The 2026 college football season is just four weeks old, and the Heisman Trophy race is already taking shape. From Arch Manning’s heroics against Ohio State to Trinidad Chambliss’s incredible run, we have seen early frontrunners emerge quickly for college football’s most prestigious award.

Quarterbacks and a dynamic running back have separated themselves from the pack with standout performances against quality opponents. Here are five Heisman candidates who have built the strongest cases through the first month of the season.

No. 5: Texas QB Arch Manning

Manning comes in at the bottom of this list, but his résumé has one signature moment that none of the other candidates can match. He has 661 passing yards, 11 total touchdowns, just two interceptions, and 108 yards rushing through four games.

While his stats aren’t gaudy and he had a bit of an iffy game against UTSA, Manning’s big moment was the incredible comeback he pulled off against Ohio State. Even with two clutch fourth-down throws, he’ll need to keep building on that performance. It can’t be his only marquee game, but he has a nice foundation with a huge win under his belt.

No. 4: Florida RB Jadan Baugh

The Gators’ running back has been incredibly dominant, and he hasn’t just been padding his stats against bad teams. Baugh has run for 458 yards with eight touchdowns, averaging 8.5 yards per carry. And the way he’s doing it is remarkable.

He’s ripped off multiple big runs, and a lot of them came against Auburn. For Baugh to rush for 162 yards and three touchdowns was impressive in their first SEC competition. He is the only non-quarterback on this list, which speaks to how special his start to the season has been.

No. 3: Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor

Taylor has accounted for over 1,100 yards of total offense through four weeks. He’s got 832 passing yards with 12 total touchdowns, only one interception, and 178 yards rushing. The dual-threat ability makes him one of the most dangerous players in the country.

One thing is for sure — he’s going to get the chance to continue building the lore around him, because everybody has bought into his stock with a game against Missouri this week. A strong showing against the Tigers would only strengthen his case.

No. 2: Miami QB Darian Mensah

Miami hasn’t played the toughest schedule, but Mensah’s stat line remains one of the most jaw-dropping you’re going to find for any quarterback through three games. He’s thrown for 873 yards with only eight incompletions and 11 touchdowns with zero interceptions.

That efficiency is absurd. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing. It is impossible to have that few incompletions and that many touchdowns without being supremely talented. Once the Hurricanes’ schedule toughens up, Mensah will have the opportunity to silence any skeptics.

No. 1: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss

Chambliss sits at the top of this list for good reason. He’s got 924 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions alongside a 70% completion percentage. If you’ve been paying attention to Ole Miss and what the Rebels have done to start the season, Chambliss clearly has the stats and the moments to back it up.

He secured the Ole Miss win over LSU this past week, and he was also critical in the Rebels surviving a shootout against Louisville in Week 1. Chambliss feels he is on track to win the trophy this year if he keeps doing what he’s done so far in 2026.