Way-too-early Heisman Trophy watch: Darian Mensah leads the list

Outstanding performances have given us already a lot to talk about after Week 1.

Here are five players who stood out and are on DAZN's Heisman Trophy watch list.

Darian Mensah, QB, Miami Hurricanes

The 21-year-old put on a Heisman-worthy performance against Stanford on Saturday.

With 401 yards and five touchdowns, Mensah started his 2026 campaign by making a statement.

This was Mensah's first game with the Canes after transferring from Duke, coming in to replace the now-Arizona Cardinals QB, Carson Beck.

Not necessarily a favorite coming into the season, the quarterback looks like a promising bet for Miami.

Malachi Toney, WR, Miami Hurricanes

Mensah is not the only Heisman favorite in Miami, with Toney right on his heels after an also award-worthy portrayal at Stanford.

234 yards and three touchdowns were Toney's contributions for Miami's 45-6 win in northern California.

The sophomore wide reciever is returning to Miami after a more-than-successful rookie season where he led the Canes to a CFP National Championship appearance, was named ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year and was the NCAA receptions leader.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes

One of the most hyped non-QBs in college football, and rightfully so.

Smith is coming into Ohio State for his junior year and started on a great note with 151 yards and two touchdowns on the Buckeyes' 56-3 win against Ball State.

One of his touchdown celebrations even gave a little nod to the trophy many think he'll be accepting in early December.

Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss Rebels

After winning his lawsuit against the NCAA and coming back for his sixth year of college football, Chambliss showed why he decided to stay another year.

In a tight game with a ranked Louisville, the quarterback threw for 336 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for a 41-38 win in Nashville.

The 24-year-old came back to Ole Miss for his second season with the Rebels after spending four at Ferris State, leading them to the 2024 NCAA Division II title.

Chambliss has become a favorite to take the Heisman after leading the Rebels to their first playoff appearance last season.

Sam Leavitt, QB, LSU Tigers

While Leavitt was on everyone's radar, he probably wasn't someone we were expecting to see excel this early into the season.

The biggest asset that the ex-ASU QB showed on Saturday against Clemson was his rushing game: 113 yards and two touchdowns, equaling LSU's top rusher of the game, Dilin Jones.

After missing out a big part of the 2025 season, Leavitt was keen to prove what he is capable of.

With 230 yards, one touchdown, and one interception for a 51-10 win, Leavitt made a stellar display in his debut at Baton Rouge. 

Analysis: Who could take it all?

Ana Gonzalez, DAZN NFL / CFB writer

There is a big pool of players to choose from this season, something we don't usually get to see, especially these five players above.

However, my personal favorite for the Heisman would have to be Julian Sayin; someone I think has been somewhat overlooked coming into the season.

The only Heisman finalist from last year who's returning to college football should not be taken lightly.

Either a benefit or a curse, his main competition is on the same team. If there's someone who could take this from Sayin, it would be Jeremiah Smith.

It will definitely come down to the wire with so many good players, but if there's one thing I'm sure about is that the 2026 Heisman winner plays at Ohio State.

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