Three Wide Receivers Lead Heisman Trophy Polls
Dominant performances from star wideouts shift the college football landscape following Week 7.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
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Three wide receivers are currently dominating the Heisman Trophy rankings after a tumultuous Week 7. Meanwhile, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is out for several weeks following an injury sustained in a victory over Indiana.
Why it matters
The shift in Heisman favorites reflects a wider college football trend where wide receivers are increasingly driving team success. This change comes as high-profile quarterbacks have lost support due to recent team losses and physical injuries.
Jesse Legree has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards this season, while Colin Simmons currently leads the FBS with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Additionally, Miami quarterback Darian Mensah holds an 18-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
The players
Jeremiah Smith
He is a standout wide receiver who has secured every first-place vote in the Heisman Trophy poll for three consecutive weeks.
Julian Sayin
He is an Ohio State quarterback who is currently sidelined for several weeks due to an injury sustained against Indiana.
Darian Mensah
He is a quarterback who has led the Miami Hurricanes to their first No. 1 ranking since 2002.
Colin Simmons
He is a defensive standout who currently leads the FBS with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.
Luke Fahey
He is the designated replacement quarterback for Ohio State expected to lead the offense after the bye week.
The details
Malachi Toney fueled the shift with an 11-catch, 154-yard performance including two touchdowns against Florida State. At Ohio State, Luke Fahey is set to take over as the starting quarterback after Julian Sayin suffered an injury during the 19-15 win in Indiana.
Timeline
Week 7: Heisman Trophy polling concluded.
Last Saturday: Top college football teams played tumultuous games.
Upcoming Saturday: Colin Simmons is expected to miss the game against Ole Miss.
Season Trajectory
Miami's ascent to the top spot marks a historic return to the No. 1 ranking not seen since the 2002 Miami Hurricanes' No. 1 ranking. This shift reconfigures the playoff outlook as teams like BYU remain unbeaten while traditional powerhouses navigate key injury absences.
Luke Fahey will now anchor the Ohio State offense for fantasy purposes and rotation decisions following the injury to Julian Sayin. Meanwhile, Colin Simmons' expected absence against Ole Miss significantly alters the defensive outlook for Texas in their upcoming matchup.
The takeaway
The rise of wide receivers in Heisman contention signals a significant shift in how offensive production is valued across the college game. Fans should monitor injury reports closely, as the loss of key starters like Sayin often dictates the trajectory of championship-bound programs.
What happens next
Luke Fahey is scheduled to make his first start for Ohio State following the upcoming bye week.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the college season, visit United States Football.
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Should individual statistics outweigh team rankings when choosing the most valuable college football player?
