Jun. 21—***
During the final two weeks of June, I am using this space to count down the top Heisman Trophy candidates for 2026.
Let’s go with the player who entered the 2025 season as favorite but saw an early loss derail his bid.
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Why is he on the list?
Grandpa Archie never won it, though he was a two-time finalist while at Mississippi,
Uncle Peyton was the runner-up for the award n 1997 after leading Tennessee to the SEC title and 11 wins. Michigan‘s Charles Woodson won the award.
Now, Arch is up. He enters the season with great expectations both for his run at the Heisman, his team’s chances for the CFP title and the opportunity to be the first pick in the 2027 NFL draft. All are possible. None are guaranteed.
We will know plenty after the second week when Texas hosts Ohio State in prime time. Both teams will enter the season in the Top Five and could be 1-2.
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Manning has the credentials. He threw for 3,163 yards in 2025 with 26 touchdowns. He added another 399 yards and 10 scores on the ground. He is more of a threat as a runner than either uncle Peyton or Eli. Of course, they both own Super Bowl rings.
Uncle Peyton is a better fit in terms of protential, but Jaguars star Lawrence is more like Arch style-wise. Like with Eli, Peyton and Lawrence, Arch won’t last long when he enters the draft.
3. Malachi Toney Miami receiver
4. Julian Sayin Ohio State quarterback
5. Trinidad Chambliss Mississippi quarterback
6. CJ Carr, Notre Dame quarterback
7. Dante Moore, Oregon quarterback
8. Demond Williams Jr., Washington quarterback
9. Josh Hoover, Indiana quarterback
10. Darian Mensah, Miami quarterback
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