by Ben Perks
Vegas oddsmakers have made C.J Stroud a +260 favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year. For large stretches of last season, he was the bookmakers’ favorite to get the honors. However, a poor finish for the Buckeyes led to Bryce Young of the Crimson Tide pipping him to the prestigious individual player award.
Unsurprisingly, mainly quarterbacks occupy the top spots on the opening Heisman Trophy oddsboard. Alabama is well represented in the Heisman odds, as three of the top five players will be hitting the field for the Tide this season.
View the latest 2022 Heisman Trophy odds and info on top contenders.
Heisman Trophy 2022 Winner Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) | +260 |
| Bryce Young (Alabama) | +650 |
| Caleb Williams (Oklahoma) | +900 |
| Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) | +1200 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) | +1400 |
| Tyler Van Dyke (Miami) | +2000 |
| Bijan Robinson (Texas) | +2800 |
| Anthony Richardson (Florida) | +2800 |
| Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma) | +2800 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) | +2800 |
| DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson) | +3300 |
| Jaxson Dart (USC) | +3300 |
| Will Levis (Kentucky) | +3300 |
| Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) | +4000 |
| TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) | +4000 |
| Quinn Ewers (Texas) | +4000 |
| KJ Jefferson (Arkansas) | +5000 |
| Hendon Hooker (Tennessee) | +5000 |
| Jordan Addison (Pittsburgh) | +5000 |
| Brennan Armstrong (Virginia) | +5000 |
| Braelon Allen (Wisconsin) | +6000 |
C.J. Stroud
Stroud ended 2021 with some incredible numbers. The QB threw for 1,187 yards (395.7 yards per game), 13 touchdowns, and conceded no interceptions in his final three games.
However, after a loss to Michigan killed off the Buckeyes’ hopes of making the playoffs, Stroud didn’t get the game time needed to win the Heisman Trophy.
This season, the Buckeyes could easily be one of the best teams in the country…
This season, the Buckeyes could easily be one of the best teams in the country thanks to its fourth-ranked recruiting class – Ohio State has secured the services of two five-star recruits and 14 four-star recruits.
As Stroud will share the backfield with star running back TreVeyon Henderson and have four-star recruits Caleb Burton and Kaleb Brown at his disposal, online sportsbooks believe he has the perfect supporting cast to win the award.
Bryce Young
After throwing for 4,872 yards and bagging 47 touchdown passes against just seven interceptions, Young was the driving force behind the Crimson Tide’s trip to the national championship game. His outstanding performances also led him to win the 2021 Heisman Trophy.
Although he’s not the opening favorite, Vegas oddsmakers think he has a decent chance of holding on to the award.
Alabama has, as always, one of the best recruiting classes (2nd in the nation). The Tide signed three five-star recruits and 19 four-stars.
…Young has all the tools needed to take the Tide far and win the individual player award for the second year in a row.
Five-star recruits Emmanuel Henderson will have a massive role in the Alabama offense. Henderson ranks as the No. 1 player at the running back position in this class. Another key player will No. 3-ranked wide receiver Shazz Preston.
Therefore, Young has all the tools needed to take the Tide far and win the individual player award for the second year in a row.
Caleb Williams
Beginning the 2021 season as a backup to Spencer Rattler (an opening Heisman Trophy favorite) few thought Caleb William would be a top contender.
However, after Rattler struggled to get going with the Sooners, Williams stepped in and threw for 1,912 yards to go along with 21 touchdowns and four interceptions in just 11 games.
Also, he has more to his game than a quality arm – the sophomore ended with 442 yards rushing and six more touchdowns.
Barnes is the 10th-best running back in the class and should open up the field for Williams with his lightning speed.
Although Williams won’t have the same quality tools as Young and Stroud, he won’t be complaining too much: Oklahoma has 15 four-star recruits and six three-star recruits – one of which is running back Jovantae Barnes.
Barnes is the 10th-best running back in the class and should open up the field for Williams with his lightning speed.
At the moment, wagering on this 19-year-old to win the Heisman Trophy looks like a solid option at +900.
Heisman Trophy Value Bet: Quinn Ewers
This unknown contender could be a dark horse to lift the Heisman. The 19-year-old started last season at Ohio State but didn’t take the field because of C.J. Stroud.
However, the Texan has gone back home to play for the Longhorns this year. The QB was the No. 1 prospect in college football last year and will now be starting for a team teeming with quality.
The QB was the No. 1 prospect in college football last year and will now be starting for a team teeming with quality.
His weapons include Bijan Robinson – one of the best running backs in the nation. Also, the Longhorns have the fifth-best recruiting class and the most commits (27). Top recruits are offensive tackle Kelvin Banks (five-star recruit) and wide receiver Brenen Thompson (four-star).
As Texas has all the pieces to make a run in 2022, Ewers represents great betting value at +4000.
Opening Odds of Recent Heisman Trophy Winners
| Year | Winner | Preseason Odds | Closing Odds | Preseason Favorite (Odds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Bryce Young | +900 | -3500 | Spencer Rattler (+550) |
| 2020 | DeVonta Smith | +6600 | -200 | Justin Fields (+450) |
| 2019 | Joe Burrow | +4000 | -12500 | Tua Tagovailoa (+250) |
| 2018 | Kyler Murray | +3000 | +700 | Tua Tagovailoa (+400) |
| 2017 | Baker Mayfield | +700 | -1800 | Sam Darnold (+500) |
| 2016 | Lamar Jackson | +10000 | -1350 | Deshaun Watson (+450) |
| 2015 | Derrick Henry | +2500 | -465 | Trevone Boykin (+650) |
| 2014 | Marcus Mariota | +425 | -1500 | Marcus Mariota (+425) |
| 2013 | Jameis Winston | +600 | -15000 | Teddy Bridgewater (+450) |
| 2012 | Johnny Manziel | N/A | -1000 | Matt Barkley (+300) |
| 2011 | Robert Griffin III | +2800 | -1000 | Andrew Luck (+325) |
| 2010 | Cam Newton | N/A | -450 | Mark Ingram (+450) |
| 2009 | Mark Ingram | N/A | -250 | Tim Tebow (+225) |
View the latest betting lines for all college football games.
Image credit: Maize & Blue Nation, CC BY 2.0
Ben is a sports journalist & part-time trader with a passion for finding +EV bets. Ben lives in Madrid, Spain where he enjoys the live poker scene, and sunshine where he covers UFC, MLB, NHL, NBA, as well as tennis betting.
