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 bettors.
Top-ranked Texas is favored to win the national championship, which would be its first given that Vince Young rushed into the Rose Bowl end zone twenty years ago to distress Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to record the Heisman Trophy, which would be one of the rare accomplishments his popular football household has actually not accomplished.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for 2 seasons, Manning finally gets his possibility to show what all the hype is about. Many gamblers are buying into it.
"I think (hype is) a big part of it," said Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The group has made strides to turn into one of the top teams in college football. (Bettors) looked at the team last year 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 agreement favorite to win it all, though it's a congested field. The Longhorns are +450 favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook, followed by third-ranked and defending champ 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 against Oregon protective 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 preferred at several sportsbooks to win the Heisman, consisting of 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) grandfather and his uncle missing out on the trophy, so I can see that storyline sort of progressing like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall stated. "Like, this is sort of a repayment 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 believe so, but he's there."
Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter's Heisman triumph last season was a rarity. Quarterbacks had actually won the award 20 of the previous 24 times.
Though odds remain in the QBs' favor once again this season - the leading 3 play that position - Ohio State pass receiver Jeremiah Smith could get a long appearance. BetMGM lists him at 10-1 to take home the prize.
He has received the second-most bets at the sportsbook, behind only Manning, and Marshall stated he might see Smith winning the Heisman.
"A big-play aspect," Marshall stated.
Robinhood revealed Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online forecasts market business Kalshi to start accepting trades on college and professional football games.
Predictions markets run similar to the U.S. Stock Exchange in which people invest money, however critics - consisting of those in sportsbooks - question whether it's sports betting 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 compete their business are by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
That doesn't please the NCAA.
"Sport integrity is vital for the NCAA, and we are deeply concerned by unregulated and unguarded markets that position a danger to competitors integrity and student-athlete safety," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, said in a declaration. "We will continue to evaluate advancements of this market and work with market leaders to help make sure guardrails and regulations to secure NCAA competitors, student-athletes, coaches and authorities."
Ohio State revealed last season in the first year of the 12-team playoff that a group didn't need to be a high seed to win the title. The Buckeyes went in as the 8 seed, but powered through the field.
Bettors have actually 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 seemed like they kind of coasted through the routine season and after that actually turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading supervisor Christian Cipollini said. "Some of these groups are nearly ensured to get in with 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 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 simple schedule," stated Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars. "There's high expectations that they're going to be excellent."
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 championship, 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 hope for a big benefit or wager versus them to ensure a revenue.
"The odds are higher and (bettors) take a look at them as groups that are possibly 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