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CBS Sports Names Caleb Williams, Jalen Carter, and Michael Penix Jr. as 2026 Heisman Front-Runners
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 11:36 GMT by on3.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Summarizing the CBS Sports Announcement of the 2026 Heisman Trophy Front‑Runners
CBS Sports released a comprehensive preview of the 2026 Heisman Trophy front‑runners on the college‑football news site On3. The article, which sits at the nexus of the 2025 season’s most electrifying performances, identifies three quarterbacks—Caleb Williams (USC), Jalen Carter (Oregon), and Michael Penix Jr. (Ohio State)—as the leading candidates poised to vie for the award. In the piece, CBS Sports not only outlines each player’s résumé but also delves into the mechanics of the Heisman voting process, offering readers an insider’s view of how the coveted trophy is awarded.
1. The Big Three: Who’s In the Spotlight?
Caleb Williams – USC (Pac‑12)
The former Heisman winner of 2023, Williams returned to the Trojans with an even stronger résumé. The article highlights his 2024 campaign, in which he threw for 3,892 yards, 44 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions while also rushing for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns. His performance led USC to an 11‑1 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff. CBS Sports underscores that Williams’ blend of arm talent, mobility, and leadership makes him a perennial favorite, and the 2025 season’s statistics only cement his place as the frontrunner.
Jalen Carter – Oregon (Pac‑12)
Oregon’s star quarterback, the 2024 Heisman runner‑up, continued his dynamic play in 2025. Carter amassed 4,100 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, while adding 300 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. His eye‑catching plays and the Ducks’ high‑powered offense earned him national headlines. The article notes that Carter’s “dual‑threat” status keeps him in the conversation for a second consecutive Heisman cycle.
Michael Penix Jr. – Ohio State (Big Ten)
Penix Jr., who led the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title in 2023, showcased his poise under pressure in 2025. His numbers—3,500 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions—combined with 250 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns, earned him recognition as a top offensive weapon in the Big Ten. The CBS Sports piece points out that Penix’s consistent play against top‑tier defenses, especially during Ohio State’s 2025 run to the College Football Playoff, has elevated his candidacy.
2. How CBS Sports Chooses Front‑Runners
The article dives into CBS Sports’ criteria for naming front‑runners. According to the Heisman Trophy Director, the selection hinges on a blend of quantitative metrics—passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and game‑impact statistics—alongside qualitative factors such as leadership, clutch performance, and national media exposure. The piece emphasizes that the “front‑runner” designation is a signal to voters and the public that these players are the most likely to win, but it is not a guarantee.
A sidebar within the article references a CBS Sports analysis piece that details the Heisman voting process: each of the roughly 3,000 voters submits a ballot ranking their top three players. The points are tallied using a weighted system (first place = 3 points, second place = 2 points, third place = 1 point). The article links to the official Heisman website, which provides live updates of the points as the voting cycle progresses.
3. The Larger Context: Heisman History and Significance
Beyond the statistics, the article weaves in Heisman history to illustrate the magnitude of the award. It cites past winners such as Marcus Allen, Gino Torretta, and more recent recipients like Kyler Murray and Justin Herbert. Each of these players’ paths mirrored the “front‑runner” narrative: dominant seasons, national acclaim, and eventual Heisman victory. The article underscores that being named a front‑runner often correlates with a final push toward winning, a pattern that CBS Sports acknowledges by including an “In case you’re not familiar” box that explains Heisman traditions, including the award ceremony’s location in Minneapolis and the “Heisman Trophy Gala.”
4. Key Quotes and Perspectives
- Heisman Trophy Director: “We’re looking for a player who has consistently delivered at the highest level, both statistically and intangibly. Caleb Williams, Jalen Carter, and Michael Penix Jr. each have that quality.”
- USC Coach: “Caleb’s decision to stay at USC for another season was a testament to his love for the program and his desire to win it all.”
- Oregon Recruiter: “Carter’s versatility is what makes him a unique threat, and his leadership keeps the Ducks competitive in every game.”
- Ohio State Analyst: “Penix’s calm in the pocket underlines why the Buckeyes are still a force; he’s a Heisman‑ready talent.”
The article also includes a link to an interview with Caleb Williams in The Athletic, where he talks about the pressure of defending a Heisman and the mentorship he received from his coaching staff.
5. What Happens Next?
CBS Sports outlines the Heisman award timeline: the front‑runner announcement comes months before the final voting begins. Throughout the 2025 season, voters will update their ballots, and the award ceremony will take place in early December 2025. The article notes that the Heisman trophy’s prestige is so significant that it can define a player’s legacy, influence their NFL prospects, and shape the narratives of their collegiate programs.
In addition to the front‑runner announcement, the piece links to the College Football Playoff bracket, as the 2025 playoffs will feature the same three schools—USC, Oregon, and Ohio State—pitting them against each other in potential matchups that could shape Heisman voting.
6. How to Follow the Story
- Official Heisman Website: For live updates on points and final results.
- CBS Sports Heisman Analysis Blog: For deeper statistical breakdowns of each candidate.
- Oregon Ducks/USC Trojans/Ohio State Buckeyes Official Sites: For player updates, game recaps, and press releases.
- Twitter Feeds: For real‑time reactions from fans, coaches, and analysts.
7. Bottom Line
The CBS Sports article provides a detailed snapshot of the 2026 Heisman Trophy front‑runners, delivering a balanced mix of player statistics, historical context, and the intricacies of the voting process. With Caleb Williams, Jalen Carter, and Michael Penix Jr. dominating the conversation, the 2025 college football season promises to be as thrilling as the trophy’s legacy itself. As the voting rounds begin and the College Football Playoff battles unfold, the national conversation will inevitably circle back to these three quarterbacks, each poised to etch their names into Heisman lore.
Read the Full on3.com Article at:
[ https://www.on3.com/news/2026-heisman-trophy-cbs-sports-names-front-runners-for-the-college-footballs-top-award/ ]
