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Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter carries the ball against Utah. Hunter leads the Heisman Trophy odds.
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter carries the ball against Utah. Photo by Ron Chenoy via Imagn Images.

As the regular season reaches its final few games, there's an overwhelming Heisman Trophy odds favorite coming out of Week 12. 

Among the highlights:

  • Colorado's Travis Hunter ended Week 11 with +120 Heisman odds and is now as short as -500 after leading the Buffaloes to a win over Utah
  • Oregon ranks No. 1 in both the AP Top 25 and CFP rankings, but a poor performance from Dillon Gabriel in a tight win over Wisconsin lengthened his odds from +360 to +2500
  • With Boise State leading the Group of Five College Football Playoff odds, Ashton Jeanty has the second-shortest Heisman odds (+350)
  • After Miami's loss to Georgia Tech two weeks ago knocked the Hurricanes down the college football championship odds, Cam Ward's Heisman odds are now +1400
  • Indiana's Kurtis Rourke (+3000) is the only other player with 30/1 odds or shorter

The top two Heisman favorites at our college football betting sites are clear through 12 weeks, but does Jeanty have enough time to catch Hunter?

Heisman Trophy odds 2024

Heisman Trophy odds from our best sports betting appslast updated Nov. 17 and subject to change.

Name  Odds (FanDuel)Implied probabilityProfit ($10 bet)
Travis Hunter-33076.74%$3.03
Ashton Jeanty+35022.22%$35
Cam Ward+14006.67%$140
Dillon Gabriel+25003.85%$250
Kurtis Rourke+30003.23%$300
Jalen Milroe+33002.94%$330
Jaxson Dart+60001.64%$600
Shedeur Sanders+150000.66%$1,500
Cade Klubnik+200000.50%$2,000
Drew Allar+250000.40%$2,500

Heisman Trophy favorites 2024

Travis Hunter (-330)

Six weeks ago, Hunter was my Heisman candidate to watch at +1800. Then his odds shortened drastically to +300, and it felt inevitable that he'd be in New York City as a finalist for college football's top honor.

However, Hunter exited Colorado's Week 7 loss to Kansas State and Week 8 win against Arizona due to a shoulder issue. Having played limited snaps by his standards in those games, and lacking splash plays, it looked like his Heisman shot might really be over.

But that's why you should never doubt a player like Hunter. He returned with a vengeance in Week 9 and popped off for 153 yards and two scores on nine receptions against Cincinnati. And coming out of Colorado's Week 10 bye, he's led the Buffaloes to wins over Texas Tech and Utah while totaling 15 touches for 159 yards and two scores with an interception.

He's now sixth in the country in receptions (74), eighth in receiving touchdowns (nine), and top 30 in receiving yards (911) and coverage stops among cornerbacks (nine) while allowing just a 53.0 NFL QB rating, per PFF.

With Hunter looking healthy, I don't see any way he doesn't win it at this point. It will appeal to voters that he's the only true two-way player in the country and arguably the most valuable player in the nation as a top-five wide receiver and cornerback. 

Even with a $10 winning bet paying just a $3.30 profit, I think it's worth backing him because he has the stats and narrative in his favor. For what it's worth, I'd be voting for Jeanty over him.

Best odds: -330 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 76.74%

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Ashton Jeanty (+350)

I've been banging the table for Jeanty for months. He was my best Doak Walker bet at +1200 before the season in my college football predictions and best bets.

I had him as my Heisman candidate to watch when he was +4000. He then shot up the board quicker than he finds the end zone on a Saturday, with his odds being as short as +190 a few weeks ago.

That's why I think it was a massive overreaction that he fell from the consensus favorite to No. 4 on the board for a period of time. The odds have fully rebounded now after they dipped despite him leading the Broncos to a win in their most important game of the season against UNLV.

Statistically, it was a "down" game for Jeanty by his standards, but he still managed 128 rushing yards and a score on 33 carries against the Rebels. And he's followed that up with 565 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in his last three games against San Diego State, Nevada, and San Jose State.

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Jeanty isn't on a Barry Sanders-like pace anymore, but he still has 1,893 rushing yards and 27 total touchdowns through 10 games - both lead all running backs. He didn't even play in the second half of two of those games.

