# 2026 Heisman dark horses: Keelon Russell, Malachi Toney among 6 long shots who could end up in New York

> **Newsylist Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-06-28 23:15 UTC · Category: Sports · Sources: 5 · Current Velocity: 2.8

## Executive Summary
CBS Sports and other outlets are identifying long-shot Heisman Trophy contenders, including Keelon Russell and Malachi Toney, for the 2026 season.

## Intelligence Brief
Analysis is beginning for the 2026 Heisman Trophy race, with a focus on 'dark horse' candidates and sleepers. CBS Sports has specifically highlighted six players who could potentially win the award in New York, naming Keelon Russell and Malachi Toney as two of these long shots.


Coverage from CBS Sports, On3, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports emphasizes early odds and predictions. The reporting includes a look at potential contenders from Virginia and a standout star from Miami.


Future coverage is expected to focus on the early odds and the performance of these identified sleepers as the 2026 college football season approaches.

## Verified Facts & Key Claims
### Who are some of the named Heisman dark horses for 2026?
Keelon Russell and Malachi Toney are among the six long shots listed by CBS Sports.

### Which teams are mentioned in the early Heisman discussions?
Coverage mentions potential contenders from Virginia and Miami.

### Which outlets are reporting on the 2026 Heisman sleepers?
Reporting is coming from CBS Sports, On3, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports.

## Key People, Organizations & Locations
New York, Miami, Early, CBS Sports, Heisman, Keelon Russell Malachi Toney, Two Most Likely Heisman Trophy Contenders For Virginia, Heisman Trophy Odds Predictions and Sleepers

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Published (UTC) | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yahoo Sports | Two Most Likely Heisman Trophy Contenders For Virginia in 2026 | 2026-06-27 15:34 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMihgFBVV95cUxQcFhGOEQ4NUxTSzc2MEdHd2hEbFllaFE3SHkxTll2NHc5Z0JlVHF2bVZqYWJKbGlOVUtQRkZfcllCcjVvVG5aRlljLUJwZmN0Tl94cHJIbGNyLWdnQUllbDFTUkFzVnk1ZGlZQ3VhZUhrdmJCN19vSTBXTGlYNzcxR0d0Z0tSQQ?oc=5) |
| Canes Warning | CBS Sports puts this Miami star among its 6 biggest 2026 Heisman dark horses | 2026-06-27 15:34 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiowFBVV95cUxNTk5ndk9qRnp2a25aUExHRHBnanNQUGlsdzRlQWNuMzJORmRQd1Q5X0hKWW90UzJ5Qm0tTVV4bjFNd2lOMkFGUHZ4b3ZPR3luSkJqQkFqTExVNGpwSG5acDhtaGFOdDZfVU1UaEVFZHBsd3VoRWtqQnRYWGdla1I3Z1dYR1lYQzRYUElxYXpudFVpbXAydllPeEFXWjEzTEV4S2pV?oc=5) |
| Bleacher Report | Early 2026 Heisman Trophy Odds, Predictions and Sleepers | 2026-06-27 15:34 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxOOFBlU09BaTNCZ0JYZ2JRNTNxdHI5b3Zmbm5USzdUaXJMYTdMVzRGMFRMSWZldG1TTXdrSC1PSTBFckFMaEZ2ZUQ0ZlppbkFnOUh1M1k1WF93d1ZLTXJMYW9vXzNtQVFQWWVkekluVmJkN3ZuQU5lRXZnWml5S1VtQ2hsMHpaNVp6WFNMMDdVSnpqMnJnbEM2UUY3czFJVjlaLVE?oc=5) |
| On3 | CBS Sports lists six Heisman Trophy 'dark horses' for 2026 college football season | 2026-06-27 15:34 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqgFBVV95cUxQRzUtdjc1Q1NpcHo3R0RlcjVucEZ2a1lXRVIwY19GWkg3YWtteUVEcGtvTm4tcU5GbF9fTDM2MFRQQWVnUmJTT1pObFFDVWFNVHVPTzRPSm9wbEk0RU9lTnZ2c3Nwb0tISDhMZjF6dWIzcDExRnVHNU1FME54dFJJQWFfam9NaUlpX0NGOXFCZDFfQU1xcURVR1A3Wlppdl9PWE1pZnBrcE0yZw?oc=5) |
| CBS Sports | 2026 Heisman dark horses: Keelon Russell, Malachi Toney among 6 long shots who could end up in New York | 2026-06-27 15:34 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxObnhHcU1OWXdob29oUS1WWlhFVGlFblJ2V1lPUTVINkNUVml6M190OWhubWQwTUpZYkluaml1YWJnQU9ySVRaX0hUSnNqUnYxLXRjWlVRMjB3X04wdUJ2elBPN2h4elZCVzZ5MER2SkNJek5yNWZwb3FEdFhwWmFHczJza2pSZVhKMWVTTVpCUDc0a1N1aHRiaklhNnIxeGV5dk94UA?oc=5) |

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