Arch Manning For Heisman And Texas To Win National Title Are
LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Manning name goes a long way - even for college football bettors.
Top-ranked Texas is favored to win the nationwide champion, which would be its first because Vince Young dashed into the Rose Bowl end zone 2 years ago to disturb Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to record the Heisman Trophy, which would be one of the rare accomplishments his well-known football household has not attained.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for 2 seasons, Manning lastly gets his possibility to reveal what all the buzz is about. Many gamblers are buying into it.
"I believe (hype is) a big part of it," stated Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The group has actually made strides to end up being one of the leading groups in college football. (Bettors) looked at the group in 2015 and the quarterback was OK, but I wouldn't call him the elite quarterback. So now Manning's in there, and he's got the history of all the Mannings in the past."
Top-ranked Texas is the consensus favorite to win everything, though it's a crowded field. The Longhorns are +450 favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook, followed by third-ranked and protecting champion Ohio State (+525 ). Four other groups - No. 2 Penn State, No. 4 Clemson, No. 5 Georgia and No. 7 Oregon - are in between 7-1 and 9-1.
FILE - Ohio State pass receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a goal versus Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage (5) throughout the very first half in the quarterfinals of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
Manning also is the favorite at numerous sportsbooks to win the Heisman, including a substantial one at BetMGM at 6-1 odds. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik are next at 9-1 each.
"The story there with (Manning's) grandfather and his uncle missing out on out on the trophy, so I can see that storyline type of developing like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall said. "Like, this is sort of a payback for the Mannings this year, however we just have not seen that much of him. Should he be up there ahead of Klubnik from Clemson? I wouldn't think so, however he's there."
Colorado two-way gamer Travis Hunter's Heisman triumph last season was a rarity. Quarterbacks had actually won the award 20 of the previous 24 times.
Though chances are in the QBs' favor once again this season - the leading three play that position - Ohio State pass receiver Jeremiah Smith might get a long look. BetMGM lists him at 10-1 to take home the trophy.
He has actually gotten the second-most bets at the sportsbook, behind just Manning, and Marshall said he could see Smith winning the Heisman.
"A big-play aspect," Marshall said.
Robinhood announced Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online predictions market business Kalshi to begin accepting trades on college and expert football video games.
Predictions markets operate comparable to the U.S. Stock Market in which people invest money, however critics - including those in sportsbooks - concern whether it's sports wagering camouflaged as financial investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have actually sued Kalshi, arguing it violates state sports wagering laws. Native American people in California and Wisconsin have made comparable arguments in their claims.
Robinhood and Kalshi compete their companies are managed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
That does not please the NCAA.
"Sport stability is critical for the NCAA, and we are deeply worried by uncontrolled and unprotected markets that pose a hazard to competitors integrity and student-athlete safety," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, stated in a statement. "We will continue to analyze developments of this market and deal with market leaders to help guarantee guardrails and guidelines to safeguard NCAA competition, student-athletes, coaches and authorities."
Ohio State showed last season in the first year of the 12-team playoff that a group didn't require to be a high seed to win the title. The Buckeyes entered as the eight seed, but powered through the field.
Bettors have discovered, with more wagers going on the under of 10 1/2 wins for Ohio State, causing the number at BetMGM to be at -145. The over is +120.
Ohio State is -325 to make the playoff field.
"It seemed like they sort of drifted through the routine season and then actually turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading manager Christian Cipollini stated. "A few of these teams are almost ensured to ingratiate this broadened playoff. It's going to take a lot for Ohio State or Alabama, these really prominent schools, to not make it."
Boise State became the very first team from outside the power conferences to make the playoffs, and bettors think they will make it back - even without Heisman runner-up .
The No. 25 Broncos are favored at DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook to represent the Group of 5.
"A really basic schedule," said Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars. "There's high expectations that they're going to be great."
Boise State is a -160 favorite at BetMGM to win the Mountain West, with UNLV next at +700. But as far as that sportsbook's chances to win the championship game, the Rebels are 200-1 compared to 250-1 for the Broncos.
"That surprises me," Cipollini said.
Avello said cash has actually can be found in on No. 20 Indiana (+500) and No. 23 Texas Tech (+450) at DraftKings to win the title.
Avello stated if either makes the postseason field, those backing can either hope for a big payoff or bet against them to ensure a profit.
"The chances are higher and (bettors) take a look at them as teams that are perhaps making a move forward over the last couple of years," Avello said.
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football