Heisman, Biletnikoff and more: Six projected college football award winners for 2026

2026 promises to be a year of excitement for college football awards, as the sport's brightest talents gear up for potential victories. Among the anticipated winners are:

* The Doak Walker Award: Kewan Lacy, a rising star at Ole Miss, demonstrated exceptional skills last season with 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns. Lacy's performance earned him a Doak Walker finalist spot, placing him on the path to a potential award win.

* The Biletnikoff Award: Jeremiah Smith, a key player for Ohio State, has been making waves with his performance. With 163 catches for 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns, Smith leads Ohio State in receiving yards for two straight seasons. He narrowly missed out on the Biletnikoff last year but should have a better chance in 2026, especially with the same starting quarterback returning.

* The Jim Thorpe Award: Cornerback Leonard Moore, currently at Notre Dame, has been on fire this season. With five interceptions and 31 tackles, Moore has proven himself as one of the best defenders in the nation. His expanded role and leadership in the secondary make him a strong contender for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2026.

* The Maxwell Award: Colin Simmons, a defensive force for Texas, has been dominating the SEC. With 12 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, and other impressive stats, Simmons is on track to be the Longhorns' most productive defensemen. His continued success could earn him the Maxwell Award in 2026.

* The Outland Trophy: Iapani Laloulu, an offensive lineman for Oregon, has been making strides over the past few years. Named an Outland semifinalist in 2025, Laloulu's impressive play at center, including leading Oregon's offensive line, puts him in the running for the Outland Trophy in 2026.