Oregon on September 17, 2016. Kentucky upset tenth-ranked LSU 35-34 in overtime, and No. 21 UCLA downed No. 13 Oregon in a West Coast Big Ten matchup. South Carolina capped the action, walloping the No. 16 Florida Gators 38-19, kicking them out of the AP Top 25.

It’s the third time in AP Poll history that three Top-10 SEC teams lost on the same day. Yet despite all the movement, the Heisman race is static. Two players were on bye week, and no one stood out enough to bump other candidates.

Darian Mensah

Darian Mensah just made ACC history while keeping No. 5 Miami unbeaten

30/34, 220 PYDS, 3 PTD, 0 INT vs. Wake Forest

He completed his first 24 passes, setting ACC records for consecutive completions and consecutive completions to start a game. https://t.co/Kea9kaKGCt pic.twitter.com/rNbYkSH3JL

— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) September 19, 2026

Previous Ranking: 1

Miami’s signal caller remains the nation’s top quarterback. The Duke transfer sits at 1,438 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. He hasn’t thrown an interception. With Florida State coming to town, Darian Mensah can keep making his case, especially now that the Hurricanes are welcoming back several key players from injury. Since it’s a rivalry game, UM will go all out to stay undefeated and kick a struggling FSU team while it’s down.

Jeremiah Smith

Jeremiah Smith continues to make things happen!

He finds his second TD of the first half pic.twitter.com/b5Glwm1b81

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) October 10, 2026

Previous Ranking: 2

The top wide receiver maintains the second spot. Jeremiah Smith caught four passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns, helping Ohio State cruise past Maryland. Smith has 48 receptions for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns, putting some distance from the next player. He’ll now face a much stronger opponent in defending champion Indiana. Expect this gifted individual to be in the thick of the race for the rest of the season. In fact, I would be surprised if he somehow gets knocked off the watchlist given his stats and ability. His teammate, Julian Sayin, remains on the outside looking in, however.

Malachi Toney

Malachi Toney vs. Ashton Hampton:

– 3 targets
– 1 catch
– 8 receiving yards
– 0 TDs
– 2 pass breakups pic.twitter.com/lwvJor9f5b

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 4, 2026

Previous Ranking: 3

Since the Miami Hurricanes were on bye week, Malachi Toney also rested. With 39 catches for 604 yards and six touchdowns on the season, the sophomore sensation still has some work to do. What better way to do it than against an ACC rival? The last time Toney faced the Seminoles, the Liberty City native torched FSU for seven receptions, 107 yards, and a pair of TDs. Catching Smith will not be easy.

Keelon Russell

Keelon Russell just made his loudest Heisman statement yet.

16/22, 285 PASS YDS, 3 PASS TD, 16 RUSH YDS, 1 RUSH TD vs No. 16 Mississippi State

Russell is making a serious push into the Heisman conversation as Alabama moves to 5-0. https://t.co/9aowDMczPq pic.twitter.com/aXIuv1nHWu

— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) October 3, 2026

Previous Ranking: 4

He lost, but it wasn’t enough for Gunner Stockton (or anyone else) to jump into the list. Keelon Russell managed 185 yards and a TD, but fumbled once. Russell has 1,599 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and two picks for 2026. He will face No. 14 Tennessee next in a crucial SEC matchup. Alabama is heavily favored on the road trip, although anything can happen. Given the early successes, Russell is likely a Heisman fixture the next couple of years, barring regression or injury. The way he can sling it deep and generate explosive plays is reason for any future NFL team to be interested.

Trinidad Chambliss

Trinidad Chambliss navigates pressure and RIPS it to Deuce Alexander for 6

This duo is getting drafted top 50 pic.twitter.com/F3hUfGbI4S

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 10, 2026

Previous Ranking: 5

Trinidad Chambliss’ stellar performance against Vanderbilt is the reason CJ Carr and Julian Sayin remain outside. Chambliss threw for 213 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, adding a rushing TD for good measure. Ole Miss’s 52–17 win was a great bounce-back, especially after the Rebels suffered a 52–28 loss to the Gators a couple of weeks ago. That loss looks worse and worse over time. Chambliss will now face No. 13 Missouri in an SEC Top-25 dogfight. If he struggles, the Rebels can turn to Kewan Lacy to get the job done.

About Post Author

Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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