Keelon Russell was among the preseason Heisman favorites long before he won Alabama’s quarterback competition in August.
That status made sense. Whoever became Alabama’s starter between Russell and Austin Mack would be playing one of the most high-profile positions in college football and have the keys to an offense that could be one of the nation’s best.
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But there were probably very few who expected this from Russell so far in 2026.
The sophomore has been the breakout star of college football through the first five weeks. After completing 16-of-22 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns in a 56-23 win over Mississippi State, it was clear that Russell was the SEC’s top Heisman contender.
Russell is now +900 to win the Heisman Trophy. Just two players have better odds. That number could shrink to one — or maybe even zero — with another monster game on Saturday against No. 6 Georgia.
The Bulldogs will be the biggest test for Russell in his young career, though no one has been able to slow him down so far. Russell is 94-of-132 passing for 1,414 yards and 11 TDs with just two interceptions. He’s averaging 10.7 yards per attempt. And he’s also rushed for 184 yards and four touchdowns.
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That rushing ability has helped revamp an Alabama run game that was dreadful in 2025. Before injuries hampered the second half of his season, former Alabama QB Ty Simpson was the midseason Heisman favorite last year. But Alabama’s lack of a run game was a season-long problem.
This year, it’s an asset. The Crimson Tide are averaging nearly 5 yards a carry after getting just 3.4 yards per rush in 2025. Teams can’t afford to load the box, either. Both Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks are averaging over 16 yards a catch.
What could be Hurricane Isaias could turn Saturday night’s game into a ground-and-pound affair with heavy rain in the forecast. If Russell’s stats are depressed in an Alabama win, don’t dismiss him as a Heisman contender because of the weather. And if the forecast somehow suddenly clears up, an eye-popping night could put Russell up with Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith as the early favorites for the trophy.
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Here’s who else we’re watching ahead of Week 6.
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith (-120)
It does feel a bit early to have a Heisman favorite with better-than-even money odds. But when you’ve been as unstoppable as Smith has been, it’s easy to see why. Over Ohio State’s first two Big Ten games of the season, Smith has 23 catches for 423 yards and six touchdowns. That’s just absurd. And he could be in line for another big day against Maryland on Saturday.
Notre Dame QB CJ Carr (+900)
Carr had his best game of the season in the rain against North Carolina in Week 5. The junior was 21-of-29 passing for 234 yards and four touchdowns as the Fighting Irish won 37-26. He’ll have the chance for more big numbers in Week 6 against a Stanford team that lost by over 50 points to Wake Forest in Week 5.
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Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss (17-1)
Chambliss’ odds have dipped a bit because of Ole Miss’ Week 4 loss to Florida and the Rebels’ bye in Week 5. Is it now a buy-low opportunity? Ole Miss should get back RB Kewan Lacy for Saturday’s game vs. Vanderbilt — the Rebels sorely missed him against the Gators. Chambliss is completing 71% of his passes and has 12 total touchdowns through four games.
Georgia QB Gunner Stockton (35-1)
We’re not going to ignore the other quarterback in Saturday night’s massive game. Stockton is also a buy-low candidate if you’re wanting to make a Heisman bet or two and think Georgia will win. He’s averaging 10.3 yards an attempt and has thrown 13 TDs with just one interception. And the Bulldogs don’t have a star receiver, either. Talyn Taylor leads the team with 12 catches for 176 yards, and 10 different players have at least five catches through the first five games of the season.
