01
2026 preseason file
CJ Carr
The official Heisman site called Carr a leading 2026 hopeful after his first season as Notre Dame's starter. This is preseason context, not a prediction.
- 2025 starts
- 12
- 2025 passing
- 2,741 yards
Preseason file · reviewed August 15, 2026
Read the 2026 Week 1 recap and major player results
Who are the top 2026 Heisman candidates?
CJ Carr, Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, and Jeremiah Smith lead this five-player watch group. Check the dated season evidence, then identify each player's early cards by year, product, number, and version.
- Candidate group
- Five recurring preseason names
- Evidence
- Official player records and named card checklists
- Boundary
- No award, price, or return predictions
The plain-English answer
CJ Carr, Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, and Jeremiah Smith are the five names in this watch group. They recur across the source sets we reviewed. This is not a final ranking, and it will be rechecked as the season develops.
Candidate board
Open the player, then the card record.
Each file explains the dated preseason case and three exact early card identities. These are not NFL rookie cards.
02
2026 preseason file
Arch Manning
The official Heisman preseason overview lists Manning among the strong 2026 hopefuls. Texas lists him as a fourth-year quarterback who has appeared in 25 games with 15 starts.
- Career games
- 25
- Career starts
- 15
03
2026 preseason file
Dante Moore
The official Heisman preseason overview includes Moore in the 2026 race after a productive first season as Oregon's starter.
- 2025 passing
- 3,565 yards
- Completion rate
- 71.8%
04
2026 preseason file
Julian Sayin
The official Heisman site identifies Sayin as the only returning finalist from the 2025 vote. Ohio State's record shows why his first full season drew attention.
- 2025 passing
- 3,610 yards
- Completion rate
- 77.0%
- Flagship supply
- Gold /10
- Next QB watch
- Tavien St. Clair
05
2026 preseason file
Jeremiah Smith
The official Heisman overview notes Smith's top-ten finish in the 2025 vote. His Ohio State production makes him the wide receiver represented in this five-player watch group.
- 2025 receiving
- 1,243 yards
- Two-year total
- 27 touchdowns
Selection method
Why these five are here
- Start with the official field.The Heisman preseason overview names all five in its 2026 discussion.
- Check repeated independent coverage.Each name also appeared in current outside candidate lists reviewed for this article.
- Verify card identity separately.Candidate status never substitutes for a product checklist, card number, or version check.
- Date the conclusion.The field is current through August 15, 2026 and will change after real games.
Search answers
Questions collectors ask
Who are the top 2026 Heisman candidates entering the season?
This research group follows CJ Carr, Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, and Jeremiah Smith because all five recur in official Heisman preseason coverage and independent candidate lists reviewed on August 15, 2026. It is a research watch list, not a prediction of the finalists.
Do Heisman odds predict sports card prices?
No. Candidate lists and odds describe preseason expectations. Card prices depend on the exact card, supply, condition, timing, and buyer demand. Neither an award nor a ranking guarantees a card-price result.
Are college cards the same as NFL rookie cards?
No. The candidate guides cover early, prospect, or college issues that can be verified now. Any future NFL rookie cards will belong to separate product checklists.
Continue your research
Use exact checklist evidence before comparing any sale.