Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams won the Heisman Trophy last year and is back to lead the Trojans.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams has the Heisman Trophy all but wrapped up, according to oddsmakers.
With just conference championship weekend left before the ballots have to be in, Williams is the overwhelming favorite to win the most prestigious individual award in college football.
Sure, anything can happen between now and Dec. 10 when the trophy is awarded in New York City, but unless Williams forgets how to play football in the Pac-12 championship game against Utah this Friday night in Las Vegas, he should be hoisting the bronze statue.
Williams is -2500 odds, according to DraftKings and as low as -4000 according to PointsBet.
Williams would be Southern Cal’s first Heisman winner since Matt Leinart in 2004.
Coming into the season, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was the odds-on favorite, and up to a week ago was -125 to win, while Williams was +130, according to DraftKings.
But a loss or poor play can knock you out of the running with the quickness, especially at this point in the season. And unfortunately for Stroud, he had both in Saturday’s loss to rival Michigan.
Stroud, according to DraftKings, is now +3000 to win the Heisman, behind TCU quarterback Max Duggan at +2500.
Duggan can move up the odds board with a strong showing in the Big 12 championship game on Saturday against Kansas State in Arlington, Texas.
Stroud will have to wait to see where the Buckeyes are playing in the postseason, as Michigan’s win put the Wolverines in the Big Ten championship game against Purdue on Saturday night, eliminating Ohio State.
FrontPageBets takes a look at the final regular-season performances of the Heisman hopefuls.
USC QB Caleb Williams (-2500)
While Williams had perhaps one of the most average passing games of the season, it was what he was able to do running the football that separated his performance in the Trojans’ win over Notre Dame.
Williams threw just 22 times, completing 18 passes for 232 yards and one touchdown, but scored three rushing touchdowns in the 38-27 win over the Irish. That win not only clinched a 12-1 regular-season record, it also possibly elevated USC into the College Football Playoff.
But first the Trojans need to take care of business against a tough Utah team in the Pac-12 title game.
TCU QB Max Duggan (+2500)
This season has been a Cinderella story for Duggan and TCU.
Not only is Duggan a potential Heisman finalist, but the Horned Frogs are one of three undefeated teams in the country and have an inside track to one of the final four spots in the College Football Playoff.
TCU cemented its undefeated regular season with a huge, 62-14 win over Iowa State, where Duggan passed for 212 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions.
While Duggan is still a long shot, he can help his stock with a big game against Kansas State on Friday in the Big 12 title game. But more importantly, a win there will get the Horned Frogs into the playoff and a chance for a national championship.
Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud (+3000)
Stroud threw for 349 yards against Michigan and two touchdowns, but he also had two costly interceptions.
Of course, Stroud doesn’t play defense and couldn’t do anything about the Buckeyes giving up 252 rushing yards and 28 second-half points to the Wolverines.
But in a close race for the Heisman, the voters are looking for big performances in big games that lead to wins.
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