College football Week 1 is upon us, with 128 FBS programs making their fall debut across a five-day slate, guaranteeing us non-stop action from Thursday to Monday. That said, six teams have already opened their campaign, and the sliding doors nature of the Florida State Seminoles quarterback situation headlines our look at the latest Heisman Trophy odds.
Latest 2024 Heisman Trophy Odds and Favorites
Latest Heisman Trophy odds and favorites as per DraftKings Sportsbook and correct as of Monday, Aug. 27, 2024.
- Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon +600
- Carson Beck, QB, Georgia +800
- Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas +1200
- Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss +1400
- Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama +1400
- Will Howard, QB, Ohio State +1500
- Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL) +1500
- Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee +1500
- Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame +2200
- Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU +2200
As DJ Uiagalelei Drowns in Dublin, Cam Ward Awaits Miami Debut With Improved Heisman Trophy Odds
With Jordan Travis departed to the NFL following the injury that curtailed his Florida State career (and Seminole hopes of a College Football Playoff place), Mike Norvell’s team spent the offseason plumbing the depths of the transfer portal to find a replacement QB. They landed former Oregon State and Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei, with initial results far from satisfactory.
During their season-opening defeat to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Uiagalelei littered far more question marks than explosive plays on the turf of Aviva Stadium. The quarterback famed for his impressive arm and ability to create with his legs looked sluggish on the move and was routinely tasked with short passes to running backs rather than stretching the field.
Of course, Uiagalelei doesn’t call the plays and it’s easy to overreact to a season-opener played thousands of miles across the pond. Yet, it very much appeared that either the quarterback couldn’t hit a wide receiver downfield, couldn’t read the field quickly enough to identify open opportunities, or the coaching staff simply didn’t trust their new passer to, you know, pass.
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If there are questions over whether Florida State believes in Uiagalelei, there’s no doubt about the opinion of bettors. The new Seminole under center opened 2024 as the 13th favorite to win the prize for the most outstanding player in college football, with Heisman Trophy odds of +2500 from FanDuel Sportsbook. Those have risen significantly to +5000 following the upset in Ireland.
When Norvell and the Florida State coaching staff cast their rods into the transfer portal pool, they hoped to reel in a replacement for Travis who could replicate the passing qualities and ability to conjure up plays like a magician with his legs of their departed signal-caller. Uiagalelei ended up being the option, but former Washington State star Cam Ward was strongly pursued.
In another universe, Ward might have been the starter in Dublin. Instead, he awaits his Miami Hurricanes debut in college football Week 1 with Heisman Trophy odds that have been slashed, inserting him among the favorites for the accolade. Just one month ago, DraftKings Sportsbook had odds of +2200, but bettors can now take a punt on his passing prowess at +1500.
Dillon Gabriel Gunning To Be the First Oregon Duck Heisman Trophy Winner in a Decade
In 2014, Marcus Mariota made defenses across the country marvel at his magic with a display of dual-threat quarterbacking that defied belief. His antics — including 4,454 passing yards, 77- rushing yards, and 58 total touchdowns — led to him landing the 2014 Heisman Trophy as the first and only winner from the University of Oregon. Could he be emulated in 2024?
After a spring of scintillating discourse around the Oklahoma Sooners transfer, Dillon Gabriel has emerged as the preseason favorite to lift the 2024 Heisman Trophy. In the latest odds offering from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Ducks dynamo leads all comers with odds of +600, narrowly edging another popular preseason choice, Georgia Bulldogs passer Carson Beck.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to hardcore college football fans. The former UCF and Oklahoma dual-threat produced multiple displays last fall that were worthy of Heisman Trophy consideration. His ability to navigate pressure in the pocket and pick up yardage with his legs while delivering downfield dimes and middle-of-the-field tight window throws is a joy to behold.
There were moments of pure magic littered through his 2024 Oklahoma tape, and now he transfers to an Oregon offense that has shown to be quarterback-friendly after rejuvenating Bo Nix’s college career and transforming him into a first-round NFL Draft selection. Nix himself was a Heisman Trophy finalist last fall, and there’s no reason that Gabriel can’t follow in those footsteps.
What Are the Odds of a Freshman Winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024?
From the 1935 inception of the award for the most outstanding player in college football up until Jayden Daniels’ success last season, no true freshman has ever won the Heisman Trophy. Meanwhile, only two redshirt freshmen have been recognized as the very best in the sport. What are the odds of a freshman winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024? Not great, Bob.
That said, several players are in a position to change the narrative around first-year players being in contention for the highest individual accolade in the sport. They start with Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola, recently announced as the starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers and undoubtedly the most high-profile newcomer under center in all of college football.
Heading into Nebraska’s season-opener against UTEP, the Cornhusker legacy — and nephew of offensive line coach Donovan Raiola — has the shortest Heisman Trophy odds of any true freshman at +9000. It’s a reflection of his talent that he’s the first-year frontrunner, but the length of the odds showcases how difficult it is to hoist the Heisman as a true freshman.
It’s even more difficult to be recognized as the best in the nation when you’re a pass-catching first-year. In fact, it’s unprecedented. Hence, Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has longer Heisman Trophy odds than Raiola at +13000. The freshman phenom is set to wow college football fans in his first year after competing at a high level in camp.
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