His rushing yards after contact alone (1,370) would put him third in the country in yards, and he's first in forced missed tackles (105).

Jeanty is the best running back in the country, and two and a half months into the season, he should finish no worse than second. With this price paying a $42.50 profit on a $10 winning bet, it's worth considering.

Best odds: +425 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 19.05%

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Cam Ward (+1400)

Ward went from +2000 to as short as +350 to win the Heisman before the emergence of Gabriel and Jeanty. His odds then lengthened to +650 before shortening to +185 and then lengthening to this price ... that should tell you all you need to know about the volatility of this market.

Miami had been playing with fire during a wild stretch in which Ward led multiple comeback wins, maybe none more impressive than his Week 10 performance against Duke. That caught up to the Hurricanes in Week 11 with the Yellow Jackets beating them 28-23 despite Ward throwing for 348 and three scores.

While it was an ugly loss to an unranked team that ended with Ward being strip-sacked, it's hard to believe his odds are now this long. Miami is still in position to reach the ACC Championship and potentially the CFP.

While the Hurricanes clearly have issues as a whole, Miami remains in the playoff race thanks to Ward's heroics. It feels like he has a Heisman moment almost every week at this point.

He ranks first in the country in passing touchdowns (32) and passing yards (3,494), and fourth in big-time throws (25). He also has Miami ranked first in SP+ on offense.

And, unlike the SEC/Big Ten QBs, Ward has an easier schedule in the ACC over the last two weeks. The Hurricanes play Wake Forest and Syracuse.

Backing Ward two weeks ago when he was +185 would sting now, which is why I don't think there's any harm in putting $10 on Ward - it would pay a $140 profit if he wins. He's the best QB in the country, after all.

Best odds: +1400 via bet365 | Implied probability: 6.67%

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My Heisman Trophy candidate to watch

Kurtis Rourke (+3000)

It would make sense to stump for Gabriel here. He's the star QB for the best team in the country and broke the NCAA career touchdown record this season. 

However, he's been disappointing at times this season, which has led to his odds going from +1400 to +275 to +2500. He's also made just 15 big-time throws this season and his 81.1% adjusted completion rate is juiced up because his ADOT is only 6.9.

Instead, I think there's the slimmest of chances for Kurtis Rourke to get in on the Heisman conversation. Mainly because Indiana is arguably the best story in college football this season with an undefeated record and a likely spot in the College Football Playoff.

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But for Rourke to really be in it, he needs to upset Ohio State in Columbus on Saturday. If he can do that, a $10 bet on him to win the Heisman might actually result in a $300 profit.

Rourke is among the most efficient QBs in the country with the third-best QB rating (182.7), third-highest yards per attempt (10.1), and the sixth-highest completion percentage (71.8%).

It's unlikely, but never say never.

Best odds: +3000 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 3.23%

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Shedeur Sanders Heisman Trophy odds

+15000

The presence of Hunter is the biggest reason why Sanders likely won't even be a Heisman finalist. And it doesn't help that Colorado probably won't be in the College Football Playoff while the other top contenders will be.

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So, no matter how long these odds get, and regardless of how well Sanders is playing, I'd have a hard time confidently betting on him to win the Heisman. 

Even as the Buffaloes continue to prove doubters wrong and overachieve, it's hard to imagine Sanders ever surpassing Hunter. And this price reflects that because even with Colorado winning and Sanders playing well, the odds haven't seen much movement over the last few weeks.

While he's sixth in the country in big-time throws this season (21) and has logged only six turnover-worthy plays with an adjusted completion rate of 82.2%, Colorado is still just 27th in SP+.

Don't waste your time backing him. Take Hunter if you want to ride with the Buffs. If Sanders somehow does win, a $10 bet pays a $1,500 profit.

Best odds: +15000 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 0.66%

How to bet on the Heisman Trophy

Betting on Heisman Trophy odds is pretty straightforward. Start by choosing a reputable sportsbook that offers Heisman futures.

Look at the odds for different players; for example, if Carson Beck is at +400 and Shedeur Sanders is at +800, Beck is more favored to win. Decide how much you want to wager and place your bet. If you put $100 on Beck at +400 and he wins, you’ll get $500 back ($400 profit + $100 stake).

