The top four Heisman candidates after Week 3

Week 3 of the 2026 college football season delivered heated rivalries, statement wins and plenty of shocking moments. With another wild weekend in the books, let's evaluate the top four candidates leading the Heisman Trophy race.

1. Arch Manning (QB, Texas)

When Manning became the full-time starter for the Longhorns in 2025, the first half of the season was rough. The 22-year-old faced immense pressure, and it showed in his performance, which included accuracy issues, poor pocket awareness and a lack of conviction in his play.

However, Manning is currently 10-1 over his last 11 games dating back to last season. Manning led Texas to prominent wins over then-No. 14 Vanderbilt, then-No. 7 Texas A&M, then-No. 18 Michigan (2025 Citrus Bowl) and No. 1 Ohio State over the 11-game stretch. The Louisiana native has garnered 2,676 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions in that span. Manning has progressed immensely since the first half of last season and is only looking sharper as the season continues.  

2. Trinidad Chambliss (QB, Ole Miss)

The dynamic Ole Miss star is touted as arguably the most electric player in the United States. Chambliss had a prolific performance against former head coach Lane Kiffin and LSU on Saturday night. In the win, the 24-year-old tossed for 363 yards and two touchdowns while completing 68.8 percent of his passes. 

Chambliss is ranked ninth in the nation in passing statistics and is the only SEC quarterback to have eclipsed over 900 total passing yards thus far. After having led Ole Miss to victory over No. 7 LSU, Chambliss and the Rebels will likely be ranked in the top five in the next edition of the AP Poll without a doubt. 

3. Darian Mensah (QB, Miami)

The former Duke quarterback has begun his first season with the Hurricanes in historic fashion. Mensah started 24-of-24 in a 33-20 victory against Wake Forest on Friday night. The Miami quarterback broke the previous ACC consecutive completion record that was set by former Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco in 2012. Overall, Mensah is 71-of-79 along with 11 touchdowns, zero interceptions and completing 89.9 percent of his passes. 

The 21-year-old is perhaps the most efficient pass thrower in all of college football. Even though the Hurricanes haven't played top-notch competition yet, upcoming showdowns against Clemson (10/3) and Florida State (10/17) will surely give Mensah and Miami's high-powered offense resistance. 

4. Kamario Taylor (QB, Mississippi State)

The 19-year-old rising star has the Bulldogs building momentum as the program rises to national prominence. Taylor and the Bulldogs are 3-0 after an impressive 41-34 win on the road against South Carolina. The Bulldogs were in a 16-point deficit in the matchup. 

Taylor amassed 251 passing yards, four touchdowns and completed 69.2 percent of his passes in the victory. Over the first three games, however, Taylor has thrown for 832 yards, 11 touchdowns and only one interception.

Additionally, Taylor's athletic ability allowed him to contribute 178 yards on the ground while averaging 6.6 yards per carry to start the season.  The 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback is drawing comparisons to prominent Heisman-winning quarterbacks such as Cam Newton (size), Lamar Jackson (speed) and Robert Griffin III (athleticism).

Mississippi State's upcoming matchup against Missouri next weekend will be another test for Taylor and the red-hot Bulldogs.