The college football season is here, and with it comes the annual Heisman Trophy race.
It’s time to study the latest college football odds and start thinking about who might be hoisting the coveted trophy at the season’s end.
The expanded College Football Playoff has changed the landscape of college football, and it’s likely to shake up the Heisman race as well. More teams in the playoff means more opportunities for players to shine on the national stage. It’s no longer a prerequisite to be on a playoff contender to win the Heisman, but it certainly helps. Keep in mind the 2022 and 2023 Heisman winners, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, were the first two Heisman winners since 2016 (Lamar Jackson) not to make the playoffs. Anything can happen.
That said, history tells us that quarterbacks typically dominate the Heisman voting with eight of the last ten winners being QBs. The last non-quarterback to win was Alabama running back Derrick Henry in 2015. While a running back, wide receiver, or even a defensive player can take home the hardware, the odds are stacked against them.
So, who are the early Heisman Trophy betting favorites? That’s the odd thing, 2024 lacks a clear-cut favorite, rather a large group of players, some of which are transfers that have a wider range of outcomes relative to other years.
With the expanded playoff format and a slew of talented players vying for the spotlight, the Heisman Trophy odds will undoubtedly be a focal point for college football betting fans.
