RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Oct 25, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) reacts during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Kate Pearson Halyburton, Editor
Welcome to the 2026 Heisman pre-season poll. College football is back. Games start this weekend, so we, the writers at Last Word On College Football, have done our first 2026 Heisman Poll.
A baker’s dozen of players received votes in our pre-season Heisman Poll, with ONE defensive player getting a vote to keep us on our toes. Be sure to check back every week to see where our poll takes us as the season unfolds.
Last year’s Heisman winner, Fernando Mendoza, didn’t appear on our Heisman Poll radar until week four . It will be interesting to see what the 2026 season has in store.
The Poll is weighted. The player gets five points for every first-place vote, four points for every second-place vote, etc. Let’s get to it. Drum roll, please…
2026 Heisman Pre-Season Poll
Honorable Mention, Collin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
As we mentioned above, 13 players received votes in our pre-season Heisman Poll. We won’t do a laundry list of players—no need for all of that. Let’s discuss the ONE and only defensive player that received a vote. Collin Simmons is a defensive EDGE player from Texas. He enters his third year in Austin. Simmons is on the pre-season watch lists for the Lombardi Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He has 91 career tackles, including 54 solo tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 21 sacks.
#5 Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith enters his third season at Ohio State with 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdown receptions. Currently the most by any Big Ten receiver in their first two years in college. Smith also has the most receiving yards with 2,558 and 27 receiving touchdowns—more than anyone else in the country in the past two seasons. Smith should make a solid run for the coveted trophy. Will he lead the Big Ten to ANOTHER National Championship?
Next game: vs. Ball State, Saturday, September 5th, 11:30 am
#4 Arch Manning, Quarterback, Texas
Yes, he has a huge legacy linked to his name. Arch Manning has forged his own path in the wild world of college football. Manning starts his Senior season at Texas; he is 12-for-3 as a starter, with 4,132 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. Manning is always going to get Heisman votes because of his name. He has the 2026 season to prove he is worthy of all the hype.
Next game: vs. Texas State, Saturday, September 5th, 2:30 pm
Photo Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
#3 Trinidad Chambliss, Quarterback, Ole Miss
Trinidad Chambliss is a sixth-year quarterback who sued the NCAA to play this season. He had a meteoric rise last season from backup to leading the Rebels to their first-ever college football playoff run. Chambliss finished the season with 3,937 yards. He also threw for 22 touchdowns and rushed for eight more. The 2026 season is make it or break it for Chambliss. Can he lead Ole Miss back to the playoffs?
Voting note: Chambliss barely came out ahead of Manning and Smith he squeaked out the third place spot by just a few points.
Next game: vs. Louisville, Sunday, September 6th, 6:30 pm
#2 CJ Carr, Quarterback, Notre Dame
CJ Carr enters his junior season at Notre Dame. He is listed on almost every pre-season watch list. Carr is also the grandson of legendary Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr. But that has nothing to do with his Heisman poll ranking. So far, he has 2,741 career passing yards with 24 touchdowns. Marcus Freeman might have a chance to win it all with Carr at the helm.
Voting note: Carr was nipping on the heels of Moore for the first few ballots but ultimately couldn’t hang onto the top spot.
Next game: vs. Wisconsin, Sunday September 6th, 6:30pm
#1 Dante Moore, Quarterback, Oregon
Dante Moore enters his senior season at Oregon. He spent his freshman season at UCLA before transferring to Oregon and spending a season behind Dillon Gabriel. Moore has 3,614 career passing yards and 30 touchdowns with the Ducks. Oregon, led by Moore, finished the season 13-2, third in the Big 10 behind Ohio State and the national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers. 2026 should be a banner season for him.
Voting note: Moore is clearly the favorite pick here at LWOCFB. He was the top selection in 90% of the votes cast.
Next game: vs. Boise State, Saturday, September 5th, 2:30 pm
The Last Word
Enjoy this weekend of Week Zero games. Be sure to check back next week to see where your favorite player lands on our weekly Heisman Poll.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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