Okay, Fernando Mendoza absolutely owned 2025, perfect season, Heisman, top draft pick, all of it. Now that the path is clear for someone new to grab the trophy in NYC this December, Jeremiah Smith is basically running away with the 2026 Heisman race after another absolutely record-breaking performance that makes his -125 odds at FanDuel look like a lock.
Smith Is Making History Every Single Week
Seriously, we might as well just hand Jeremiah Smith the Heisman right now. The dude knows it too, he’s been striking the Heisman pose all over the field during what can only be described as a historic 2026 season. Just this past Saturday, in Ohio State’s win over Indiana, Smith pulled in four passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. But that’s not even the wildest part. He just tied Braylon Edwards for the Big Ten career receiving touchdowns record with 39! And if that wasn’t enough, he also shattered Ohio State’s records for most catches with 214 and counting, and most receiving yards with an insane 3,542 and counting. This isn’t just a good season; earlier he torched Illinois for four touchdowns in one game, a feat only five Ohio State wide receivers have ever managed. He’s sitting at 984 yards and 12 touchdowns this season already, making him the Buckeyes’ all-time receiving leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. It’s a wide receiver’s game, and Smith is showing why a pass-catcher can win this thing for the first time since DeVonta Smith did it.
Mensah’s Clutch Plays Keep Miami in the Hunt
While Smith is busy rewriting the record books, Darian Mensah is battling through adversity and proving he’s got the clutch gene. For the first time all season, Miami faced some real tests, and Mensah delivered. This past Saturday against Florida State, the Hurricanes were down 28-21 with just six minutes left. What did Mensah do? He marched them down the field for a game-tying drive, sending it to overtime! Then, in the extra period, he hooked up with Malachi Toney for a three-yard touchdown that sealed a massive 43-35 win, saving Miami from a total disaster. Yeah, he threw his first interception of the year, but he still balled out with 326 passing yards and three touchdowns. Get this: he and Josh Hoover are the only FBS players with 18+ passing scores and one or fewer interceptions. That’s elite company! Mensah is still holding down second place in the Heisman race, but his +350 odds show he’s got a mountain to climb against Smith’s run.
Who Else Can Even Make a Dent?
Trinidad Chambliss had that wild “Heisman-worthy” performance in Week 3, beating his old coach Lane Kiffin and LSU. That was huge! But then the very next week, Ole Miss fell into a classic trap game, getting smacked 52-28 by #21 Florida. We don’t have all the details on his performance in that one, but it definitely didn’t help his case. The odds board shows CJ Carr at +1300, Jesse Legree at +1700, and Bear Bachmeier at +2500, but let’s be real: right now, it feels like it’s Smith’s to lose.
So, who’s gonna step up and challenge Smith in these next few weeks? Mensah proved he can handle the pressure, but it’s going to take more than just game-winning drives to catch a guy who’s literally breaking every record in sight. Keep an eye on those Saturday matchups, because if anyone wants a shot at that trophy in NYC this December, they’ve gotta make some serious noise, and fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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