The Ohio State football program needed to win the Big Ten Championship if Julian Sayin was going to have any shot of winning the Heisman Trophy. That game was billed as a de facto Heisman Trophy game against Indiana, and Julian Sayin did not come out on top in that one.
Because of that loss, Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman. Sayin was deeply disrespected in the final Heisman vote, but he didn't deserve to win the award. Mendoza is the best player on the top-ranked team in the country, so there shouldn't be any fuss about him winning it.
However, there are a few Ohio State Buckeyes who should be at the top of the Heisman conversation in 2026. In fact, ESPN put out a piece putting out who they believe should be at the top of the Heisman race to start out next season. Three Buckeyes are on that list.
Three Ohio State football players show up on ESPN list of 2026 Heisman contenders
Obviously, Sayin is on that list. Even though Sayin did not win the award as a freshman, he should be considered one of the leading contenders to win the award next season after he was a Heisman Finalist this year. Sayin will only be better next year after having a full year under his belt.
Jeremiah Smith is also on the list. He finished sixth in the Heisman voting this year. Despite that face, he didn't win the Biletnikoff Award. That was something that didn't sit well with Smith, and he let everyone know with a post on social media. He's still the best receiver in the country.
Bo Jackson is he other player who showed up on this list. The Ohio State running back has shown the ability to break off huge runs. He has emerged as the best running back on the roster for the Buckeyes. He is going to be a real issue for teams next year.
All of these guys are going to be a key part of what will look like a very different team in 2026. Yet, all of them are talented enough to win the most prestigious award in college football next season.