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2024 Heisman Trophy odds: Players with the best odds heading into Week 2
By Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY,
3 days ago
Week 1 of the college football season brought us several shockers. Sure, we might have expected the SEC to beat up on their opponents during the first week, but numerous 60+ point victories? Nobody could've projected that. Furthermore, a big win from USC , near-losses from UCLA and Oregon , as well as another loss from Florida State were all unexpected shocks that made the weekend all the more interesting.
Something else the weekend gave us though was the first glimpse at some of college football's best players. Guys like Quinn Ewers , Carson Beck , and Jalen Milroe were all tremendous during their Week 1 games, but there is still a lot of season left. While there is plenty of time for one of those men to establish themselves as the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, there is also plenty of time for some of them to fall off the leaderboards entirely.
With that said, here are the Heisman favorites heading into Week 2 .
Aug 31, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) surveys the defense during the third quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports Craig Strobeck, Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
While the Ducks ' first game against Idaho didn't exactly go according to plan, there's still plenty of time for Oregon and Gabriel to bounce back. Gabriel was a heavy preseason favorite to win the Heisman, and one game (especially a win) won't change that. It does hurt his chances, and one more bad performance could knock him out of the running for good. Still, if 380 yards, two touchdowns, and a completion percentage over 80% is indicative of a bad game, then Gabriel will almost certainly have no trouble staying near the top of the Heisman oddsboards.
Georgia QB Carson Beck, +750
There are still some people out there who believe the Heisman Trophy winner should be given to the best player on the best team. Georgia will undoubtedly be one of college football's top programs this year, and that bodes well for Beck's Heisman chances. Beck is still projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Georgia goes undefeated and wins the SEC, it's hard to argue against his case for the Heisman.
Miami QB Cam Ward, +950
Miami's massive win over Florida in Week 1 has people whispering, wondering if Ward is as good a quarterback as the win would have you believe. Ward was undeniably spectacular in that effort, tallying 385 yards and three passing touchdowns, but it appears people may be overreacting to the win. Ward was barely a top-ten Heisman candidate coming into Week 1. Now he bursts into the top-three. Let's hold our horses and see if he can sustain this pace first.
Mississippi QB Jaxson Dart, +1000
While Jaxson Dart will likely put up massive numbers this season due to a rather easy schedule, he will likely need two massive performances against Georgia and Oklahoma if he wants any chance of winning the Heisman.
Tennessee Nico Iamaleava, +1000
Mobile quarterbacks tend to get a lot more leeway in regard to Heisman voting. While Iamaleava brings a lot more to the table than just his legs, this is his first season as a starter. Perhaps he folds under the pressure, or perhaps he rises to the occasion.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers, +1200
Ewers' biggest issue has been his accuracy on deep balls. If He can improve that area of his game, the sky is the limit. Earning wins against tough competition like Michigan and Georgia would also go a long way.
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe, +1200
Milroe has elite mobility and does not have the best weapons to throw to. That can lead to one of two outcomes. Either Milroe puts Alabama on his back en route to another strong season, or Milroe fails to live up to expectations as teams focus in on him.
Ohio State QB Will Howard, +1400
With Ohio State surrounding Kansas State transfer Will Howard with incredible weapons, it will be hard to argue against his Heisman case if Ohio State goes undefeated now that Michigan is Harbaugh-less. Howard's performance against Akron was solid, but left a bit to be desired. Buckeyes ' fans surely hoped for a little more than a 60.7% completion rate in his first game.
Colorado WR/DB Travis Hunter, +1500
So long as Coach Prime is in Colorado, the national spotlight will be on the Buffaloes. If Colorado can sneak into the top-25 by season's end and perhaps contend for a bowl game, then Hunter, college football's most exciting two-way player, could have a very unique case for the award.
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard, +2000
Notre Dame headed into their Week 1 contest against Texas A&M as betting underdogs. While the game was closer than the score would indicate, Notre Dame proved that they are not a team to be trifled with in their victory. Leonard was not particularly special in Notre Dame's win, lacking any touchdown passes and completing just 60% of his passes. He'll likely need marquee performances against teams like USC and Georgia Tech throughout the season. As it stands right now, Leonard is still a massive longshot.
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, +2000
Much like Hunter, Sanders will be in the national spotlight this year with many people believing he could wind up the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft if he plays well enough this season. That may be a longshot, but Sanders will be given more leeway given Colorado's prowess in the national media. Colorado's near loss against North Dakota State is not a good sign to start the season though.
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