Arch Manning For Heisman And Texas To Win National Title Are
LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Manning name goes a long method - even for college football wagerers.
Top-ranked Texas is preferred to win the championship game, which would be its first considering that Vince Young rushed into the Rose Bowl end zone 20 years ago to distress Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to catch the Heisman Trophy, which would be one of the unusual achievements his famous football family has not achieved.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, Manning lastly gets his possibility to reveal what all the hype is about. Many wagerers are purchasing into it.
"I believe (buzz is) a huge part of it," stated Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The group has made strides to become one of the top groups in college football. (Bettors) took a look at the group in 2015 and the quarterback was OK, however 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 agreement 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 between 7-1 and 9-1.
FILE - Ohio State broad receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a goal against Oregon protective back Kobe Savage (5) during the 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 likewise is the favorite at numerous sportsbooks to win the Heisman, including a significant one at BetMGM at 6-1 chances. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson QB Cade are next at 9-1 each.
"The story there with (Manning's) grandfather and his uncle missing out on the trophy, so I can see that story sort of progressing like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall stated. "Like, this is sort of a payback for the Mannings this year, however we simply have not seen that much of him. Should he be up there ahead of Klubnik from Clemson? I would not believe so, but he's there."
Colorado two-way gamer Travis Hunter's Heisman victory last season was a rarity. Quarterbacks had won the award 20 of the previous 24 times.
Though odds are in the QBs' favor once again this season - the top 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 prize.
He has gotten the second-most bets at the sportsbook, behind just Manning, and Marshall said he might see Smith winning the Heisman.
"A big-play aspect," Marshall stated.
Robinhood revealed Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online predictions market company Kalshi to start accepting trades on college and professional football video games.
Predictions markets operate similar to the U.S. Stock Market in which individuals invest money, however critics - including those in sportsbooks - question whether it's sports wagering disguised as financial investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have taken legal action against Kalshi, arguing it breaches state sports wagering laws. Native American people in California and Wisconsin have made comparable arguments in their suits.
Robinhood and Kalshi compete their companies are controlled by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
That doesn't satisfy the NCAA.
"Sport integrity is critical for the NCAA, and we are deeply worried by uncontrolled and vulnerable markets that posture a danger to competitors stability and student-athlete safety," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, stated in a statement. "We will continue to evaluate developments of this market and deal with industry leaders to assist make sure guardrails and regulations to safeguard NCAA competition, student-athletes, coaches and authorities."
Ohio State revealed last season in the first year of the 12-team playoff that a team didn't need to be a high seed to win the title. The Buckeyes went in as the eight seed, but powered through the field.
Bettors have actually 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 felt like they sort of coasted through the routine season and after that truly turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading supervisor Christian Cipollini stated. "Some of these teams are nearly guaranteed to insinuate this expanded playoff. It's going to take a lot for Ohio State or Alabama, these actually big-name schools, to not make it."
Boise State became the first string from outside the power conferences to make the playoffs, and bettors think they will make it back - even without Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty.
The No. 25 Broncos are preferred at DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook to represent the Group of 5.
"A very easy schedule," said Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars. "There's high expectations that they're going to be good."
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 stated cash has come 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 expect a huge payoff or bet versus them to ensure a revenue.
"The odds are greater and (wagerers) take a look at them as groups that are perhaps making a move forward over the last number of years," Avello said.
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football