The 2026 college football season is just around the corner, and the predictions are already flying. CBS Sports has weighed in with their predictions for the major award winners, and it's a fascinating look at the talent that will be on display. Here's a breakdown of their picks, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
Heisman Trophy: CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
I think CJ Carr is a lock for the Heisman. He's already shown an upward trajectory as a starter, and with the Irish's top two backs in the NFL, he's set to take on a bigger role in the passing game. Carr's ability to lead Notre Dame to a 10-game win streak after an 0-2 start is a testament to his leadership and talent. He's one of the top returning quarterbacks in 2026, and his performance this season will be crucial in determining his Heisman chances.
Biletnikoff Trophy: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith is a potential top player in the country, and he's already lived up to the billing. With the most receiving yards in the country over the last two years, he's a force to be reckoned with. Smith's role as Julian Sayin's top target will only increase as Ohio State takes on a new look with Arthur Smith as the coordinator. He's an All-American, and his performance this season will be key in determining his Biletnikoff Trophy chances.
Doak Walker Award: Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
Jadan Baugh is a bright spot for Florida, and with new coach Jon Sumrall's emphasis on the running game, he's set to shine. Baugh's 1,170 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last season are a strong start, and with Sumrall's focus on getting him the ball more, he's a strong contender for the Doak Walker Award.
Mackey Award: Terrance Carter, TE, Texas Tech
Terrance Carter had a strong season after his transfer from Louisiana, and he's set to continue his success in 2026. With a career-high 55 receptions for 624 yards and five touchdowns, he's a key part of Texas Tech's offense. His performance this season will be crucial in determining his Mackey Award chances.
Rimington Award: Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
Iapani Laloulu is a two-year starter at Oregon and an All-American as a junior. He's a key anchor for the Ducks' offensive line, and his performance last season, including just 11 pressures and one sack across 442 pass-blocking opportunities, makes him a strong contender for the Rimington Award.
Bednarik Award: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Colin Simmons is a star pass-rusher and a big reason why Texas has high expectations for 2026. With 43 tackles, including 15.5 tackles for and 12.0 sacks, he's a force to be reckoned with. Simmons is generating buzz as a potential top NFL Draft pick, and his performance this season will be crucial in determining his Bednarik Award chances.
Thorpe Award: Jontez Williams, CB, USC
Jontez Williams had a breakout season in 2024, with 46 tackles, including two tackles for loss, and four interceptions. While injuries impacted his 2025 season, he's still a strong contender for the Thorpe Award. His performance this season will be key in determining his chances.
Outland Trophy: William Echoles, DL, Ole Miss
William Echoles emerged as the centerpiece of the defensive line for Ole Miss last season, with 68 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. His performance this season will be crucial in determining his Outland Trophy chances.
Butkus Award: Rolijah Hardy, LB, Indiana
Rolijah Hardy had a monster 2025 season, with 102 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, and 8.0 sacks. He's a key returning player for Indiana, and his performance this season will be crucial in determining his Butkus Award chances.
Additional Awards
It's worth noting that CJ Carr is also predicted to win the Davey O'Brien Award, and Colin Simmons is a strong contender for the Bronko Nagurski Award. Tate Sandell of Oklahoma is predicted to win the Lou Groza Award, and Palmer Williams of Baylor is a strong contender for the Ray Guy Award.
The 2026 college football season promises to be an exciting one, and these predictions give a glimpse into the talent that will be on display. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of these athletes, and it will be fascinating to see how they perform.
