The college football landscape is already buzzing about the 2027 Heisman Trophy race, even before the first snap of the new season. Two true freshmen have emerged as the most talked‑about candidates: Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State and Malachi Toney of Miami. Their early résumés suggest a generational shift, but the path to the award is rarely straightforward.
Smith arrived in Columbus with a reputation that preceded him. In his debut 2024 campaign he caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns, shattering freshman records and instantly becoming the most electrifying weapon in the Buckeyes' arsenal. A year later he added 87 receptions, 1,243 yards and 12 scores, earning unanimous All‑American honors and forging a potent partnership with Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin, whose own 2025 numbers placed him among the nation's elite.
The chemistry between Smith and Sayin is a central narrative. Their on‑field rapport translates into precise route running and quick releases that leave defenses scrambling. Even after a mid‑season change in offensive coordination, the duo retained its potency, underscoring a stability that voters traditionally reward. Smith's personal motivation also carries a compelling edge: the loss to Miami in his hometown fuels a narrative of redemption that could resonate deeply with the Heisman electorate.
A Freshman Showdown
Malachi Toney, meanwhile, has dazzled with his own brand of playmaking. As a true freshman he logged 99 catches for 1,089 yards and nine touchdowns, finishing atop all FBS freshmen in receptions and receiving yards while posting a flawless catch‑rate on 84 target opportunities. His ability to create yards after the catch and turn short throws into big plays has drawn praise from analysts who see him as a potential all‑purpose threat.
Toney's rise, however, is not without obstacles. Miami's offense will be reshaped by a new quarterback, Darian Mensah, and a crowded receiving corps that includes emerging talents like Cortez Hankton and Diego Pavia. The shift in quarterback chemistry could affect target distribution, and the team's overall stability remains a question mark compared to Ohio State's more entrenched system.
Both players embody the dual criteria of Heisman consideration: production and narrative. Smith's statistical dominance is matched by a clear storyline of personal redemption after a high‑profile loss, while Toney's electrifying playstyle offers a compelling highlight reel. Yet the Heisman committee traditionally leans toward candidates who appear poised to sustain elite performance throughout a full season, a factor that currently tilts the scales toward Smith.
As the 2027 season unfolds, the rivalry between these two freshmen will likely shape the early discourse around the award. While Toney's dynamic skill set ensures he remains a focal point, Smith's blend of record‑breaking numbers, quarterback synergy, and a resonant personal narrative positions him as the frontrunner in the eyes of many analysts and voters alike.