Which Big 12 Player Has the Best Shot at the Heisman in 2026?
Top 5 Big 12 Heisman Contenders for the 2026 Season
The Big 12 enters 2026 with Texas Tech as the clear favorite and several other teams (BYU, Utah, Arizona, Houston) positioned as contenders. Heisman voters historically favor high-volume producers on winning teams, especially quarterbacks and workhorse backs who put up eye-popping numbers while their squad stays in the national conversation. Here are the five players with the best shots, ranked by realistic chance.
1. Noah Fifita, QB, Arizona
The preseason All-Big 12 quarterback and the only signal-caller on the media’s first team. Fifita returns as the nation’s active career passing touchdown leader (73) and has already drawn an official “Fifita for Heisman” push from Arizona at Big 12 Media Days. In a Wildcat offense that should be among the conference’s most explosive, he has the experience, volume opportunity, and narrative of a senior finally getting national recognition. If Arizona wins 9–10 games and he piles up 3,500+ yards and 30+ scores, he’s the clearest path to New York for a Big 12 player.
2. LJ Martin, RB, BYU
The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the clear preseason favorite for the same award. Martin rushed for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025 while adding 36 receptions. He enters his senior year as the centerpiece of a BYU team expected to compete at the top of the league. Workhorse backs on 10-win teams have a real Heisman path (see recent history), and Martin already has the production and conference hardware to build on.
3. Devon Dampier, QB, Utah
The dual-threat star who threw for 2,490 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 835 yards and 10 scores in 2025. Dampier returns for a second year in Salt Lake under new coach Morgan Scalley and gives Utah a proven, dynamic leader. His ability to create big plays with both his arm and legs makes him dangerous if the Utes stay in the upper tier of the conference and generate national buzz.
4. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
The preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after transferring from North Texas, where he led the FBS in passing yards and touchdowns. Pairing with former Mean Green teammates and coach Eric Morris, Mestemaker steps into a revitalized Oklahoma State offense. If the Cowboys bounce back strongly and he posts big numbers in Stillwater, the “former mid-major star lights up the Big 12” storyline could carry him deep into the Heisman race.
5. Will Hammond, QB, Texas Tech
The newly named starter for the conference’s preseason favorite. Hammond showed dual-threat flashes in limited 2025 action (680 passing yards, 7 TDs, plus 299 rushing yards and 5 scores) before a knee injury. On a loaded Texas Tech roster expected to contend for a College Football Playoff spot, the volume and winning environment give him a legitimate dark-horse chance if he stays healthy and elevates the Red Raider offense.
Honorable mentions include Cam Cook (RB, West Virginia), Amare Thomas (WR, Houston), and Conner Weigman (QB, Houston). The Big 12’s best shot at a Heisman in 2026 runs through a high-production quarterback or Martin on a team that stays relevant deep into November.
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