Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith Now Even Money to Win 2026 Heisman After Dominating Iowa
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has become the clear front-runner for the 2026 Heisman Trophy after another dominant performance, this time against the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes star is now listed at even money (+100) to win college football's most prestigious individual award, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Smith's latest surge comes after he torched Iowa's defense on Saturday, hauling in 11 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns in Ohio State's win over the No. 14 Hawkeyes. The performance pushed his season totals to 44 receptions for 823 yards and nine scores through just five games.
How Did Jeremiah Smith Perform Against Iowa?
Smith has been nearly unstoppable since Big Ten play began. In two conference games, he has recorded 23 catches and six touchdowns, including his spectacular showing against Iowa. He is averaging 18.7 yards per reception and is closing in on 1,000 receiving yards already this season.
The Buckeyes are also the favorite to win the national championship, which only boosts Smith's Heisman campaign. At even money, it would take a significant slump for Smith to lose his grip on the top spot in this market.
Who Else Is in the 2026 Heisman Race?
While Smith leads the pack, several other players are making their case. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has skyrocketed up the odds board after leading the Crimson Tide to a 5-0 start.
Russell moved from +1600 to +750 after throwing for 285 yards and three touchdowns in Alabama's win over Mississippi State. He also added a rushing score. The dual-threat quarterback has 11 passing touchdowns and four rushing scores on the season, with a 71.2 percent completion rate.
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr also jumped to +750 after throwing four touchdowns in a win over North Carolina. The junior has a 13-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season and plays a favorable schedule down the stretch.
Which Players Saw Their Heisman Odds Drop?
Not everyone had a good Week 5. Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor fell from +550 to +3500 after throwing two interceptions in a loss to Alabama. Florida running back Jadan Baugh dropped even further, from +1200 to +8000, after managing just 13 yards on 12 carries against Missouri.
Arch Manning, who did not play in Week 5, remains on the board at +3000.
Full 2026 Heisman Trophy Odds
Here are the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook:
- Jeremiah Smith: +100
- Darian Mensah: +650
- CJ Carr: +750
- Keelon Russell: +750
- Trinidad Chambliss: +1500
- Arch Manning: +3000
- Malachi Toney: +3000
- Gunner Stockton: +3000
- Kamario Taylor: +3500
- Julian Sayin: +3500
- Drew Mestemaker: +4000
- Josh Hoover: +4000
- Sam Leavitt: +6000
- Austin Simmons: +6500
- Nico Iamaleava: +8000
- Jadan Baugh: +8000
Can Anyone Catch Smith?
Alabama faces Georgia in Week 6, and a strong performance from Russell could tighten the race. But Smith's combination of elite production and Ohio State's national title trajectory makes him a formidable favorite.
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.