Mateer, Beck Rise as Heisman Favorites in Unpredictable Race

As the college football season progresses, the competition for the prestigious Heisman Trophy has become increasingly unpredictable. With three weeks of games completed, the latest odds indicate a shift in favorites, with Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer and Miami quarterback Carson Beck emerging as the frontrunners for the award.

Current Favorites

According to various sportsbooks, John Mateer has established himself as the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, boasting odds of +850 on ESPN BET. Meanwhile, Carson Beck has also gained traction, with some betting platforms listing him as the favorite at +700 with BetMGM. This marks a notable moment in Heisman history, as these odds represent the longest for a favorite at this stage of the season since at least 2012. The previous record for the longest favorite was held by LSU running back Leonard Fournette, who had odds of +500 heading into Week 4 in 2015.

The current odds reflect the shifting landscape of college football, where the competition is fierce, and standout performances can quickly alter perceptions. This year’s Heisman race is particularly intriguing due to the lack of a dominant player, setting the stage for Mateer and Beck to capitalize on their early successes.

Preseason Favorites and Their Struggles

The Heisman race had initially centered around Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who started the season as the longest preseason favorite in over 15 years with odds of +650. However, Manning’s performance has not met expectations, leading to a significant drop in his odds to +3000. Despite this decline, he remains a popular choice among bettors, making him a liability for sportsbooks due to his name recognition and the volume of bets placed on him.

In addition to Manning, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was also a popular pick before the season began. However, an injury sustained during a 31-7 loss to Vanderbilt has caused his odds to plummet from +1400 to +5000. Furthermore, Cade Klubnik, who entered the season as a strong contender with odds of +900, has seen his chances diminish dramatically, now sitting at 100-1 due to poor performance and a 1-2 record with the Clemson Tigers.

Emerging Contenders

While Mateer and Beck have become the primary favorites, other quarterbacks are also making their presence felt in the Heisman race. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier has seen his odds shift from the favorite position to a current tie for third place with odds of +1300. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is also in contention, matching Nussmeier’s odds at +1300. Despite their strong starts, neither quarterback has garnered significant betting momentum, indicating that bettors are still cautious about their potential.

Interestingly, the Heisman race is not limited to quarterbacks this year. Two players outside of the traditional quarterback role have emerged as noteworthy contenders. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is currently listed at +1800, while Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has odds of +6000. Both players have attracted considerable attention from bettors, with Love, in particular, generating significant action at ESPN BET. ESPN BET senior trading director Adrian Horton noted that they would closely monitor Love’s performance as the season unfolds.

Conclusion

As the college football season continues, the Heisman Trophy race remains wide open, with John Mateer and Carson Beck taking the lead as favorites. The shifting dynamics and unpredictable performances have created an exciting atmosphere for fans and bettors alike. With several weeks still ahead in the season, it will be interesting to see how the odds evolve and which players can solidify their status as the top candidates for college football’s most coveted individual award.

Key Facts

– **Favorites**: John Mateer (Oklahoma) at +850, Carson Beck (Miami) at +700.
– **Longest Odds**: Current favorites represent the longest odds for a Heisman favorite at this point since 2012.
– **Preseason Favorite**: Arch Manning (Texas) started with odds of +650 but has dropped to +3000.
– **Injured Contender**: LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) has seen his odds fall from +1400 to +5000 due to injury.
– **Emerging Players**: Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) at +1800 and Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) at +6000 are notable non-quarterback contenders.

Source: www.espn.com