2026 Heisman Trophy Odds: Manning and Carr Lead the Board

The college football season is nearly here, and the 2026 Heisman Trophy odds are already shaping one of the most compelling futures markets on the board. A stacked group of returning quarterbacks headlines the race, with Texas star Arch Manning and Notre Dame's CJ Carr sitting at the top as co-favorites. For bettors, the preseason window offers value before the season narrows the field.

Quick answer: As of the 2026 preseason, CJ Carr (+750) and Arch Manning (+775) lead the Heisman Trophy odds, followed by Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss and Oregon's Dante Moore. Ohio State's Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith round out the top ticket-share contenders.

2026 Heisman Trophy Favorites

Quarterbacks dominate the Heisman conversation, and 2026 is no exception. The current board features several signal-callers within striking distance:

• CJ Carr (Notre Dame) — around +750, leading the market
• Arch Manning (Texas) — right behind at +775 as co-favorite
• Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) — near +900
• Dante Moore (Oregon) — roughly 10-1
• Julian Sayin (Ohio State) — a rising ticket-share favorite

Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith carries the best odds of any non-quarterback at about 12-1, a notable price given how rarely non-QBs win the award. If you are new to reading these prices, our guide to betting fundamentals explains how plus-money futures pay out.

Why Quarterbacks Dominate the Race

The Heisman has become a de facto quarterback award. Voters reward gaudy passing numbers, prime-time performances, and — critically — team success. A quarterback on a College Football Playoff contender has a built-in advantage because his team plays more high-profile games in front of national audiences.

That is why Manning and Sayin generate so much interest. Texas and Ohio State both project as national-title contenders, giving their quarterbacks a platform. For bettors weighing a ticket, understanding this team-success factor is as important as raw talent.

Betting Angles and Futures Value

Futures markets reward foresight, and the preseason is when prices are softest. A few angles worth considering:

Bet the Narrative Early

Odds shorten quickly once a contender starts hot. Locking in a price now on a player you believe in captures value before the market adjusts. Compare lines across books — the same player can carry meaningfully different prices. See our roundup of the best sportsbook promos to stretch your bankroll while you shop.

Consider a Non-QB Longshot

Jeremiah Smith at 12-1 is a rare non-quarterback with real buzz. Longshot Heisman tickets rarely cash, but the payout justifies a small position if you believe the player can post historic numbers.

Where to Place Your Bets

Major regulated sportsbooks all post Heisman futures, and prices vary. Reviewing the operators before you commit helps you find the best line and promotions. Our DraftKings review and FanDuel review break down odds quality, futures menus, and sign-up offers so you can pick the right book for season-long tickets.

Managing Risk on Season-Long Futures

Heisman futures tie up your money for months and often lose, so stake sizing matters. Treat them as small, high-variance positions rather than core plays. A disciplined approach to bankroll — never risking more than a small percentage on any one futures ticket — keeps a cold streak from derailing your season. Our sports betting guide lays out a sustainable staking framework.

How the Playoff Format Shapes the Race

The expanded College Football Playoff has changed the Heisman calculus in subtle but important ways. With more teams competing for postseason berths, more quarterbacks get meaningful late-season and playoff exposure, which can sway voters who value performances against elite competition. A signal-caller who shines in November and December, when the schedule stiffens and the spotlight intensifies, can leapfrog a candidate who padded numbers early against weaker opponents.

For bettors, this means timing and schedule strength are worth studying closely. A candidate on a team with a brutal conference slate has more chances to make a statement in marquee games, but also more opportunities to stumble. Conversely, a player on a team with a softer path may post gaudy statistics without the signature win voters remember. Weighing these schedule dynamics helps you separate genuine contenders from early-season mirages.

It also pays to watch how the market reacts to each big game. A dominant performance on a national stage can cut a player's odds in half overnight, so identifying value before those moments is where futures bettors profit. If you believe a mid-tier candidate has a schedule set up for a signature November, backing them now — while the price is long — captures value the market has not yet priced in. The Heisman is ultimately a narrative award, and the playoff era rewards players who peak when the games matter most, giving disciplined bettors a clear framework for finding an edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the 2026 Heisman Trophy favorite?

CJ Carr of Notre Dame and Arch Manning of Texas sit atop the board as co-favorites in the preseason, both priced around +750 to +775.

Can a non-quarterback win the Heisman in 2026?

It is possible but historically rare. Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith at roughly 12-1 is the top non-QB contender, and it would take a record-setting season for him to break through.

When should I bet Heisman futures?

The preseason offers the softest prices. Betting early captures value before a fast start shortens a contender's odds, though you accept more uncertainty about playing time and health.

Do Heisman odds change during the season?

Constantly. A single marquee performance can move a player from a longshot to a favorite, so monitoring the market weekly helps you find in-season value.

Conclusion

The 2026 Heisman Trophy odds feature a deep quarterback class led by Carr and Manning, with a rare non-QB longshot in Jeremiah Smith. The preseason window is your best chance to lock in value before the market moves, and the expanded playoff era rewards players who peak when the schedule stiffens. Compare books, weigh each contender's path, manage your stakes carefully, and keep learning with our betting fundamentals resources on DeucesCracked.