Mensah Leads 2026 Heisman Race: Report Assesses Front Runner and 3 Wide Receiver Finalists Entering Final Month of CFB Season

Mensah leads the field

Mensah has moved to the top of the Heisman list after a strong opening eight games. The Miami junior and two-time conference champion heads into the last month of the regular season as the report’s leading candidate.

In a 38-35 victory at North Carolina, Mensah completed 80.7 percent of his passes. He has 2,425 passing yards, averages 10.4 yards per attempt and has recorded 25 touchdowns with one interception.

Three receivers in contention

The listed receiver candidates are Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Miami’s Malachi Toney and Oregon State’s Jesse Legree. The report identifies them as possible finalists, not confirmed selections. Smith has scored four touchdowns across three straight games without reaching 100 receiving yards in any of them. Through eight games, he leads the Big Ten with 13 touchdowns, 62 catches and 1,067 receiving yards.

Toney, a sophomore, has 73 receptions for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the ACC in all three categories. Miami is set to face Notre Dame in a major Week 10 matchup.

Ohio State faces a quarterback concern

Smith could take on a larger role for Ohio State after quarterback Julian Sayin was ruled out indefinitely with a right arm issue. The report cautions that the quarterback situation could limit Smith’s Heisman prospects if it restricts his production.

Leavitt remains a dark horse

The report also points to LSU quarterback Leavitt as a candidate who could alter the race. LSU’s November schedule includes home games against No. 10 Alabama and No. 11 Texas, followed by a road game at No. 16 Tennessee.

The report says Leavitt could put LSU in position for its third Heisman-winning quarterback since 2019 if he maintains his pace. It gives no further statistics or first name for Leavitt.