Miami, Florida – We’re back! The Lemon City Live Heisman Watchlist returns for another season filled with expectations, success stories, surprises, and upsets. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza won last year’s award and was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza is now the fifth consecutive Heisman winner chosen among the top 2 picks and the ninth straight winner drafted in the top 10. He’s also the second No. 1 overall pick in Indiana football history. The other Hoosier was fullback Corbett “Corby” Davis, who went No. 1 to the Cleveland Rams in the 1938 NFL Draft.
Historically, the Heisman Trophy has mostly gone to quarterbacks or running backs, but there have been outliers. The rules remain the same. All positions are in the mix, but expect this list to be heavily quarterback-dominated. We’ve got new guys and old faces. Now let’s reveal the first edition of this year’s Heisman race.
Darian Mensah
It's true, @DarianMensah can really do it all 👋
📺: ESPN pic.twitter.com/wLX9unyDdY
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 4, 2026
First Cam Ward, then Carson Beck, now it’s Darian Mensah. The Miami Hurricanes have a QB candidate in the thick of it for the third straight year. Mensah has 1,438 passing yards and 15 touchdowns through five games. Named to the Manning Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Maxwell Award, and the Walter Camp Player of the Year watchlists, he begins at the top spot. UM’s star quarterback threw for 227 yards at Clemson, scoring touchdowns both on the ground and through the air. However, Mensah faces stiff competition from several candidates knocking on the door, including the number two contender, who makes a compelling Heisman case of his own.
Jeremiah Smith
HISTORY FOR JEREMIAH SMITH
His 36th Career Receiving TD is Now the Most in Ohio State History👑
(Via: CBS)pic.twitter.com/tVHgmqm6Zc
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 3, 2026
This guy is the real deal. Considering the Miami Dolphins’ strong chance at the top draft pick, I wouldn’t fault them for picking Jeremiah Smith. However, they still need to find a franchise quarterback and build a decent offensive line. Smith has been named to the Biletnikoff Award, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year watchlists, brandishing 44 receptions for 823 yards and nine touchdowns. For those who’ve forgotten, the Miami Gardens native could’ve gone to the University of Miami. Daydreaming aside, “what ifs” are just that–what ifs. Smith was stellar against No. 14 Iowa, recording 11 catches for 206 yards and two TDs. Maryland is next.
Malachi Toney
How did Malachi Toney make this catch? 😱 pic.twitter.com/AHpG62eR1i
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 11, 2026
Here is Hurricane number two. ACC Rookie of the Year Malachi Toney has shown plenty of versatility, capable of catching, throwing, and running the ball whether it’s on special teams or as a running back. Although Clemson held him to 40 yards, Toney has tallied 39 receptions for 604 yards and six TDs. He was neck and neck with Smith until this past weekend. Toney will be on break, but he’ll face a juicy ACC rivalry game against Florida State next weekend. It’ll offer him a viable chance to improve his stock and surpass Ohio State’s wideout.
Keelon Russell
Keelon Russell was hitting NFL THROW after NFL THROW against Mississippi State.
• 16/22 (73% completion percentage)
• 285 passing yards
• 4 total TD’s (3 passing, 1 rushing)The Crimson Tide QB just put his name in the hat for the 2028 NFL Draft’s QB1 😳🍿 pic.twitter.com/VRIIZMs3Jz
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) October 3, 2026
Sophomore sensation Keelon Russell has put up great numbers early in the season. Alabama’s QB has thrown for 1,414 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Russell squared off with Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor last weekend, with the Crimson Tide winning 56-23. Taylor turned the ball over three times while Bama’s signal caller passed for 285 yards and three TDs, with a fourth on the ground. That outcome put him in this spot instead of others. He’ll face No. 2 Georgia next, which includes Gunner Stockton, who is on the outside looking in.
Trinidad Chambliss
Trinidad Chambliss looked like a future FIRST OVERALL PICK against LSU.
One NFL scout reportedly believes Chambliss is “so good” that he could be the first QB off the board, despite his age.
The Rebels QB might be Ole Miss’ best QB prospect since Eli Manning 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/3KTyckDve2
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) September 21, 2026
He’s back for one more year. Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss is making another push after gaining an extra year of eligibility. Chambliss has 1,222 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Rebels were on bye, but he’s done enough to check in fifth. However, his position (same for most on the list) is tentative, with guys like Stockton, Taylor, CJ Carr, Julian Sayin, and Jadan Baugh lurking on the edge. He was great against Louisville, LSU, and, to a lesser extent, Florida, but he turned the ball over twice in the significant 52-28 loss. The next three weeks will be key, playing Vanderbilt, Missouri, and Texas.
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