The 20 College Football Stars Everyone's Talking About Right Now
The 20 College Football Stars Everyone's Talking About Right Now
Heisman frontrunners, transfer portal headliners, and the nation's top defenders — here's who's driving jersey demand heading into the 2026 season.
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Quick Answer: Who's at the Top Right Now
CJ Carr enters the season as the Heisman Trophy betting favorite, with Arch Manning and Darian Mensah close behind as the odds continue shifting week to week. Here's the full breakdown of the 20 names shaping this season's jersey demand.
Who Tops the List This Year?
As of mid-August, CJ Carr (Notre Dame, QB) sits atop the Heisman odds board after throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman starter last season. Right behind him, Arch Manning (Texas, QB) posted the highest QBR of any quarterback in the country over the back half of 2025, and Darian Mensah (Miami, QB) arrives in Coral Gables after transferring from Duke, where he led the Blue Devils to an ACC championship.
Don't sleep on the best non-quarterback on the board either: Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State, WR) is ranked the No. 1 overall player in college football by CBS Sports after a dominant sophomore campaign.
The Full Top 20, Ranked by Heisman Odds & Player Rankings
| # | Player | Team | Why They're Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CJ Carr | Notre Dame | 2026 Heisman betting favorite |
| 2 | Arch Manning | Texas | Highest QBR in the country in 2025 |
| 3 | Darian Mensah | Miami (FL) | Transferred in after leading Duke to an ACC title |
| 4 | Dante Moore | Oregon | 72.5% completion rate, 3,565 yards in 2025 |
| 5 | Julian Sayin | Ohio State | Only returning 2025 Heisman finalist |
| 6 | Trinidad Chambliss | Ole Miss | 3,937 passing yards, 8th in 2025 Heisman voting |
| 7 | Jeremiah Smith | Ohio State | CBS Sports' No. 1 overall player |
| 8 | Josh Hoover | Indiana | Transferred from TCU to replace a Heisman winner |
| 9 | Gunner Stockton | Georgia | 70% completion rate, just 5 INTs in 2025 |
| 10 | Sam Leavitt | LSU | No. 1 transfer portal addition under Lane Kiffin |
| 11 | Jayden Maiava | USC | Led the Big Ten in passing yards in 2025 |
| 12 | Keelon Russell | Alabama | Strong spring showing, 4 TDs in the spring game |
| 13 | Malachi Toney | Miami (FL) | Best true freshman of 2025, 109 catches |
| 14 | LaNorris Sellers | South Carolina | Two-year starter, CBS Top 150 |
| 15 | Bryce Underwood | Michigan | 2,400+ passing yards, 392 rushing yards in 2025 |
| 16 | Demond Williams Jr. | Washington | Nearly 70% completion, 25 TDs in 2025 |
| 17 | Byrum Brown | Auburn | 1,000+ rushing yards, 3,158 passing yards |
| 18 | Leonard Moore | Notre Dame | On3's No. 3 overall player, 5 INTs in 2025 |
| 19 | Colin Simmons | Texas | 12 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss |
| 20 | Kewan Lacy | Ole Miss | 1,567 rushing yards, 24 touchdowns in 2025 |
Which Jersey Should You Actually Buy?
If you want the biggest storyline of the season, CJ Carr, Arch Manning, and Darian Mensah are the three names dominating the Heisman conversation. If you're looking for a jersey with proven production, Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State is widely considered the best all-around player in the sport regardless of position. And for NCAA jerseys specifically, remember they run a universal, forgiving fit — making them one of the easiest categories to buy as a gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Heisman favorite for 2026?
CJ Carr of Notre Dame holds the top spot on the Heisman betting board as of mid-August 2026, with Arch Manning and Darian Mensah close behind — though odds shift weekly through the season.
Which college football jersey is selling fastest?
Jerseys tied to Heisman frontrunners and major transfer portal moves — especially Carr, Manning, and Mensah — are seeing the highest early-season demand.
Do NCAA jerseys run true to size?
Yes, NCAA jerseys use a universal athletic cut that fits a wide range of body types, making them one of the safest categories to buy as a gift. See our Sizing & Technology Guide.
When does the 2026 college football season start?
Week Zero kicks off August 27-29, with more details in our College Football 2026 Kickoff Guide.
Related Reading
College Football 2026 Kickoff Guide
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Shop NCAA Jerseys →By Pro Kit Vault Editorial Team · Last Updated: August 2026 · Rankings compiled from CBS Sports, On3 and Heisman odds trackers
