2026 Heisman Poll Week Nine

Welcome to the 2026 Heisman Poll Week Nine. Our top five have stayed the same for the last two rounds of voting; only the order keeps changing. Jeremiah Smith was literally running away with it until Ohio State struggled without Julian Sayin against USC. Miami still has two in the race. We will see if these five can hold their spots through week 10. If you want to see all the movement from last week, then head over to the Week Eight poll. Quick reminder: the poll is weighted. The player gets 5 points for every 1st-place vote, 4 points for every 2nd-place vote, 3 points for every 3rd-place vote, and so on. Let’s get to it, then: our Heisman Poll After Week Nine.

2026 Heisman Poll Week Nine

#5 CJ Carr, Quarterback, Notre Dame

CJ Carr led Notre Dame in a 35-13 comeback win against Navy last weekend. This Saturday, he will go up against a fellow Heisman hopeful, Darian Mensah. This could be a make-or-break Heisman game for both players. Carr has 1,849 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and one interception. He is going to have to have a breakout game against Miami if he wants to separate himself from the rest of the pack.

• Next game: vs. Miami, Saturday, November 7th, 6:30 pm CST

#4 Jesse Legree, Wide Receiver, Oregon State

Despite the loss to Fresno State, Jesse Legree had a pretty good week. He was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. Legree resigned with Oregon State for the 2027 season and was added to Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL roster. He is currently ranked first in receiving yards and touchdowns. Legree started the season with seven straight games with over 100 yards. The Beavers will host Texas State on Saturday. This will be the first meeting between the two teams.

• Next game: vs. Texas State, Saturday, November 7th, 9:30 pm CST

#3 Malachi Toney, Wide Receiver, Miami

Miami announced Wednesday that Malachi Toney “sustained an injury during Wednesday’s practice.” Was the initial report. Now they are saying he is having ankle surgery and will be out for at least four weeks. Missing the Notre Dame game will be a big blow to the Hurricanes. Toney is currently ranked in the top three in receptions with 73, receiving yards with 1,027, and touchdowns with 13. This ankle surgery will end his Heisman run this year.

• Next game: at Notre Dame, Saturday, November 7th, 6:30 pm CST

#2 Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

In the 30-18 loss to USC, Jeremiah Smith had 10 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. He also set the Big Ten record for career receiving touchdowns in the process. Unfortunately for his Heisman hopes, Smith also had his third straight game with less than 100 yards. His season stats so far are 62 receptions for 1,067 yards and thirteen touchdowns. Smith is trailing Legree in yards and receptions. Ohio State will host Oregon this Saturday. Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey will be under center. As long as Fahey can get the ball to Smith, the Buckeyes should pull out a win.

Next game: vs. Oregon, Saturday, November 7th, 2:30 pm CST

#1 Darian Mensah, Quarterback, Miami

Miami remains undefeated. Darian Mensah has thrown 25 touchdowns and ONE interception. He is making his case for why he deserves the Heisman. Miami’s strength of schedule might hurt his numbers a bit. Mensah wrapped up the game last Saturday against UNC by completing 22 of 29 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns, without throwing any interceptions. He also ran for 36 yards on four carries, including a 24-yard run. Mensah found Toney for both the first and last touchdowns of the game. With the news that Toney is out for ankle surgery, he will have to rely on the rest of the players in his offensive arsenal, as well as his legs, to pull out a win in South Bend.

• Next game: at Notre Dame, Saturday, November 7th, 6:30 pm CST

The Last Word

Welcome to November. A lot has happened since last weekend. Week 10 will be sure to have its own set of surprises. Be sure to check back next week to see where your favorite player lands on our weekly Heisman Poll. Also, the Heisman Fan Favorite Vote is live. Vote for your favorite player.

Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

More College Football Content

• Jake Dickert’s Stand at Wake Forest
• Clemson Travels to Syracuse Looking For Revenge
• 2026 Bowl Projections After Week Nine
• The Big Ten College Football Playoff Picture: Week 10