As of Saturday, every FBS team has played at least half its regular-season schedule, and the 2026 college football campaign has reached its midpoint. ESPN's Bill Connelly takes the opportunity to recognize the standout players and performers so far, even though the national title, Heisman and Coach of the Year races remain wide open.
At the top of the Heisman race is Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Despite a modest 68-yard showing against Indiana, Smith's odds of winning the award are -110 at Draft Kings, roughly a 52% chance. Connelly's ongoing points race, built on the Heisman Hopefuls Fan Vote and awarding points F1-style each week, also has Smith in the lead. Still, several other candidates have made repeat appearances and could mount their own pushes, so Smith will need a few more standout performances.
For the midseason Dog in Him Award, which honors the quarterback who best blends quality, physicality, improvisation and a DIY mindset, West Virginia's Michael Hawkins Jr. stands out. He has been brilliant running the offense in Morgantown, and only a weak defense has kept him from more recognition. Army's Cale Hellums has rushed for 730 yards and 13 touchdowns in the option attack, while Wake Forest's Gio Lopez and Northwestern's Aidan Chiles have driven two of the season's best surprise stories, with the teams combining for an 11-2 record. Ohio's Nick Poulos has also been nearly perfect since returning from a helmet-to-helmet collision.
The Heisman Hopefuls platform also aims to recognize players at every position, and Texas defensive end Colin Simmons is the midseason Defensive Heisman choice. The broader goal is to celebrate the full range of talent across the sport, not just the most visible skill-position stars.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing