The Heisman Trophy race is heating up and with the calendar about to flip to November, there’s still plenty of time for the picture to change.
The quarterbacks have their usual advantage, but this year’s crop of receivers has been tough to ignore, with game-changing plays and eye-popping production week after week.
Among the five favorites are a breakout freshman making noise and a veteran quarterback looking to put together a strong finish.
With big-time matchups, conference races and College Football Playoff hopes on the line, the next few weeks will go a long way toward sorting out the contenders from the pretenders.
Here’s a look at the five leading Heisman candidates heading into the final month of the regular season:
1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Season stats: Seven games, 52 receptions, 984 yards, 18.9 yards per catch, 12 touchdowns
The case for Smith: Looking to become just the fifth receiver to win the award, the junior has nine touchdown receptions over the Buckeyes’ past four games.
He’s only 16 yards away from his third consecutive 1,000-yard season and has secured his spot on Ohio State’s Mount Rushmore of wide receivers.
But with quarterback Julian Sayin likely out for the season, Smith could face a tougher path to maintaining his torrid pace with an inexperienced signal-caller — either freshman Luke Fahey or sophomore Tavien St. Clair — leading the offense during the season’s final month.
The previous four receivers to win the Heisman: Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers (1972), Notre Dame’s Tim Brown (1987), Michigan’s Desmond Howard (1991) and Alabama’s DeVonta Smith (2020). Colorado’s Travis Hunter won in 2024 playing both cornerback and wide receiver.
2. Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
Season stats: Seven games, 166-for-204 passing (81.4%), 2,151 yards, 22 touchdowns, 1 interception, 89.7 QBR, 2 rushing touchdowns
The case for Mensah: The redshirt junior has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country for the top-ranked Hurricanes, who have an average margin of victory of 33.8 points.
Mensah’s combination of accuracy and big-play production (he has 24 total touchdowns) gives him a compelling case, particularly if Miami remains in the national championship picture.
Quarterbacks typically have the clearest path to the award, and Mensah’s performance against Notre Dame on Nov. 7 in South Bend could go a long way toward solidifying his status as a legitimate Heisman contender.
3. Malachi Toney, WR, Miami
Season stats: Seven games, 66 receptions, 952 yards, 14.4 yards per catch, 11 touchdowns
The case for Toney: Like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, the sophomore’s production puts him in position to make a run at becoming the next wide receiver to win the award.
His connection with QB Darian Mensah gives Miami a dynamic passing attack, and his ability to turn a high volume of targets into touchdowns makes him more than a possession receiver.
A dominant finish would strengthen his case, particularly if he delivers a signature performance in prime time against Notre Dame on Nov. 7.
4. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Season stats: Seven games, 167-for-262 passing (63.7%), 1,926 yards, 16 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 79.6 QBR, 6 rushing touchdowns
The case for Chambliss: The sixth-year senior has the experience and versatility to make a late-season push, particularly if he can lead the Rebels through the SEC and into the College Football Playoff conversation.
His ability to contribute as both a passer and runner gives him a broader statistical profile than a traditional pocket quarterback. But consistency remains his biggest hurdle, as evidenced by his low-60s completion rate and seven interceptions.
5. Jesse Legree, WR, Oregon State
Season stats: Seven games, 46 receptions, 1,040 yards, 22.6 yards per catch, 14 touchdowns
The case for Legree: A three-star recruit coming out of high school, the freshman has been one of college football’s biggest breakout stars, recording at least 100 yards and one touchdown catch in each of the Beavers’ first seven games.
He has five games with multiple TD receptions and was the first receiver in the country to hit the 1,000-yard mark this season.
Every campus. Every tradition. Every fan. Sign up for the Student Section Newsletter
READ MORE: Which schools have produced the most Heisman recipients? Every winner by program
READ MORE: These 25 college towns are made for football weekends. Where does your favorite rank?
Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.