The 2026 college football season is fast approaching, and early forecasts are already pinpointing the athletes who could dominate the sport’s most prestigious awards.
Heisman and Offensive Excellence
CJ Carr of Notre Dame emerges as a leading Heisman candidate, his efficient dual‑threat skill set and a schedule peppered with high‑profile matchups bolstering his résumé. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is being tabbed as the frontrunner for the Biletnikoff Award after two consecutive seasons that have turned him into a premier deep‑threat receiver.
Defensive Dominance
On the defensive side of the ball, Texas linebacker Colin Simmons is projected to sweep both the Bednarik and Nagurski trophies, his pass‑rush disruption and sideline leadership making him a defensive anchor. Florida’s Jadan Baugh, despite a recent ACL repair, is still the early favorite for the Doak Walker Award, his explosive rushing statistics suggesting a breakout year.
Special Teams and Other Honors
Special teams will not be overlooked. Oklahoma’s Tate Sandell is expected to extend his flawless field‑goal streak, positioning him as the top contender for the Lou Groza Award. Baylor’s Palmer Williams, a former Ray Guy Award finalist, could finally claim the punter’s honor after a season that highlighted his hang‑time precision. Oregon’s Iapani Laloulu, an All‑American center, is projected to capture the Rimington Award, while Texas Tech’s Terrance Carter Jr. is slated for the John Mackey Award after a seamless transition to the Big 12 that showcased his route‑running versatility. Finally, Ole Miss interior lineman William Echoles is expected to earn the Outland Trophy, recognizing the nation’s most dominant lineman after a breakout campaign, and Indiana’s Rolijah Hardy is the early favorite for the Butkus Award as the country’s top linebacker.
These early predictions, while subject to change as the season unfolds, illustrate the depth of talent across the nation and set the stage for a year that could reshape the narrative of college football’s major awards.