Jeremiah Smith and Dante Moore headline Big Ten Heisman contenders

What Happened

The 2026 Big Ten enters the season with Jeremiah Smith, Dante Moore and Josh Hoover among its leading Heisman contenders. Smith has recorded more than 1,200 receiving yards and at least 12 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons at Ohio State, despite an injury-riddled 2025. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is coming off a 30-touchdown passing season. Josh Hoover transferred from TCU to Indiana after starting for three seasons. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman before entering the NFL Draft. The Big Ten now has 28 Heisman winners, including its inaugural recipient, Chicago’s Jay Berwanger.

Why It Matters

• Smith’s move into the focal point of Ohio State’s offense gives a receiver a production path, but he’ll need to exceed a two-year baseline of 1,200-plus yards and 12-plus touchdowns.
• Moore’s 30-touchdown passing season gives Oregon a clear quarterback case, while the draft stakes make another step forward central to his candidacy.
• Hoover inherits the replacement burden at Indiana after Mendoza’s Heisman season, making his first campaign with the Hoosiers the test of that transition.

THE PATE STATE READ

The task comes before the player. Smith has to turn a larger Ohio State role into historic receiver production after missing time in 2025. Moore has the cleanest quarterback case because the arm talent and 30-touchdown season are already on the page, but his margin is tied to improving on last season. Hoover’s case starts with the hardest comparison: replacing the reigning Heisman winner at Indiana. Smith and Moore have the stronger national paths right now; Hoover has the steeper climb.(Josh has not yet commented.)

What's Next

• 2026 Big Ten season kickoff: watch whether Smith, Moore and Hoover immediately occupy the offensive roles described in their Heisman cases.