Jul. 2—***
Earlier in June, I used this space to count down the Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2026. (The list is at the bottom.)
That doesn’t come close to covering all the possibilities. Last year, Fernando Mendoza wasn’t considered a candidate going into the year. So, into July. I will float some names of guys who might enter the conversation if they get off to a hot start.
Today, a transfer who found another school in Texas to his liking.
Conner Weigman, Houston quarterback
It is unwise to overlook a player from a Power Four team coming off an MVP effort in a bowl game. Especially when the opponent was another Power Four school.
That sums up the 2025 finish for Weigman, who led the Cougars to 10 wins, including a Texas Bowl victory against LSU.
Weigman finished his first season in Houston by throwing for 2,705 yards and 25 touchdowns. He ran for another 700 and 11 more scores.
Weigman will have all sorts of help on hand, incluidng an All-Big 12 receiver and a tight end from the transfer portal.
After a rough first season as Houston coach in 2024 (4-8), Willie Fritz figured it out in Year 2 thanks in large part to Weigman’s development.
Houston knows something about Heisman candidates. Andre Ware played there.
Playing earlier in the SEC clearly has been good fpr Weigman, who thrived at the new school.
The Houston schedule, though challenging, won’t be as difficult as what Weigman’s old school faces. The best opponent will be Utah, which has a new coach. The Cougars don’t play BYU, one of the Big 12 favorites.
1. Jeremiah Smith Ohio State receiver
2. Arch Manning Texas quarterback
3. Malachi Toney Miami receiver
4. Julian Sayin Ohio State quarterback
5. Trinidad Chambliss Mississippi quarterback
6. CJ Carr, Notre Dame quarterback
7. Dante Moore, Oregon quarterback
8. Demond Williams Jr., Washington quarterback
9. Josh Hoover, Indiana quarterback
10. Darian Mensah, Miami quarterback
Byrum Brown, Auburn quarterback
Sam Leavitt, LSU quarterback
John Mateer, Oklahoma quarterback
Bo Jackson, Ohio State running back
Jayden Maiava, Southern California quarterback
Marcel Reed, Texas A&M quarterback
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina quarterback
Bryce Underwood, Michigan quarterback
Gunner Stockton, Georgia quarterback
