As the calendar turns to October in Week 6 of the college football regular season, the 2026 Heisman race is as wide open as any in recent memory.
We’re only two months away from this year’s ceremony, and it’s anyone’s guess who’ll end up as the four finalists. But some players can begin to set themselves apart this weekend. Here are five players who can make Heisman statements in Week 6.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck
The sixth-year senior’s decision to forgo the 2025 NFL Draft and transfer to Miami from Georgia has proved to be wise, with Beck leading the ACC in completion percentage (73.2 percent) and the Hurricanes to a perfect 4-0 record entering a massive conference game against Associated Press No. 18 Florida State (3-1, 0-1 in ACC).
Beck won his previous start against Florida State in the 2023 Orange Bowl as Georgia Bulldogs quarterback, 63-3. No. 3 Miami (4-0) can not only position itself as the clear-cut favorite to win the ACC and earn a College Football Playoff auto-bid by defeating Florida State, but Beck could get closer to receiving an invite to New York for the Heisman ceremony in December.
Texas A&M wide receiver Mario Craver
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith isn’t the only wideout who deserves Heisman consideration. Craver, a 2025 transfer portal addition, can’t be overlooked following his brilliant start to the season. In four games, Craver has 24 receptions, 477 yards (19.9 yards per reception) and four touchdowns. He had a monster performance earlier this season at Notre Dame, finishing the 41-40 Week 3 win with 207 receiving yards on seven receptions, including a highlight-reel 86-yard touchdown when he avoided a tackle at the 50-yard line and broke free down the sideline.
