The Best Heisman Long Shots to Watch Before Week 4

Drew Thirion|published: Wed 23rd September, 10:26 2026

Sep 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As it currently stands, the Heisman looks like it will be a two-horse race between Trinidad Chambliss and Darian Mensah. Of course, Mensah’s teammate Malachi Toney is still in the mix, while Jeremiah Smith has the highest odds among non-quarterbacks in college football.

After week three and another dominant performance, Kamario Taylor also put himself on the map as a potential top Heisman hopeful. Of the popular picks, I’d probably bet on the favorite, Trinidad Chambliss, at +310 to win the Heisman, but who are some long shots that still have a shot at winning the Heisman?

Keelon Russell +2600

While Alabama’s defense might be a weak point this year, Keelon Russell has made this offense one of the most exciting in the country. Russell is a bit raw and has at times struggled to consistently read defenses; however, he still makes plays that give you the opportunity to play on Sundays.

The Tide play South Carolina at home this week, then start a gauntlet of #24 Mississippi State, #2 Georgia, #14 Tennessee, #23 Texas A&M, and #10 LSU. If Russell goes 5-1 or better over this stretch, that means he did enough on offense to win a ton of games. If you believe in Bama, Russell is a solid Heisman pick.

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Jadan Baugh +6000

Florida is currently a favorite against the No. 4 team in the country, Ole Miss, despite the Rebels having two ranked wins. If Vegas believes in Florida against a proven Ole Miss squad, then that means they also believe in Baugh. If Florida pulls off this win, then Baugh’s Heisman odds will plummet. Now's your time to bet on a guy averaging 8.5 yards per carry who’s also notched 8 touchdowns as well.

Jayden Maiava +3000

Similar to the first two long shots, if you’re still high on USC, you should be high on Maiava’s Heisman odds. The Trojans still have matchups with #20 Oregon, Washington, #13 Penn State, #7 Ohio State, and #5 Indiana. If they’re able to win enough of these games to sneak into the playoffs, then Maiava will certainly be on the stage in NYC at the end of the year.

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