Heisman Trophy Odds: Ranking betting favorites after pivotal Week 12 of College Football

The college football regular season is rapidly hurtling toward the final weeks. Now, BetMGM has shared updated odds to win the most prestigious individual honor in the sport, the Heisman Trophy.

At this point, nothing is fully decided. However, it does appear that the quarterbacks are once again leading the charge for the Heisman. This comes a season after the first and second place finishers did not play quarterback. So, while nothing is set in stone, it does appear that’s the direction this year’s award race is headed.

There is still time for everyone to have their proverbial Heisman moment as games get more important in the final weeks. For now, though, here’s who has the best odds to win the Heisman this season.

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (-115)

In his first season as the starting quarterback at Indiana, Fernando Mendoza is putting together one of the special seasons in program history. Now, he has the best odds for the Heisman Trophy.

This season, Mendoza is completing 73 percent of his passes for 2,641 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He also has 216 rushing yards and another five rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, his team is unbeaten and preparing for the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.

2. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State (+225)

If it’s possible to have a quiet season where Ohio State is 10-0 in mid-November, then the Buckeyes are having it. After knocking off Texas in Week 1, Ohio State has been dominant the rest of the way through its schedule. That’s largely due to the emergence of Heisman candidate quarterback Julian Sayin.

In 10 games this season, Sayin is completing 80.1 percent of his passes for 2,675 yards and 25 touchdowns to four interceptions. Nothing has been clinched yet, but the Buckeyes appear to be headed for the Big Ten Championship Game and a CFP run. 

3. Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M (+500)

It’s possible that Marcel Reed just had his Heisman moment, leading Texas A&M on a 27-point comeback against South Carolina. In the process, the Aggies remained undefeated and on track for an SEC Championship Game appearance.

This season, Reed is completing 61.5 percent of passes for 2,632 yards and 22 touchdowns to eight interceptions. On the ground, he has 391 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. The hope is he’ll now lead Texas A&M to its first CFP appearance. 

4. Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt (+2200)

There are few players who have proven to be as special to their program as Diego Pavia. He’s turned Vanderbilt into a real contender within the SEC. That, combined with his outgoing personality, have made him a real Heisman contender.

Pavia has played in 10 games and is completing 70 percent of his passes for 2,440 yards and 21 touchdowns to five interceptions. On the ground, he has 613 rushing yards and another seven touchdowns. With two losses on the season, Vanderbilt isn’t out of any race yet either.

5. Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia (+2500)

The Georgia Bulldogs are having another excellent season. This time, it’s on the back of quarterback Gunner Stockton, who came into the season facing questions about whether or not the Bulldogs would get them to where they want to be. Still, Stockton has answered all of those questions and is now a Heisman candidate. 

In his playing time this season, Stockton is completing 70.7 percent of his passes for 2,269 yards and 19 touchdowns to three interceptions. Then, on the ground, he has 350 rushing yards for eight touchdowns. On top of that, he has Georgia ready for a postseason run.

6. Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech (+3500)

During his time in college, Haynes King has made himself one of the most entertaining quarterbacks in the country. Now in his sixth season, he’s considered a Heisman candidate and wants to take Georgia Tech to places they haven’t been in recent memory, including their first trip to the CFP. 

This season, King is completing 72.7 percent of his passes for 2,259 yards and 10 touchdowns to two interceptions. On the ground, he’s been arguably more impressive, rushing for 807 yards and 14 touchdowns. All of that while Georgia Tech is battling for an ACC Championship and a CFP appearance. 

7. Jeremiyah  Love, RB, Notre Dame (+4000)

Jeremiyah Love has proven to be one of, if not the, best running back in the country. In recent weeks, he’s even built on that reputation, putting together some highlight reel runs. In the process, he also became a Heisman contender.

Through 10 games, Love is rushing for 1,135 yards and 14 touchdowns. That’s on 6.4 yards per carry. He also has 26 receptions for 274 yards and another three touchdowns. He’ll hope to once again get the chance to continue putting on a show in the CFP.

8. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (+6600)

Ohio State is the only team with two players listed in the Top 10 of the Heisman Trophy odds. That’s no accident either, as the combination of Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith makes Ohio State one of the most formidable passing attacks in the country and it can be difficult to say who’s more important to that operation. 

In his sophomore season, Smith now has 69 receptions for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns. That’s notably more receiving yards per game than he averaged in his stellar freshman season. Smith even has a rushing touchdown to his credit.

9. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (+12500)

Only one defensive player is in the Top 10 in the Heisman odds. That’s Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech. A fifth year senior on a team that’s looking more and more like a Playoff team, he’s become the heart of the Red Raiders this season.

Rodriguez has 100 total tackles, including a Big 12-leading 55 solo tackles this season. That goes along with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks, four interceptions, six passes defended, and seven forced fumbles. He’s also played some offense and has a rushing touchdown.

10. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (+15000)

The Alabama Crimson Tide took a tough loss on Saturday. That’s the kind of loss that can hurt the Heisman chances of someone like Ty Simpson. Still, he’s had a strong enough year that he’s still in the Top 10 of odds for the honor.

For the year, Simpson is completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 2,787 yards and 22 touchdowns to only two interceptions. He also has two rushing touchdowns. Of course, moving forward, his focus is going to be on making a deep postseason run.

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