Unexpected Dark Horse Emerges as Top Heisman Contender in College Football 26 Simulation—Who Stole the Spotlight?

In order to figure out who are the top choices to win the Heisman, USA TODAY Sports turned EA Sports College Football 26 by simulating the 2025-26 season 100 times to see who wins the trophy.

Every season, college football dazzles us with breathtaking performances, but only a select few carve their names into history by hoisting the coveted Heisman Trophy. With over 14,000 athletes competing at the Bowl Subdivision level, predicting the next winner feels like aiming at a moving target — stats clash with team glory, highlight reels spark debates, and surprises lurk in every corner. Intrigued by the chaos and the possibilities, USA TODAY Sports rolled up their sleeves and fired up EA Sports College Football 26, simulating the entire 2025-26 season a whopping 100 times to uncover the frontrunners and the dark horses destined for Heisman glory. What unfolded is a fascinating mix of expected champions edging out with consistency, yet also unexpected stars bursting onto the scene in electrifying fashion — mirroring the unpredictable magic of the sport itself. Curious to dive into who topped the charts and how these digital crystal ball predictions shook out? LEARN MOREEven with all of the elite players in the sport, it can be tough to predict who will the sport’s top individual award, as several factors like stats, team success and highlight reel moments play a role in getting the top vote.Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik won the Heisman Trophy the most with 31 wins in 100 simulated seasons.There are more than 14,000 college football players at the Bowl Subdivision level, but only one person can join the elite fraternity of Heisman Trophy winners.

Most Heisman Trophy wins in College Football 26 simulation

Here is how many teams each player won the Heisman Trophy:

Which players won the Heisman Trophy in College Football 26 simulation

People will notice a trend in the simulated Heisman Trophy results. The betting favorites to win the award most often took it in the video game. But often in the real world, someone emerges out of nowhere into the national spotlight and has a dazzling season toward the honor, and it happened in the simulation.

• Cade Klubnik: Clemson quarterback
• Julian Sayin: Ohio State quarterback
• Byrum Brown: South Florida quarterback
• Behren Morton: Texas Tech quarterback
• Kevin Jennings: SMU quarterback
• John Mateer: Oklahoma quarterback
• Jayden Maiava: Southern California quarterback
• Gunner Stockton: Georgia quarterback
• Braylon Braxton: Southern Mississippi quarterback
• Joey Aguilar: Tennessee quarterback
• Fernando Mendoza: Indiana quarterback
• Makhi Hughes: Oregon running back
• Jeremiyah Love: Notre Dame running back
• Isaac Brown: Louisville running back
• Terion Stewart: Virginia Tech running back
• Jeremiah Smith: Ohio State receiver
• Zachariah Branch: Georgia receiver
• Ryan Williams: Alabama receiver
• Braylon Staley: Tennessee receiver
• Bryant Wesco Jr.: Clemson recevier
• Tyler Brown: Clemson receiver
• Dillon Bell: Georgia receiver
• Romello Brinson: SMU receiver
• Kole Wilson: Baylor receiver

College Football 26 Heisman Trophy simulation breakdown

A total of 24 players won the Heisman Trophy in the simulation. Eleven were quarterbacks, four were running backs and nine were receivers. The winners ranged across college football from the Power Four to Group of Five schools. The winners include:

• Cade Klubnik: 31
• Jeremiah Smith: 18
• Zachariah Branch: 9
• Makhi Hughes: 6
• Julian Sayin: 5
• Byrum Brown: 4
• Behran Morton: 3
• Kevin Jennings: 3
• Ryan Williams: 2
• John Mateer: 2
• Jayden Maiava: 2
• Gunner Stockton: 2
• Braylon Braxton: 2
• Braylon Staley: 1
• Bryant Wesco Jr.: 1
• Joey Aguilar: 1
• Fernando Mendoza: 1
• Jeremiyah Love: 1
• Isaac Brown: 1
• Terion Stewart: 1
• Tyler Brown: 1
• Dillon Bell: 1
• Romello Brinson: 1
• Kole Wilson: 1