Heisman Odds Update: Why Bryce Young Is Your New Favorite
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With Week 1 of college football nearly coming to a close, we’re already seeing some shifts in the Heisman picture. After a weekend full of action, there have already been some major shifts in the Heisman futures market. Spencer Rattler, the preseason favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, is now a close second as Alabama QB Bryce Young’s odds have dropped significantly after a very strong performance against Miami. Meanwhile, Sam Howell’s odds have ballooned after a disappointing performance against Virginia Tech. Here’s why the Heisman odds have changed and what to expect in next week’s games.
Alabama QB Bryce Young Makes A Major Step In the Heisman Race
To say Bryce Young had a strong debut for Alabama would be a massive understatement. Young finished the 44-13 rout of Miami with 344 yards and 4 TDs to go with a 71% completion percentage. This was a huge statement performance for Young, who’s got big shoes to fill acting as the successor to Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones, both NFL first round picks expected to start for the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots respectively.
While some books had Young’s Heisman odds at +900 before the start of the season, he’s now the DraftKings favorite at +500. He’s jumped right in front of Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler, considered the favorite to win the Heisman heading into the season, now with +550 odds. Rattler had a fairly uninspiring performance in the Sooners Saturday matchup against Tulane, racking up 304 yards and a touchdown but also tossing two interceptions.
Heisman Odds Jump for UNC QB Sam Howell
Sam Howell, the UNC Tar Heels QB many expect to be a top NFL prospect next year, stumbled in the Heisman race thanks to a disappointing Friday performance against Virginia Tech. Not only did Virginia Tech upset the favored Tar Heels, but Howell passed for only 208 yards and a touchdown with three picks. The game’s result came as a shock to UNC, who was favored by 5.5 points, as the Hokies won the game straight up 17-10.
While Howell wasn’t the top favorite, he opened the season with decent Heisman odds. The QB held +1100 odds to hoist the Heisman Trophy entering the season. Now, after his dispiriting performance against Virginia Tech, Howell faces +2500 odds in the Heisman race. That number would seem like a steal before the start of the season, but some savvy bettors might avoid the UNC QB for the time being.
Where Do Young and Howell Go From Here?
Both quarterbacks have the opportunity to make their case for the Heisman Trophy next week. Bryce Young and the Alabama Crimson Tide host the Mercer Bears next Saturday in a game that some books have had Alabama favored by 58 points. Even if they don’t cover that spread, expect Young to continue building on his Week 1 performance.
Meanwhile, Howell needs a good performance if he’s going to stay in the Heisman competition. Luckily, he’s facing off against the Georgia State Panthers, who just got blown out 43-10 hosting Army. With Week 1 almost in the books and plenty of NCAA games on the horizon, this Heisman race will be one to keep an eye on.
