Three under-the-radar college football players have emerged as long-shot candidates to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy [1].
These selections highlight the potential for unexpected athletes to disrupt the traditional hierarchy of award favorites as the season progresses. While most attention typically centers on established stars, these three players possess the potential to defy expectations [2].
Sam Leavitt of Ole Miss is among the athletes identified as a possible winner [1]. His inclusion on the list suggests that the Rebels may have a primary offensive threat capable of garnering national attention if the team performs well.
Mark Fletcher Jr. of the University of Miami is also being touted as a candidate who could break through the noise [2]. Fletcher Jr. enters the season as a relative unknown compared to the perennial front-runners, but analysts said his trajectory could lead to a Heisman campaign.
Rounding out the trio is Drew Mestemaker from Oklahoma State University [1]. Like his counterparts, Mestemaker is considered an off-the-radar pick who would need a standout season to move from a long-shot to a legitimate contender [2].
The Heisman Trophy remains the most prestigious individual award in college football, often decided by a combination of statistical dominance and narrative momentum. For players like Leavitt, Fletcher Jr., and Mestemaker, the path to the trophy requires not only individual excellence but also high-visibility performances in key games.
These three athletes represent a gamble for those tracking the race early in the 2026 season. Their ability to move into the primary conversation depends on their consistency and the success of their respective programs at Ole Miss, Miami, and Oklahoma State [1, 2].
“Three off‑the‑radar players are being highlighted as long‑shot candidates for the 2026 Heisman Trophy.”
The identification of these three players as Heisman candidates reflects a broader trend in college football where depth charts and emerging talent can shift rapidly. Because the Heisman is often a reward for the most visible impact player of the year, these long-shots serve as indicators that the 2026 race may be more open than in previous years, potentially diversifying the pool of finalists beyond the usual suspects.
