2026-27 Heisman Trophy Odds: Favorites, Sleepers, and Best Bets
As college football kicks off its 2026 campaign, DraftKings odds place Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr as the early favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at +700. The preseason market reveals a wide-open race heavily dominated by signal-callers, mirroring historical trends where non-quarterbacks rarely claim the prestigious award.
Carr enters his second year as the starter in South Bend following a solid freshman campaign. Carr threw for 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions last season while posting an 83.4 QBR, which ranked eighth-best nationally.
Evaluating the Top Contenders and Market Value
While Carr sits at the top of the board, historical data suggests that being the preseason favorite offers little predictive value. Only one preseason favorite has won the Heisman Trophy in approximately the last 15 years, creating an opening for value seekers and long shots across the country.
Arch Manning sits close behind Carr at +750, followed by Dante Moore at +1000 and Darian Mensah at +1150. Other notable names near the top of the futures board include Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin at +1200 and teammate Jeremiah Smith at +1400.
The Case for Julian Sayin and Ohio State’s Roster Depth
Julian Sayin is a prime target at +1200, noting his performance as a finalist last season when he finished fourth in voting.
Sayin led the nation with a 77 percent completion rate while averaging over nine yards per attempt, throwing for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. That efficiency is supported by an elite supporting cast. Jeremiah Smith returns after recording 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns through his first two seasons, joined by returning playmaker Brandon Inniss and newcomer Devin McCuin. Furthermore, offensive line continuity featuring Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, and Carson Hinzman positions the Buckeyes’ offense for sustained production.
Full 2026 Heisman Trophy Odds Board
The complete set of preseason futures odds via DraftKings outlines the current betting landscape:
- CJ Carr, Notre Dame (+700)
- Arch Manning, Texas (+750)
- Dante Moore, Oregon (+1000)
- Darian Mensah, Miami (+1150)
- Julian Sayin, Ohio State (+1200)
- Josh Hoover, Indiana (+1300)
- Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (+1300)
- Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (+1400)
- Gunner Stockton, Georgia (+1900)
- Sam Leavitt, LSU (+2000)
- John Mateer, Oklahoma (+2500)
- Jayden Maiava, USC (+2500)
- Marcel Reed, Texas A&M (+2700)
- Keelon Russell, Alabama (+2800)
- Bryce Underwood, Michigan (+3800)
- Malachi Toney, Miami (+3800)
- Will Hammond, Texas Tech (+4000)
- LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina (+4000)
- Byrum Brown, Auburn (+5000)
- Demond Williams Jr., Washington (+5500)
- Bear Bachmeier, BYU (+5500)
- Rocco Becht, Penn State (+6000)
- Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State (+6500)
- Aaron Philo, Florida (+7000)
- Devon Dampier, Utah (+7200)
- Conner Weigman, Houston (+7400)
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, California (+8000)
- Kevin Jennings, SMU (+8000)
- DJ Lagway, Baylor (+9400)
- Lincoln Kienholz, Louisville (+10000)
- Bo Jackson, Ohio State (+10000)
- Nico Iamaleava, UCLA (+10000)
- Ahmad Hardy, Missouri (+10000)
- Cam Coleman, Texas (+10000)
- Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss (+12000)
- Austin Simmons, Missouri (+12000)
- Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska (+12000)
- Dylan Raiola, Oregon (+12000)
- Christopher Vizzina, Clemson (+12500)
- CJ Bailey, NC State (+13000)
*Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.*