As the 2026 college football season approaches, several players have emerged as frontrunners for the sport’s most prestigious individual awards. While the national conversation often focuses on team rankings, the individual achievements of these athletes deserve attention.
Kewan Lacy – Doak Walker Trophy Candidate
Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy solidified his reputation last season with 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on 306 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. His production tied the school record for single‑season rushing yards and set new marks for carries and rushing touchdowns. Lacy’s performance earned him a historic first as the inaugural Doak Walker Trophy finalist from Ole Miss. With quarterback Trinidad Chambliss returning and a stable offensive line, Lacy is expected to remain a top contender for the award.
Jeremiah Smith – Biletnikoff Award Hopeful
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith entered the program in 2024 as a five‑star recruit and has since amassed 163 receptions for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes in receiving yards both seasons. Although he fell short of the Biletnikoff Award in 2025, his statistics—87 catches, 1,243 yards, and 12 touchdowns—outpaced the eventual winner, Makai Lemon. With quarterback Julian Sayin returning for a second year, Smith is positioned to build on his prior success and potentially capture the Biletnikoff as well as the Heisman Trophy.
Leonard Moore – Jim Thorpe Award Finalist
Notre Dame junior cornerback Leonard Moore earned unanimous All‑American honors in 2025 after recording five interceptions (tied for seventh nationally), 31 tackles, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble. His ball‑hawking ability secured him a spot as a Jim Thorpe Award finalist. As a leader in the secondary, Moore’s continued development could see him return to the finalist list and attract NFL draft interest.
Colin Simmons – SEC Pass‑Rusher Leader
Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons led the SEC with 12 sacks in 2025, ranking fifth across the Football Bowl Subdivision. He also contributed 15.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and two recoveries. Entering his third season, Simmons aims to become the most productive defender in Texas history and further elevate his national profile on a strong SEC schedule.
Iapani Laloulu – Outland Trophy Semifinalist
Oregon center Iapani Laloulu has been a cornerstone of the Ducks’ offensive line for three years. In 2025 he started all 15 games, earned first‑team FWAA All‑America honors, and helped the line become a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. As an Outland Trophy semifinalist, Laloulu’s consistency at center positions him as a key contributor to Oregon’s offensive success in 2026.
Additional Contenders
Quarterback Caleb Carr of Notre Dame, who posted 2,741 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in 2025 with a 66.6% completion rate, is viewed as a strong Heisman candidate. If he can replicate his performance without the loss of running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the NFL, Carr could become Notre Dame’s first Heisman winner since Tim Brown in 1987. Other names mentioned in award conversations include Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Oregon running back Dante Moore.
While the award races remain open, the performances of these athletes provide a clear picture of who may dominate the national spotlight in 2026.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
