One head-to-head battle could provide an early Heisman boost to the winner

Arch Manning is back in the spotlight as Texas prepares for a huge test against Ohio State. He and Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin are both early Heisman Trophy favorites after opening blowouts. Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns in Texas' 59-7 win over Texas State.

Ohio State Buckeyes' QB Julian Sayin started slow but immediately turned it on to lead the Buckeyes to a big win.

Watch the full postgame press conference from Ryan Day, Julian Sayin and TJ Alford after Ohio State's 56-3 win over the Ball State Cardinals.

The No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes opened the 2026 college football season with a 56-3 victory over the Ball State Cardinals, powered by standout performances from returning juniors Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin.

Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith headline the latest trade markets on Polymarket and Kalshi for the 2026 college football season.

This season, there’s no doubt on who is commanding the huddle. Sayin was elected as one of Ohio State’s seven team captains while teammates have noticed a more confident and vocal Sayin as the top-ranked Buckeyes prepare to host Ball State in their season opener on Sept. 5.

Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith showed on Saturday that they both might be Heisman Trophy finalists at the end of the season.