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 because Vince Young dashed into the Rose Bowl end zone twenty years ago to upset Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to record the Heisman Trophy, which would be among the uncommon achievements his popular football household has actually not achieved.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, Manning finally gets his chance to show what all the hype is about. Many gamblers are purchasing into it.
"I believe (buzz is) a big part of it," said Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The team has actually made strides to end up being one of the leading teams in college football. (Bettors) looked at the group last year and the quarterback was OK, but I would not 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 it all, though it's a congested field. The Longhorns are +450 favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook, followed by third-ranked and protecting champ 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) scores a touchdown versus 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 also is the favorite at numerous sportsbooks to win the Heisman, including a considerable one at BetMGM at 6-1 chances. 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 prize, so I can see that storyline kind of evolving like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall said. "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 wouldn't think so, however he exists."
Colorado two-way gamer Travis Hunter's Heisman triumph last season was a rarity. Quarterbacks had won the award 20 of the previous 24 times.
Though chances are in the QBs' favor again this season - the top three play that position - Ohio State pass receiver Jeremiah Smith could get a long look. BetMGM lists him at 10-1 to take home the trophy.
He has received the second-most bets at the sportsbook, behind just Manning, and Marshall stated he might see Smith winning the Heisman.
"A big-play element," Marshall stated.
Robinhood revealed Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online predictions market company Kalshi to start accepting trades on college and expert football video games.
Predictions markets run comparable to the U.S. Stock Market in which people invest cash, but critics - consisting of those in sportsbooks - question whether it's sports betting camouflaged as financial investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have sued Kalshi, arguing it breaks state sports betting laws. Native American people in California and Wisconsin have actually made in their claims.
Robinhood and Kalshi contend their companies are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
That does not satisfy the NCAA.
"Sport integrity is paramount for the NCAA, and we are deeply concerned by unregulated and unprotected markets that posture a hazard to competition stability and student-athlete security," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, said in a statement. "We will continue to analyze advancements of this market and work with industry leaders to assist make sure guardrails and policies to protect NCAA competitors, student-athletes, coaches and authorities."
Ohio State showed last season in the very first year of the 12-team playoff that a group didn't need to be a high seed to win the title. The Buckeyes entered as the 8 seed, but powered through the field.
Bettors have actually seen, 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 coasted through the routine season and after that truly 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 get in with this expanded playoff. It's going to take a lot for Ohio State or Alabama, these actually prominent schools, to not make it."
Boise State became the very first group 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 really simple 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 nationwide champion, the Rebels are 200-1 compared to 250-1 for the Broncos.
"That surprises me," Cipollini said.
Avello said cash has actually been available 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 backing can either wish for a big payoff or wager against them to guarantee an earnings.
"The odds are higher and (wagerers) look at them as groups that are maybe 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