Imagine a college football star so promising that sportsbooks are already placing bets on his future glory—two years in advance. That’s the reality for Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, the rising junior quarterback who’s being touted as a favorite for the 2026 Heisman Trophy. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it too early to crown a player as a Heisman contender before the 2025 season has even wrapped up? FanDuel Sportsbook thinks not, and they’ve already set Carr’s odds at +800, tying him with Texas’s Arch Manning as the frontrunner.
Carr’s meteoric rise isn’t just a fluke. Last fall, he shattered expectations in his breakout campaign, completing 195 of 293 passes (66.7%) for 2,741 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His 9.4 yards per attempt ranks him third nationally, a stat that’s hard to ignore. And this is the part most people miss: Carr’s success wasn’t a surprise to his teammates. Offensive captain Will Pauling noted, ‘CJ’s been the same CJ since I met him—early mornings, late nights, and unwavering confidence in himself and his team.’ Pauling’s words paint a picture of a player whose work ethic and leadership are as impressive as his stats.
But Carr isn’t the only name on the Heisman radar. FanDuel’s odds include other standout players like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith (+1000), Georgia’s Gunner Stockton (+1200), and even Miami’s Malachi Toney (+2500), a wide receiver who’s also a former high school quarterback. Toney, the ACC Rookie of the Year, has been unstoppable this season, racking up 99 catches for 1,089 yards and nine touchdowns. Here’s the bold question: Could a wide receiver like Toney—or even a dual-threat player—challenge Carr for the Heisman? It’s a debate worth having.
While Carr’s odds are impressive, the 2026 season is still a long way off. Injuries, team dynamics, and unexpected breakouts could all shift the landscape. But for now, one thing is clear: CJ Carr’s name is on everyone’s lips, and his journey to Heisman contention is one to watch. What do you think—is Carr a lock for the trophy, or is it too early to tell? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
