Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell briefly became the betting favorite to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy after an impressive performance in the No. 7 Crimson Tide’s 56-23 road victory over the No. 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday.
His run as solo favorite didn’t last long, however, as Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith scored two touchdowns and set the school’s receiving touchdown record in the process to reclaim his spot atop the Heisman rankings.
Here’s where things currently stand with the Heisman odds, courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook, as of late Saturday afternoon:
Smith emerged as the heavy favorite with another incredible performance for Ohio State in a 31-14 win over Iowa. The phenomenon accumulated 11 catches, 206 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith’s performance moved him into first place in all three major receiving categories (receptions, yards, receiving touchdowns) in Ohio State history.
Russell turned in another dominant performance Saturday, going 16 of 22 for 285 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, while rushing for 16 yards and a touchdown.
The second-year signal-caller has gotten Bama off to a 5-0 start, and he’s been especially strong over the past three games, which have seen the Tide beat Florida State, South Carolina and Mississippi State.
By Bryan Fischer from Sports IllustratedRussell has been nearly perfect during this stretch, accounting for 13 total touchdowns and no interceptions:
While Russell strengthened his Heisman case Saturday, Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor saw his take a hit.
Taylor entered Saturday’s game having thrown 14 touchdown passes and just two interceptions on the season. In the loss to Alabama, he managed to throw for 258 yards and three more scores, but he was picked off twice, including a pick-six.
There is a clear split in the Heisman race with four players at 7-1 or better and six at 13-1 or better. After Florida running back Jadan Baugh at 13-1, the closest players are 30-1.
Russell may indeed be the player to beat for the Heisman right now, but he has some tough competition.
Smith now has 44 receptions, 823 yards and nine touchdowns in five games, while Darian Mensah and CJ Carr have led their teams to undefeated starts and look like national title contenders.
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