The 2026 Heisman Trophy poll for week eight has been published, highlighting the top contenders for college football's most prestigious individual award. The poll comes as the season reaches its midpoint, with voters evaluating performances through the first half of the campaign.
A photo from January 17, 2026, shows the 2025 Heisman Trophy won by Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza on display at Playoff Fan Central in the Miami Beach Convention Center. Mendoza claimed the award last season, becoming the first Hoosiers player to win the honor.
The weekly poll tracks the shifting landscape of candidates as conference play intensifies. Editors and analysts will continue to update the rankings through the remainder of the regular season and into the postseason.
