Preseason Heisman Candidate Betting Odds

Media Days are wrapping up, which means the beginning of the college football season is only a few weeks away. With the calendar turning to August, the focus shifts to preseason practice and anticipation for that first weekend of games.

After an unusual 2020 season, things look to return to normal in 2021 with packed stadiums and the traditional slate of games. Heisman odds are out, and it’s time to take a look at the top candidates entering the year.

Spencer Rattler, Quarterback, Oklahoma Sooners (+650)

Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler is the consensus frontrunner for the 2021 Heisman Trophy, according to numerous betting outlets. The redshirt sophomore was a first-team All-Big 12 selection as a freshman and co-Big 12 newcomers of the year.

Rattler started all 11 games last season, completing 214 of 317 passes for 3,301 yards and 28 touchdowns with seven interceptions. The dual-threat signal-caller added 160 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

DJ Uiagalelei, Quarterback, Clemson Tigers (+750)

The highly-ranked recruit came to Clemson to step into the quarterback role once Trevor Lawrence moved on to the NFL. Fans last season got to see the future star in action last season when Lawrence sat out two games due to a positive COVID-19 test.

The 6’4, 250-pound sophomore threw for 914 yards on 78-of-117 passing with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Uiagaleiei also rushed 28 times for 60 yards with four scores.

Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama Crimson Tide (+800)

Young is another young quarterback taking over duties on a powerhouse program with the blue-chip talent surrounding him. The sophomore was another highly recruited player out of high school and could go down as one of Nick Saban’s best when his collegiate career is finished.

Young has the least playing experience of the top five candidates but has all the tools and makeup of a future Heisman winner. In limited action last season, Young completed 13-of-22 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown.

JT Daniels, Quarterback, Georgia Bulldogs (+1200)

Daniels transferred from USC to Georgia following the 2019 season and missed most of 2020 due to an injury suffered while at Southern Cal. Once cleared to play, Daniels emerged as a viable signal-caller for the Bulldogs over the final four games of the season.

Between two seasons at USC and last year at Georgia, Daniels has thrown for 4,118 yards with 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions over his collegiate career.

Sam Howell, Quarterback, North Carolina Tar Heels (+1400)

Howell is the most experienced quarterback on this list, having started every game the last two seasons for head coach Mack Brown and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The junior quarterback was a top-100 player coming out of high school and one of the biggest gets for UNC.

Over his two years under center, Howell has amassed 68 touchdowns through the air and 7,227 yards passing. Howell has thrown only 14 interceptions over 770 attempts.

CJ Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State Buckeyes (+1400)

Lofty expectations for a player who hasn’t locked up the starting job nor attempted a collegiate pass yet in his career. The redshirt freshman is one of three quarterbacks competing for the job after the departure of Justin Fields to the NFL.

Stroud did see some playing time in 2020, appearing in two games highlighted by a 48-yard rushing touchdown against Michigan State. If Stroud is able to win the starting role lookout because the young quarterback has the physical tools and playmakers around him to fly up this board.