As the season enters its most critical stretch, the Heisman Trophy race is beginning to separate into true contenders and hopefuls chasing from behind. With nine weeks of action now complete, the numbers are becoming harder to ignore—and so are the players putting their teams on their backs week after week.
This year’s race has taken an interesting turn. While quarterbacks still dominate the spotlight, elite production from running backs and even a wide receiver has forced a more balanced conversation. From record-setting passing performances to dominant rushing campaigns, the 2026 Heisman race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Here’s a look at the PCFB Week 9 Heisman Top 5 and what has made each candidate stand out.
Week 9 Heisman Rankings
- QB Amani Enunwa – James Madison Dukes
- RB James Giguere – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- QB Matt Zollers – Ohio State Buckeyes
- RB Zach Reddick – Michigan Wolverines
- WR Donovan Olugbode – Missouri Tigers
1. Amani Enunwa – The Nation’s Most Productive Quarterback
At the top of the Heisman race sits one of the most unexpected stars in college football: Amani Enunwa of James Madison.
Season Stats
- 2,688 passing yards
- 27 passing touchdowns
- 5 interceptions
- 269 rushing yards
Enunwa has been nothing short of spectacular. Leading the nation in passing yards and touchdowns, he has turned the Dukes into one of the most explosive offenses in the country. His ability to stretch the field vertically while maintaining strong efficiency has made him nearly impossible to defend.
What makes his campaign even more impressive is the stage he’s doing it on. Playing outside of the traditional powerhouse programs, Enunwa has forced his way into the national spotlight purely through production.
If he continues at this pace, voters will have a hard time ignoring his historic numbers—regardless of conference or competition level.
2. James Giguere – Notre Dame’s Workhorse Star
Sitting firmly in second place is James Giguere, who continues to carry the offense for Notre Dame.
Season Stats
- 876 rushing yards
- 13 rushing touchdowns
- 16 receptions
- 140 receiving yards
Giguere has been one of the most consistent and physically dominant players in the country. His ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles while also contributing in the passing game has made him one of the most complete running backs in college football.
What stands out most is his nose for the end zone. With 13 rushing touchdowns, Giguere has been nearly unstoppable in scoring situations, often serving as the focal point of Notre Dame’s offensive game plan.
In a quarterback-heavy race, Giguere is making a strong case that a true workhorse running back can still compete for the sport’s most prestigious award.
3. Matt Zollers – Leading the Nation’s Top Team
Quarterbacks on elite teams always have an advantage in the Heisman race, and Matt Zollers is taking full advantage as the leader of the No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
Season Stats
- 1,907 passing yards
- 18 passing touchdowns
- 8 interceptions
- 348 rushing yards
Zollers has been a key reason why Ohio State sits atop the national rankings. His ability to make big plays both through the air and on the ground has made the Buckeyes’ offense incredibly difficult to stop.
However, his eight interceptions stand out as the biggest concern in his résumé. Compared to other candidates, ball security has been an issue at times.
Still, winning matters—and if Ohio State continues its dominant run, Zollers will remain firmly in the Heisman conversation.
4. Zach Reddick – Michigan’s Touchdown Machine
Despite Michigan’s drop in the national rankings, Zach Reddick continues to be one of the most productive players in the country.
Season Stats
- 480 rushing yards
- 15 rushing touchdowns
- 5 receptions
- 117 receiving yards
Reddick’s touchdown production is simply elite. His 15 rushing touchdowns lead many of the nation’s top players and highlight his dominance in the red zone.
While his total yardage isn’t as high as some other candidates, his impact on scoring cannot be overstated. Every time Michigan gets near the goal line, Reddick is the primary option—and he consistently delivers.
If Michigan can stabilize and start climbing the rankings again, Reddick’s Heisman case could gain serious momentum.
5. Donovan Olugbode – A Receiver Breaking Into the Race
Rounding out the Top 5 is Donovan Olugbode, one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football.
Season Stats
- 38 receptions
- 613 receiving yards
- 6 touchdowns
Olugbode has been the centerpiece of Missouri’s offense, consistently making big plays and stretching defenses. His ability to create separation and turn routine catches into explosive gains has made him a nightmare matchup for opposing secondaries.
Wide receivers rarely break into the Heisman conversation, but Olugbode’s production has forced voters to take notice. If he continues to post big numbers and deliver highlight-reel performances, he could climb even higher in the rankings.
How the Race Has Evolved
Compared to earlier in the season, the Week 9 Heisman race looks dramatically different.
New names like Amani Enunwa have surged to the top, while consistent performers like James Giguere have solidified their positions as legitimate contenders. Meanwhile, quarterbacks on elite teams—like Matt Zollers—continue to benefit from team success.
The inclusion of both running backs and a wide receiver highlights how diverse this year’s race has become.
What Will Decide the Heisman
As the season enters its final stretch, several factors will determine who ultimately takes home the trophy:
Signature Wins
Performances in big games against ranked opponents will carry the most weight.
Statistical Dominance
Eye-popping numbers—especially late in the season—can sway voters.
Team Success
Players on playoff-bound teams typically have the advantage.
Consistency Under Pressure
Avoiding bad games is just as important as delivering great ones.
Final Thoughts
The Week 9 Heisman race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Amani Enunwa leads with historic passing production. James Giguere continues to dominate as a workhorse running back. Matt Zollers is guiding the nation’s top team. Zach Reddick remains a touchdown machine. And Donovan Olugbode is proving that wide receivers still belong in the conversation.
With only a few weeks left, every snap matters.
Because in a race this close, one performance could change everything. 🏆
