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 preferred to win the national championship, which would be its very first since Vince Young dashed into the Rose Bowl end zone 20 years ago to disturb Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to catch the Heisman Trophy, which would be among the unusual achievements his well-known football household has not attained.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, Manning lastly gets his chance to show what all the buzz is about. Many gamblers are buying into it.
"I believe (buzz is) a big part of it," stated Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The group has made strides to turn into one of the top groups in college football. (Bettors) looked at the team last year and the quarterback was OK, however I wouldn't 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 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 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 goal versus Oregon defensive 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 to win the Heisman, consisting of a substantial one at BetMGM at 6-1 chances. 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 prize, so I can see that story type of evolving like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall said. "Like, this is sort of a payback for the Mannings this year, but 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 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 again this season - the leading three play that position - Ohio State broad receiver Jeremiah Smith might get a long look. BetMGM lists him at 10-1 to take home the prize.
He has actually received 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 said.
Robinhood announced Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online forecasts 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 betting disguised as financial investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have actually sued Kalshi, arguing it violates state sports wagering laws. Native American tribes in California and Wisconsin have made similar arguments in their suits.
Robinhood and Kalshi contend their companies are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
That does not please the NCAA.
"Sport integrity is vital for the NCAA, and we are deeply worried by uncontrolled and vulnerable markets that pose a danger to competitors integrity and student-athlete security," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, said in a declaration. "We will continue to examine developments of this market and deal with market leaders to assist ensure guardrails and guidelines to secure NCAA competition, student-athletes, coaches and authorities."
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 entered as the eight 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 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 stated. "A few of these groups are nearly guaranteed to get in with this broadened 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 first string from outside the power conferences to make the playoffs, and wagerers believe 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.
"An extremely basic 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 odds to win the championship game, the Rebels are 200-1 compared to 250-1 for the Broncos.
"That surprises me," Cipollini said.
Avello said money 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 support can either hope for a huge payoff or bet versus them to ensure an earnings.
"The chances are higher and (gamblers) take a look at them as teams that are maybe making a relocation 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