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 wagerers.
Top-ranked Texas is favored to win the nationwide championship, which would be its first because Vince Young dashed into the Rose Bowl end zone twenty years ago to disturb Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to catch the Heisman Trophy, which would be among the uncommon accomplishments his famous football household has not attained.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for 2 seasons, Manning finally gets his possibility to reveal what all the hype is about. Many wagerers are purchasing into it.
"I believe (hype is) a big part of it," stated Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The team has made strides to turn into one of the top groups in college football. (Bettors) looked at the team in 2015 and the quarterback was OK, however I would not call him the elite quarterback. So now Manning's therein, 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 congested field. The Longhorns are +450 favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook, followed by third-ranked and safeguarding champion Ohio State (+525 ). Four other teams - No. 2 Penn State, No. 4 Clemson, No. 5 Georgia and No. 7 Oregon - are between 7-1 and 9-1.
FILE - Ohio State pass receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) ratings a touchdown 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 likewise is the favorite at numerous sportsbooks to win the Heisman, including a significant one at BetMGM at 6-1 odds. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik are next at 9-1 each.
"The storyline there with (Manning's) grandpa and his uncle missing out on out on the prize, so I can see that story kind of progressing like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall stated. "Like, this is sort of a payback for the Mannings this year, but we just haven't seen that much of him. Should he be up there ahead of Klubnik from Clemson? I would not think so, however he exists."
Colorado two-way gamer Travis Hunter's Heisman success last season was a rarity. Quarterbacks had won the award 20 of the previous 24 times.
Though odds remain in the again this season - the top 3 play that position - Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith could get a long appearance. 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 could see Smith winning the Heisman.
"A big-play component," Marshall said.
Robinhood revealed Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online forecasts market business Kalshi to start accepting trades on college and expert football games.
Predictions markets run comparable to the U.S. Stock Exchange in which individuals invest money, however critics - consisting of those in sportsbooks - concern whether it's sports wagering camouflaged as investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have taken legal action against Kalshi, arguing it breaches state sports betting laws. Native American tribes in California and Wisconsin have made comparable arguments in their claims.
Robinhood and Kalshi contend their business 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 unregulated and unprotected markets that present a danger to competition stability and student-athlete security," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, said in a declaration. "We will continue to evaluate developments of this market and deal with market leaders to assist guarantee guardrails and regulations to protect NCAA competitors, student-athletes, coaches and officials."
Ohio State showed 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, however powered through the field.
Bettors have noticed, 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 cruised through the routine season and after that really turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading manager Christian Cipollini stated. "A few of these teams are almost guaranteed to ingratiate 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 ended up being the first team 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 favored 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 preferred at BetMGM to win the Mountain West, with UNLV next at +700. But as far as that sportsbook's chances to win the national champion, the Rebels are 200-1 compared to 250-1 for the Broncos.
"That surprises me," Cipollini stated.
Avello stated cash has can be found in on No. 20 Indiana (+500) and No. 23 Texas Tech (+450) at DraftKings to win the title.
Avello said if either makes the postseason field, those support can either wish for a huge benefit or bet versus them to guarantee a profit.
"The odds are greater and (gamblers) look at them as teams that are perhaps making a move forward over the last number of years," Avello stated.
AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football