The Heisman Trophy race has tightened significantly as Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney emerge as strong contenders, closing in on the current frontrunner Smith.
On September 4, 2026, the Hurricanes defeated the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California. Mensah, wearing number 10, and Toney, number 1, were pivotal in the victory, boosting their Heisman credentials.
The duo's performances have narrowed the gap with Smith, who has led the race through the early season. With the Hurricanes' win over a Power Five opponent, both players have strengthened their cases for college football's most prestigious individual award.
