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 rushed into the Rose Bowl end zone 2 decades ago to disturb Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to catch the Heisman Trophy, which would be one of the rare accomplishments his well-known football family has not accomplished.
After behind Quinn Ewers for 2 seasons, Manning lastly gets his possibility to show what all the hype has to do with. Many bettors are buying into it.
"I believe (hype is) a big part of it," stated Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The group has made strides to end up being one of the top teams in college football. (Bettors) took a look 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 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) ratings a goal against Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage (5) during 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 also is the favorite at several sportsbooks to win the Heisman, including a significant 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) grandpa and his uncle losing out on the trophy, so I can see that story sort of progressing like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall said. "Like, this is sort of a repayment 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 wouldn't believe so, however 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 chances are in the QBs' favor once again this season - the top 3 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 actually gotten the second-most bets at the sportsbook, behind only Manning, and Marshall said he could see Smith winning the Heisman.
"A big-play aspect," Marshall said.
Robinhood announced Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online forecasts market company Kalshi to start accepting trades on college and expert football video games.
Predictions markets run comparable to the U.S. Stock Exchange in which individuals invest cash, but critics - consisting of those in sportsbooks - question whether it's sports betting disguised as investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have sued Kalshi, arguing it breaks state sports betting laws. Native American tribes in California and Wisconsin have made similar arguments in their claims.
Robinhood and Kalshi contend their companies are controlled by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
That doesn't satisfy the NCAA.
"Sport stability is critical for the NCAA, and we are deeply worried by uncontrolled and unprotected markets that present a risk to competition integrity and student-athlete security," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, said in a statement. "We will continue to evaluate advancements of this market and work with industry leaders to help guarantee guardrails and regulations to secure NCAA competitors, student-athletes, coaches and officials."
Ohio State showed last season in the very first year of the 12-team playoff that a team didn't require to be a high seed to win the title. The Buckeyes entered as the 8 seed, but powered through the field.
Bettors have discovered, with more wagers going on the under of 10 1/2 wins for Ohio State, triggering 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 type of cruised through the routine season and after that truly turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading supervisor Christian Cipollini stated. "A few of these groups are practically 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 very first group from outside the power conferences to make the playoffs, and gamblers 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," 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 championship, the Rebels are 200-1 compared to 250-1 for the Broncos.
"That surprises me," Cipollini stated.
Avello stated money has actually 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 support can either wish for a big benefit or bet versus them to guarantee a revenue.
"The odds are higher and (bettors) take a look at them as teams that are possibly 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