Jeremiah Smith Cements Heisman Lead as Week 5 Polls Solidify Top 10

Key points

• Jeremiah Smith leads the On3 Heisman poll with 158 points, having recorded 11 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns in Week 5.
• Smith has set Ohio State records for career catches and career touchdown catches, accumulating 44 receptions, 823 yards, and nine touchdowns through five games.
• Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell ranks second with 137 points, followed by Miami's Darian Mensah at 127 points and Ole Miss's Trinidad Chambliss at 114 points.
• Betting odds from FanDuel list Smith at -110, while Mensah and Russell are both at +700, indicating a clear favorite in the market.
• Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor dropped to fifth place after throwing two interceptions in a 56-23 loss to Alabama.
• Duke running back Nate Sheppard remains in the top 10 despite a bye week, leading the nation in rushing yards per game.

Background

The 2026 college football season began with significant polling volatility, as seen in early September when Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas traded the No. 1 spot in various rankings. By Week 5, the Heisman race has stabilized, with Jeremiah Smith emerging as the clear leader after a strong start to the season. Earlier polls showed fluctuating support for quarterbacks like Darian Mensah and Keelon Russell, but Smith's consistent high-volume performance has shifted the consensus. The current standings reflect a shift from the chaotic early-season rankings to a more defined hierarchy, with Smith's statistical dominance outpacing the previous leaders.

How outlets are covering it

On3 and Bleacher Report both agree that Jeremiah Smith is the undisputed leader, with On3 noting his 'insane numbers' and Bleacher Report highlighting his historic status as Ohio State's most productive wide receiver. However, they differ in their emphasis on the challengers: On3 highlights Keelon Russell's upcoming SEC showdown against Georgia as a pivotal moment, while Bleacher Report focuses on Darian Mensah's 'absurd touchdown-to-incompletion ratio' and his potential to close the gap. Black Shoe Diaries offers a more critical view of the media's patience for coaches, contrasting the Heisman race with the struggles of programs like Penn State and Cal, suggesting that while Smith is dominant, the broader landscape of college football is more volatile. ESPN's source was inaccessible, so its perspective could not be synthesized.

Why it matters

The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college football, and a strong lead by Jeremiah Smith signals a potential shift in the award's history, as wide receivers have become increasingly dominant in recent years. The gap between Smith and the rest of the field, as reflected in both polls and betting odds, suggests that the race may be decided earlier than usual. This also impacts the broader college football landscape, as teams like Alabama, Miami, and Ole Miss must navigate their schedules while trying to keep their players in the conversation. The stability of the top 10 also indicates that the season's narrative is moving from early-season chaos to a more defined competitive structure, with key matchups like Alabama vs. Georgia and Miami vs. Florida State set to be decisive for the remaining contenders.

What to watch

The next major test for the Heisman contenders will be Week 6, where Alabama faces Georgia, Miami has a bye week, and Ohio State plays Maryland. Keelon Russell's performance against Georgia's top-10 defense will be crucial for his Heisman chances, while Darian Mensah will need to maintain his efficiency against Florida State in Week 7. Jeremiah Smith's next game against Maryland will be a key indicator of whether he can sustain his historic pace. The betting odds are expected to shift based on these results, with potential for a closer race if Smith's performance dips or if Mensah or Russell have a breakout game. The upcoming SEC clashes and Big Ten matchups will likely determine whether the current hierarchy holds or if new contenders emerge.