Follow player performances throughout the season to track how your bet is doing.

But why do odds change in future markets? It’s all about performance and perception. If a player excels or underperforms, their odds will adjust. Injuries to the player or competitors can significantly impact their Heisman chances.

The success of the player’s team can also influence their odds. Public betting trends are important too; if many people are betting on a particular player, sportsbooks might change the odds to manage their risk.

Expert analysis and predictions can also sway betting patterns and odds. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed bets and possibly catch some favorable odds shifts.

How to read Heisman Trophy odds

When reading Heisman Trophy odds, the odds are typically displayed in formats like +300 or -150.

Positive odds (e.g., +300) indicate how much profit you’d make on a $100 bet. For instance, a $100 bet at +300 odds would win you $300, plus your original $100 stake, totaling $400. Negative odds (e.g., -150) show how much you need to bet to win $100. So, a $150 bet at -150 odds would win you $100, plus your $150 stake, totaling $250.

These odds also reflect the implied probability of a player winning the Heisman Trophy. Lower odds (e.g., +200) suggest a higher chance of winning, while higher odds (e.g., +1000) indicate a lower chance. Sportsbooks adjust these odds based on various factors, including player performance, injuries, team success, and betting patterns.

For example, if Quinn Ewers has +300 odds and Will Howard has +800 odds, Ewers is considered more likely to win. If you bet $100 on Ewers and he wins, you’d get $400 back ($300 profit + $100 stake).

Heisman Trophy odds over time

Odds via DraftKings.

PlayerOpening odds (March 30)Oct. 7Nov. 17
Ashton JeantyOFF+225+380
Carson Beck+800+2500+25000
Quinn Ewers+800+2000+20000
Dillon Gabriel+800+1500+2500
Jalen Milroe+800+1100+2800
Nico Iamaleava+1100+3500OFF
Will Howard+1400+6500+20000
Garrett Nussmeier+1500+4500OFF
Jaxson Dart+2000+1800+4000
Brady Cook+2000+20000OFF
Conner Weigman+2000+12000OFF
Jackson Arnold+2000OFFOFF
Riley Leonard+2000+8000+25000
Cam Ward+2000+400+1300
Noah Fifita+2500+25000OFF
Shedeur Sanders+2500+3500+7500
Cade Klubnik+3000+1600+15000
DJ Uiagalelei+3000OFFOFF
Miller Moss+3000+7500OFF
Travis Hunter+3500+300-350
Jalon Daniels+4000OFFOFF
Ollie Gordon II+4000OFFOFF
Quinshon Judkins+4000+13000OFF
Trevor Etienne+4000+30000OFF
Avery Johnson+5000+8000OFF
Cam Rising+5000OFFOFF
Drew Allar+5000+4000+25000
Jayden Maiava+5000OFFOFF
Luther Burden+5000+13000OFF
TreVeyon Henderson+5000+20000OFF
Will Rogers+5000+25000OFF

Heisman Trophy past winners

YearNamePreseason odds
2023Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU+1000
2022Caleb Williams, QB, USC+600
2021Bryce Young, QB, Alabama+800
2020Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama+10000
2019Joe Burrow, QB, LSU+4000
2018Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma+3000
2017Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma+1000
2016Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville+10000
2015Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama+2500
2014Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon+425
2013Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State+600

Heisman Trophy winners by position

PositionHeisman Trophy winners
Running back40
Quarterback38
Wide receivers4
Tight end2
Fullback2
Halfback2
Cornerback1

Heisman Trophy FAQs

Who are the Heisman Trophy favorites?

Colorado's Travis Hunter is the favorite to win the Heisman. His shortest odds (-500) imply an 83.33% probability he'll win, according to our odds calculator.

Who won the Heisman Trophy last year?

LSU's Jayden Daniels secured the 2023 Heisman Trophy, becoming the 89th winner of the award.

When will the Heisman Trophy be decided?

The 2023 Heisman Ceremony took place on Dec. 9, when Daniels was announced as the award winner after his record-setting season at LSU.

Where will the Heisman Trophy ceremony take place?

The 2023 Heisman Ceremony took place at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room in New York City. The venue has hosted each of the last three Heisman Trophy presentations.

College football odds pages

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