CJ Carr Dropped From Heisman Trophy Favorites
The Notre Dame quarterback fell in rankings after a touchdown-free performance against Michigan State.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr has fallen out of the top five Heisman Trophy candidates following a 27-10 victory over Michigan State. Despite leading his team to a win, Carr failed to throw a touchdown pass, leading to a shift in his betting odds.
Why it matters
Carr slipped in the race for the Heisman because his passing performance against Michigan State lacked the high-scoring output typically required for the top spot. While his team remains unbeaten, individual accolades often depend on sustained high-volume statistical production.
Carr has accumulated 726 total yards and seven total touchdowns this season with a nearly 73% completion percentage. He recorded 234 passing yards on 18 of 24 attempts against Michigan State but has only three net rushing yards through three games.
The players
CJ Carr
He is the starting quarterback for the University of Notre Dame.
Trinidad Chambliss
He is currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy based on betting markets.
The details
Although Carr recorded his first rushing touchdown of the season, his failure to connect on any passing touchdowns hampered his Heisman standing. He remains efficient with no interceptions or fumbles, yet voters appear focused on his lack of passing scores in the latest contest.
Timeline
Notre Dame played Michigan State on September 20, 2026.
Notre Dame plays BYU on October 17, 2026.
Notre Dame plays Miami on November 5, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This decline in Heisman standing shifts the internal narrative for Notre Dame as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. Carr must now showcase explosive production in upcoming games to regain lost ground in the national award race.
Carr is currently listed at +1500 odds to win the Heisman, a significant drop from his previous standing. Fans and bettors should watch for his touchdown production in the October 17th matchup against BYU to gauge if his campaign can rebound.
The takeaway
Quarterbacks often see their individual award odds fluctuate wildly based on single-game touchdown totals. Consistency remains the primary metric for players looking to stay at the forefront of national trophy contention.
What happens next
Carr is scheduled to face BYU on October 17th, followed by a matchup against Miami on November 5th.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing progress, visit the South Bend Football page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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