The Heisman Trophy race is only going to get even more heated as we progress through what’s turning out to be quite the action packed college football season.
As it typically does around this time of year, the Heisman Trophy ladder is going through quite a bit of flux, but what’s become apparent already is that there are at least five very legitimate contenders for a wintertime trip to New York.
To put it simply, statements are being made around the country to a dizzying degree. Miami’s Darian Mensah completed his first 24 (!) of his pass attempts in a 33-20 win over Wake Forest last weekend, while Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor continued to make scouts and fans fall alike with his buttery throwing motion.
About two hours away from Mississippi State in Oxford, Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss made it abundantly clear he’s a part of this Heisman Trophy conversation too with his lights-out performance to beat LSU.
Ranking The Heisman Trophy Candidates Ahead of Week 4
Regardless, let’s get into this upcoming week’s ladder before we get into Saturday’s games. Click here for a look back at the list from Week 3 as a refresher.
Darian Mensah, Miami
Darian Mensah just made ACC history while keeping No. 5 Miami unbeaten
30/34, 220 PYDS, 3 PTD, 0 INT vs. Wake Forest
He completed his first 24 passes, setting ACC records for consecutive completions and consecutive completions to start a game. https://t.co/Kea9kaKGCt pic.twitter.com/rNbYkSH3JL
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) September 19, 2026
I mean, come on. You aren’t going to see many performances in your life as efficient as the one Darian Mensah turned in against conference foe Wake Forest last week. The Duke transfer set an ACC consecutive completions record to start the game and finished 30 of 34 with 220 yards, 3 touchdowns and a perfect passer rating for Miami. If that isn’t enough to move you up a spot on the ladder, I fear nothing is. The Hurricanes’ schedule doesn’t get much more difficult than that, so I’m not sure I expect to see this hot streak cool off anytime soon.
Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State
WHAT A THROW KAMARIO TAYLOR pic.twitter.com/vKuRpIN8ls
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) September 19, 2026
We knew South Carolina would be the first real test for Kamario Taylor this season in terms of an opposing defense, and it honestly didn’t start as smoothly as I expected. However, after a slow first half, the sophomore found his rhythm in the third and fourth quarters and showed something arguably more valuable than his ability to throw gorgeous passes and put up gaudy numbers is the fact that when things got tough for his team, he got tougher. In the end, Taylor completed 18-of-26 passes and threw for 4 touchdowns while leading his Bulldogs back from a 16-0 deficit. That’s a good sign for Mississippi State going into its scheduling gauntlet.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
TRINIDAD CHAMBLISS ARROGANT ARM pic.twitter.com/PiN89NJRIM
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 20, 2026
Trinidad Chambliss was one rung off the ladder last week. Fast forward seven days and it almost feels like we’re shortchanging him at No. 3. Chambliss’ performance against LSU proved that he’s the most seasoned QB in the country right now, even if Mensah is more efficient and Taylor’s tape is more impressive. The fact he has 2 interceptions to his ledger and fewer passing touchdowns than both keeps him from being the decisive favorite at this point, but that seems like it will happen in due time if the Rebels keep it rolling.
Jadan Baugh, Florida
JADAN BAUGH RB1
Turned on the burners for TD no. 3 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7Z8NW48R3i
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 20, 2026
I’ll make it easy for you. Jadan Baugh is the best running back in college football. He tallied a season-high 162 yards on 26 carries to lead Florida over rival Auburn in The Swamp, setting the tone for a potential run through SEC play that would quickly make Gainesville forget about the perils of the Billy Napier era. Baugh leads the country with 8 rushing touchdowns through three games and his 458 yards on the ground rank second nationally. Baugh has scored at least 2 rushing touchdowns in each game and is currently averaging a remarkable 8.5 yards per carry.
Malachi Toney, Miami
Throw it anywhere near Malachi Toney and it's a catch 🎯
12 rec, 114 yds, 1 TD vs Wake Forest
pic.twitter.com/7aqmfnTm1K— CFB Performances (@performancesCFB) September 19, 2026
Only a player with expectations as high as Malachi Toney can post 12 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown and go down a rung on the ladder. However, the biggest thing I saw out of Miami’s win over Wake was that Mensah truly emerged as the leader of this Miami team. Toney is the best player on the team and quite possibly in the country, but the Hurricanes are going to go as far as their quarterback takes them. No matter what numbers Toney posts, if Mensah keeps completing 90 percent of his passes while handing out touchdowns like an Oprah Winfrey giveaway, the Heisman Trophy is his.
