Full Breakdown
2026 Heisman Trophy Dark Horse Candidates: A Deep Dive
6/28/2026, 1:11:49 AM
Core Event: Dark Horse Contenders Identified for the 2026 Heisman Race
CBS Sports lists six Heisman dark-horse candidates: QB Keelon Russell (Alabama, +3500), WR Malachi Toney (Miami, +3000), QB LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina, +3500), QB Byrum Brown (Auburn, +5500), QB Bear Bachmeier (BYU, +6500) and QB Kevin Jennings (SMU, +10000).
Historical Odds and Heisman Trends
Long-shot odds often precede Heisman wins. Five of the last ten winners entered with odds of 35-1 or longer, 2025’s Fernando Mendoza (Indiana, 60/1) and 2024’s Travis Hunter (Colorado, 35/1).
Candidate Profiles
- Keelon Russell, QB, Alabama – Elite 11 MVP; top QB prospect since Bryce Young; starter undecided.
- Malachi Toney, WR, Miami – Freshman playmaker with electric, game-changing moments; high-volume receiver.
- LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina – 5,000 passing, 1,000 rushing yards; offense built for his dual-threat.
- Byrum Brown, QB, Auburn – 42 touchdowns, 4,100+ yards at USF under Alex Golesh; dual-threat.
- Bear Bachmeier, QB, BYU – 3,000+ passing yards, 26 touchdowns; Big 12 Freshman of the Year, 12-win team.
- Kevin Jennings, QB, SMU – 7,700 passing yards, 55 touchdowns, a CFP start; limited media exposure.
Data & Statistics
FanDuel odds: Russell +3500, Toney +3000, Sellers +3500, Brown +5500, Bachmeier +6500, Jennings +10000. Russell is an Elite 11 MVP; Sellers nears 5,000 yards; Brown has 42 touchdowns; Bachmeier posted a 3,000-yard season; Jennings holds 7,700 yards.
Official Statements & Responses
Alabama Kalen DeBoer has not named a starter, noting Russell-Mack competition may extend into camp; South Carolina coordinator Kendal Briles says will center on Sellers’ strengths. Shane Beamer reports overhaul with Randy Clements, transfers. Alex Golesh developed Brown at USF.
Criticism & Opposition
Wide receivers historically need production and national spotlight, limiting Toney’s Heisman odds. Russell’s candidacy hinges on winning Alabama’s starter role and a playoff run. Jennings’ prospects suffer from SMU’s limited media exposure despite stats.
Verbatim Quotes
> "Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer hasn't picked a starting quarterback yet, and he says the competition between Russell and Mack could extend deep into camp." — Kalen DeBoer, Head Coach, Alabama
> "Briles has already indicated the offense will be built around Sellers' strengths rather than forcing him into a rigid scheme." — Kendal Briles, Offensive Coordinator, South Carolina
> "South Carolina struggled in pass protection during 2025, but Shane Beamer responded with a major overhaul that included new offensive line coach Randy Clements and several experienced transfers." — Shane Beamer, Head Coach, South Carolina
> "The Miami star was one of college football's most electric playmakers a year ago, routinely creating game-changing moments while helping power an explosive offense." — CBS Sports, Analyst
Outlook for the 2026 Season
The upcoming season will test each candidate’s ability to translate individual production into team success, ultimately shaping the Heisman voting narrative.
