Heisman Trophy odds 2026: Jeremiah Smith, Malachi Toney top list among non-quarterbacks

Quarterbacks have dominated the Heisman of late, but a few playmakers at other positions are worth examining

The Heisman Trophy has increasingly become a quarterback's award. Sure, Travis Hunter broke the mold two seasons ago by earning the honor as a true two-way star, but non-quarterbacks have rarely claimed the prize in recent memory. Only twice in the past decade has a non-quarterback won it, with DeVonta Smith joining Hunter as a rare skill-position standout. The last running back to take home the trophy was Derrick Henry in 2015.

Since 2000, quarterbacks have dominated, claiming 21 of the past 26 awards. That trend is expected to continue in 2026, where 28 of the 30 players with the best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook to win the Heisman Trophy are quarterbacks.

With a strong crop of returning quarterbacks -- including Heisman finalist Julian Sayin of Ohio State and Oregon's Dante Moore, a potential top-five NFL Draft pick who opted to return -- the odds point to another quarterback taking the prestigious award. Still, there are intriguing non-quarterback candidates who could shake things up and earn a trip to New York City in December.

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Below is a look at the non-quarterback Heisman Trophy contenders for the 2026 season, along with odds from FanDuel.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (+1300)

Wide receivers often get shortchanged in the Heisman conversation, with the spotlight typically on the quarterback -- whether that's fair or not is another debate. But in a program that's produced a soon-to-be half dozen first-round NFL picks at wide receiver in the past five years, Jeremiah Smith's numbers stand out. He is on pace to leave Columbus as Ohio State's all-time leading pass catcher. His 2,558 receiving yards rank sixth in school history, only 310 shy of Emeka Egbuka's record of 2,868. He's fifth in career receptions (163), just 42 behind Egbuka, and fifth in touchdown catches (27), eight behind Chris Olave. That puts Smith in elite company.

Malachi Toney, WR, Miami (+3000)

There wasn't a more electrifying freshman in college football last season than Malachi Toney. A legitimate scoring threat every time he touched the ball, Toney was a dynamic weapon during the Hurricanes' run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. He led all of FBS with 109 receptions, while his 1,211 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns topped the ACC. Toney set new Miami single-season records for receptions and receiving yards, and he matched a school single-game mark with 13 catches against Pittsburgh. His sudden bursts of speed and ability to change direction make him tough to tackle and a highlight reel favorite.

Cam Coleman, WR, Texas (+10000)

Inconsistency at quarterback during his time at Auburn limited Cam Coleman's potential. But now, after transferring to Texas to join forces with Arch Manning in Steve Sarkisian's offense, the former five-star recruit could be in for a breakout season. Even without ideal circumstances, Coleman's production on The Plains was solid. Over the past two seasons, he totaled 1,306 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns on 93 catches across 25 games. He ranked 130th nationally with 6.13 targets per game, a number that should increase in Austin.

Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri (+10000)

The odds of a running back winning the Heisman Trophy are not good. It would take monumental numbers to end the decade-long drought for the position. Ahmad Hardy will get plenty of opportunities at Missouri once again in 2026 as the SEC's top rusher. Last season, Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards -- second-most in FBS -- and scored 16 touchdowns on 256 carries. However, he was used almost exclusively as a runner, catching just six passes out of the backfield. The bigger question is whether Missouri will be strong enough as a team to put Hardy in the Heisman conversation.

Bo Jackson, RB, Ohio State (+10000)

Again, this isn't the Bo Jackson, and there's no relation -- but having that name certainly doesn't hurt the Ohio State running back. The Buckeyes are one of just two programs with a quarterback, running back and wide receiver all listed among the top 50 players on FanDuel's Heisman Trophy odds for this season. Jackson had a breakout campaign as a true freshman in 2025, topping 1,000 yards rushing and six touchdowns while sharing carries in the backfield. While it will be tough to overshadow returning Heisman finalist Julian Sayin and star wideout Jeremiah Smith, Jackson's pure talent makes him a player to watch in Columbus.

Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss (+12500)

Kewan Lacy certainly had better long-shot odds at winning the Heisman Trophy before Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss prevailed in his legal battle for an additional year of eligibility. Still, the Rebels duo remains a dynamic threat -- only now without Lane Kiffin or Charlie Weis Jr. calling the plays. Lacy was a workhorse for Ole Miss in its run to the College Football Playoff semifinal last season, totaling 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns -- second-most in FBS -- including 288 yards and four scores in three playoff games alone.

Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana (+12500)

Indiana capitalized on its historic national championship run and reloaded through the transfer portal, adding former Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh to its 2026 roster. The 6-foot-3, 213-pounder brings size and proven production to Bloomington, totaling 100 catches for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns over two seasons. With the departures of Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt, that obviously means more targets for Marsh and returnee Charlie Becker -- more on him below. 

Mark Fletcher Jr., RB, Miami (+15000)

Was there a player who made a bigger name for himself in the College Football Playoff than Mark Fletcher Jr.? The Miami running back piled up 507 yards rushing -- by far the most of any player in the postseason. He returns to the Hurricanes for a fourth and final season, looking to climb Miami's storied rushing record books. Fletcher's 2,313 career rushing yards rank seventh in program history, his 26 rushing touchdowns are tied for fifth and his 433 carries rank 10th. In a program with a stacked lineage of elite running backs, Fletcher has already cemented himself as one of the best to wear the Hurricanes uniform.

Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana (+15000)

Few players have the clutch gene to show up in the biggest moments -- and Charlie Becker proved he's one of them. The Indiana receiver had zero drops on 45 targets last season and recorded 13 contested catches, according to PFF -- seven of which came in the postseason, including two back-shoulder grabs in the national championship game. He finished the season with 679 yards and four touchdowns on 34 catches, but Becker has shown he's capable of a much larger role in 2026.

Cameron Dickey, RB, Texas Tech (+17500)

Cameron Dickey wasn't expected to be Texas Tech's starting running back entering last season, but an injury to incoming transfer Quinten Joyner opened the door. The sophomore took full advantage, finishing as the third-leading rusher in the Big 12 with 1,124 yards and a conference-high 14 touchdowns. It's somewhat surprising to see Dickey among the top running back longshot Heisman contenders, considering Joyner is expected back along with J'Koby Williams, who rushed for 868 yards last season.