Malachi Toney's injury significantly alters the 2026 Heisman Trophy race, opening opportunities for other contenders. The Miami star receiver was considered a frontrunner for the award, and his absence may benefit his teammate, quarterback Darian Mensah, who no longer has to split votes with Toney.
The matchup between Mensah and Notre Dame's CJ Carr on Saturday night becomes pivotal. Mensah could solidify his Heisman credentials with a win over a top-11 opponent without his top receiver. Carr, with 8.3 yards per attempt and 18 touchdowns to one interception, has a chance to elevate his stock against a Miami secondary that allowed 341 yards to North Carolina's Billy Edwards Jr.
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith returns to favorite status after Julian Sayin's injury. Smith, now the FanDuel Sportsbook favorite, faces a top-25 matchup against Oregon and has a clear path if the Buckeyes avoid further losses.
In the SEC, quarterbacks Trinidad Chambliss and Sam Leavitt emerge as long-shot candidates. Chambliss gets a redemption opportunity against No. 2 Georgia, while Leavitt, a transfer from Arizona State, has improved recently and could rise during LSU's critical stretch.
