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 gamblers.
Top-ranked Texas is favored to win the championship game, which would be its very first since Vince Young rushed into the Rose Bowl end zone 2 years ago to distress Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to catch the Heisman Trophy, which would be one of the unusual accomplishments his well-known football household has actually not attained.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for 2 seasons, Manning lastly gets his opportunity to reveal what all the buzz has to do with. Many bettors are purchasing into it.
"I believe (buzz is) a huge part of it," said Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The group has actually made strides to turn into 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 in there, and he's got the history of all the Mannings in the past."
Top-ranked Texas is the consensus favorite to win everything, 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 groups - No. 2 Penn State, No. 4 Clemson, No. 5 and No. 7 Oregon - are between 7-1 and 9-1.
FILE - Ohio State large 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 multiple sportsbooks to win the Heisman, consisting of a substantial one at BetMGM at 6-1 odds. 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 storyline sort of evolving like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall stated. "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 would not think so, but he exists."
Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter's Heisman success 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 broad receiver Jeremiah Smith could get a long appearance. BetMGM lists him at 10-1 to take home the trophy.
He has actually gotten the second-most bets at the sportsbook, behind just Manning, and Marshall said he might see Smith winning the Heisman.
"A big-play element," Marshall said.
Robinhood revealed Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online forecasts market business Kalshi to start accepting trades on college and professional football video games.
Predictions markets run comparable to the U.S. Stock Market in which people invest money, but critics - consisting of those in sportsbooks - concern whether it's sports betting camouflaged as financial investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have taken legal action against Kalshi, arguing it breaches state sports wagering laws. Native American people in California and Wisconsin have made similar arguments in their lawsuits.
Robinhood and Kalshi contend their business are controlled 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 unregulated and unguarded markets that pose a risk to competitors stability and student-athlete safety," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, stated in a declaration. "We will continue to analyze developments of this market and work with industry leaders to help guarantee guardrails and policies to safeguard NCAA competitors, student-athletes, coaches and officials."
Ohio State revealed last season in the 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, however 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 kind of cruised through the routine season and then actually turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading supervisor Christian Cipollini said. "Some of these groups are practically guaranteed 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 became the very first team 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 simple schedule," said 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 stated.
Avello said 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 huge benefit or bet versus them to guarantee an earnings.
"The chances are higher and (gamblers) look at them as teams that are possibly 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