Every season begins with hope, hype, and bold predictions. But nothing sparks debate across the PCFB landscape like the preseason Heisman race. Quarterbacks dominate the headlines, playmakers chase history, and one breakout performance can change everything.
Heading into the new season, five names sit atop the early watchlist. Each brings elite talent, big expectations, and the chance to lead their program into the national spotlight.
Here’s the Preseason Heisman Top 5.
Preseason Heisman Top 5
- QB CJ Carr – Wisconsin Badgers
- QB Ethan Grunkemeyer – Penn State Nittany Lions
- QB Matt Zollers – Ohio State Buckeyes
- WR Donovan Olugbode – Missouri Tigers
- QB Bryce Baker – Akron Zips
1. CJ Carr – Wisconsin’s Field General
CJ Carr enters the season as the favorite for a simple reason: he controls everything.
At Wisconsin, Carr leads an offense built around precision, tempo control, and explosive play-action shots. The Badgers aren’t just a run-first program anymore—they’ve evolved into a balanced powerhouse, and Carr is the engine driving that transformation.
Carr’s strengths:
- Elite decision-making
- Strong arm capable of stretching defenses
- Leadership and experience in big games
With Wisconsin projected to contend for the Big Ten title, Carr will have national-stage opportunities week after week. Heisman voters love quarterbacks on winning teams, and Carr’s path is clear: dominate conference play and lead Wisconsin into playoff contention.
If the Badgers go undefeated or win the conference, Carr could run away with the trophy.
2. Ethan Grunkemeyer – Penn State’s Dual-Threat Star
Ethan Grunkemeyer is the definition of a modern quarterback. Playing for Penn State, he combines arm talent with mobility that keeps defenses guessing.
Penn State’s roster is loaded with talent, especially in the trenches, and Grunkemeyer benefits from elite protection and a strong run game. That balance allows him to attack defenses vertically while also creating plays with his legs.
Why he could win:
- Big-game schedule gives him national exposure
- Balanced offense creates efficient stat lines
- Mobility adds highlight-reel moments
The Nittany Lions are projected playoff contenders, and if Grunkemeyer leads them past top-ranked opponents, his Heisman résumé will build quickly.
In many ways, he’s the safest pick on the board.
3. Matt Zollers – Ohio State’s Next Superstar
At Ohio State, expectations are always sky-high. Matt Zollers steps into that spotlight with one of the deepest supporting casts in college football.
The Buckeyes are loaded at wide receiver, stacked on the offensive line, and dangerous in the red zone. That means Zollers doesn’t have to force plays—he just needs to distribute the ball and let playmakers shine.
Why Zollers is dangerous in the Heisman race:
- Elite receivers inflate passing numbers
- National TV exposure every week
- High-powered offense creates huge stat totals
Ohio State quarterbacks have historically thrived in award races, and Zollers could be next in line. If the Buckeyes win the Big Ten or reach the playoff, he’ll be right at the center of the conversation.
4. Donovan Olugbode – The Non-QB Wild Card
Every Heisman race needs a game-breaker outside the quarterback position, and Donovan Olugbode is that player.
The Missouri wide receiver is one of the most explosive playmakers in the country. He’s a deep threat, a route technician, and a yards-after-catch nightmare.
Wide receivers don’t often win the Heisman, but when they do, it’s because they’re unstoppable. Olugbode has that potential.
Why he could win:
- Missouri’s offense revolves around him
- Highlight plays create national buzz
- Massive yardage totals are possible
If Olugbode leads the nation in receiving yards and touchdowns while Missouri wins big games, he could follow in the footsteps of past great receivers who shocked the Heisman race.
He’s the long shot—but also the most exciting candidate.
5. Bryce Baker – The Small-School Superstar
Every few years, a player from outside the traditional powerhouses bursts into the Heisman conversation. Bryce Baker of Akron has that chance.
Baker’s situation is unique. At Akron, the offense runs entirely through him. Every snap, every drive, every big play is an opportunity to pad stats and carry his team to unexpected wins.
Why Baker could shock everyone:
- Massive statistical production
- Underdog story voters love
- Opportunity to upset ranked teams
If Akron makes a surprising run and Baker leads the nation in passing yards or total touchdowns, his name will dominate headlines.
The Heisman isn’t just about talent—it’s about narrative. And Baker has one of the best stories in the race.
What It Takes to Win
Winning the Heisman isn’t just about stats. It’s about moments.
- Beating top-ranked opponents
- Delivering game-winning drives
- Dominating rivalry games
- Leading conference title runs
Each of these five players has the chance to create those moments.
Carr has the consistency.
Grunkemeyer has the versatility.
Zollers has the supporting cast.
Olugbode has the explosiveness.
Baker has the underdog story.
Dark Horses to Watch
Every preseason list misses someone. Injuries, breakout seasons, and unexpected team success always change the race.
Keep an eye on quarterbacks from playoff contenders and skill players on high-powered offenses. One five-touchdown performance on national TV can rewrite the conversation overnight.
How the Race Could Unfold
The early season will set the tone. September games against ranked opponents could push Carr or Grunkemeyer into the lead. Midseason rivalry games might give Zollers or Olugbode a signature moment. And late-season conference title games often decide everything.
The Heisman race is a marathon, not a sprint.
But these five players have already positioned themselves at the front.
Final Thoughts
The preseason Heisman watchlist always sparks debate, and this year is no different. Five stars from five different programs, each chasing history in their own way.
Whether it’s CJ Carr leading Wisconsin to glory, Ethan Grunkemeyer dominating Big Ten defenses, Matt Zollers lighting up scoreboards, Donovan Olugbode redefining receiver greatness, or Bryce Baker carrying Akron to shocking upsets, one thing is certain:
The race for college football’s most prestigious award is wide open.
And somewhere, one of these five names is about to turn a preseason prediction into legend. 🏆
