The Posts college football 2026 Heisman watch: CJ Carr, Arch Manning lead deep field
A look at the Heisman Trophy contenders entering the season:QB CJ Carr, Notre DameOur pick to win the award, Carr had a terrific first season under center last fall, throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns, and completing 66.6 percent of his passes.He has elite receivers in Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse, and will be given more responsibility after being overshadowed by star running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price a year ago. QB Arch Manning, TexasOver his final seven games of last season, Manning threw for 1,846 yards with 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions while completing 60.3 percent of his passes.He is surrounded by top-tier talent, from wide receivers Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman to running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers and a strong offensive line.Plus, he has the experience of last year, which should serve Eli and Peyton Manning’s nephew well. QB Dante Moore, OregonYears ago, Moore’s decision to pass on being a top-three NFL draft pick would’ve been unheard of.
Rather than go pro, he returned to Oregon, and is expected to be one of the sport’s top players regardless of position as a redshirt junior.Can he improve upon his 30-touchdown, 3,565-yard campaign to be the Ducks’ second Heisman Trophy winner (Marcus Mariota, 2014)? QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss The former Division II star started last fall as the backup, took over in mid-September and proceeded to lead Ole Miss to a program-record 13 wins and a berth in the College Football Playoff semifinals.After Chambliss won a lawsuit for an extra year of eligibility, expectations are as high for the dual-threat signal-caller as Ole Miss fans’ blood pressure when the name Lane Kiffin is uttered. QB Darian Mensah, Miami Two years ago, Cam Ward excelled.Last year, it was Carson Beck.
Can Mensah, an uber-talented Duke transfer, make it three quarterback hits in as many years for Mario Cristobal and the Hurricanes?Those are big shoes to fill, but Mensah has the abi...