The early conversation surrounding the 2026 Heisman Trophy is already crowded with high profile quarterbacks from college football’s biggest brands. Arch Manning Julian Sayin Marcel Reed and Gunner Stockton are the names most often mentioned but Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr deserves to be part of that discussion as well.
Carr is not the preseason favorite and his path will not be easy but based on what he showed last season and what Notre Dame could be in 2026 his case is real and it is growing.
CJ Carr’s breakout foundation for Notre Dame football
As a first year starter in 2025 CJ Carr delivered one of the more impressive freshman seasons in recent Notre Dame history. He finished the year with roughly 2500 passing yards 21 touchdown passes and just 6 interceptions while completing around 67 percent of his throws.
What stood out was not just the production but the efficiency. Carr consistently made the right reads protected the football and showed comfort running a pro style offense against top level competition. His best performance came against Arkansas when he threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns tying a Notre Dame freshman record and announcing himself on the national stage.
For a young quarterback Carr showed poise well beyond his years. He rarely looked overwhelmed and his ability to push the ball downfield while limiting mistakes gave Notre Dame a stable and dangerous offense.
Arch Manning sets the bar for Texas
Arch Manning remains the most recognizable name in the race and for good reason. In 2025 he threw for over 3000 yards with more than 25 touchdowns while adding value as a runner. He looked much closer to the quarterback many expected him to be coming out of high school.
The challenge for Manning is that expectations are massive. To separate himself in the Heisman race he will need to be great rather than simply good. That pressure combined with the weekly spotlight at Texas means every mistake will be magnified.
Carr does not carry that same burden which could work in his favor.
Julian Sayin is here for a Reason
If there is an early favorite it is Julian Sayin. His 2025 season at Ohio State was elite with over 3300 passing yards 30 plus touchdowns and an extremely high completion percentage. He was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country and did it for a national title contender.
Sayin’s challenge is narrative. Voters often look for growth or defining moments. Maintaining that level while standing out among other Buckeye stars will be critical.
Marcel Reed and Gunner Stockton bring flash
Marcel Reed brings the dual threat element voters love. His ability to hurt defenses with both his arm and legs makes him a highlight machine and a dangerous weekly matchup especially in the SEC.
Gunner Stockton fits the classic Georgia profile. Efficient tough and capable of winning games in multiple ways. If Georgia is again in the playoff hunt Stockton’s numbers and team success will keep him firmly in the race.
How CJ Carr can break through for Notre Dame
Carr’s path to the Heisman is narrower but it is very real.
First efficiency matters. Carr’s low interception total and strong completion rate show a quarterback who maximizes possessions which is something voters increasingly value.
Second big moments matter. Carr already has one signature performance on his résumé. More games like that against ranked opponents would quickly elevate his profile.
Third Notre Dame matters. Few programs draw national attention like Notre Dame. If Carr leads the Irish into playoff contention he will be impossible to ignore.
Finally growth matters. Carr was a freshman. If he takes the expected sophomore leap and pushes his numbers closer to the 3000 yard 30 touchdown range he will stack up statistically with anyone in the country.
CJ Carr is not the early favorite and he should not be. The field is loaded with experienced and explosive quarterbacks. But Carr is also not a long shot.
He has the efficiency the platform and the upward trajectory that define real Heisman contenders. If Notre Dame wins at a high level and Carr continues to mature into the offense the conversation will shift quickly.
The 2026 Heisman race will be crowded but CJ Carr has already proven he belongs in it. Should he lead Notre Dame back to the playoffs, he'll be a favorite.