LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Manning name goes a long way - even for college football wagerers.
Top-ranked Texas is preferred to win the nationwide champion, which would be its very first considering that Vince Young rushed into the Rose Bowl end zone twenty years ago to distress Southern California.
Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to capture the Heisman Trophy, which would be among the unusual achievements his famous football family has actually not achieved.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, Manning finally gets his opportunity to show what all the hype has to do with. Many wagerers are purchasing into it.
"I think (hype is) a huge part of it," said Johnny Avello, DraftKings Sportsbook race and sports operations director. "The group has made strides to end up being one of the top groups in college football. (Bettors) looked at the group last year 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 it all, though it's a congested field. The Longhorns are +450 favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook, followed by third-ranked and protecting champion Ohio State (+525 ). Four other teams - No. 2 Penn State, No. 4 Clemson, No. 5 Georgia and No. 7 Oregon - are in between 7-1 and 9-1.
FILE - Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a goal versus Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage (5) throughout the 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 likewise is the favorite at multiple sportsbooks to win the Heisman, consisting of a significant one at BetMGM at 6-1 chances. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik are next at 9-1 each.
"The storyline there with (Manning's) grandfather and his uncle missing out on the prize, so I can see that story type of evolving like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall said. "Like, this is sort of a payback for the Mannings this year, but we simply haven't seen that much of him. Should he be up there ahead of Klubnik from Clemson? I wouldn't think so, however he's there."
Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter's Heisman triumph last season was a rarity. Quarterbacks had actually won the award 20 of the previous 24 times.
Though odds are in the QBs' favor again this season - the leading three play that position - Ohio State pass receiver Jeremiah Smith might get a long look. BetMGM lists him at 10-1 to take home the prize.
He has gotten the second-most bets at the sportsbook, behind just Manning, and Marshall said he could see Smith winning the Heisman.
"A big-play aspect," Marshall said.
Robinhood announced Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online predictions market company Kalshi to start accepting trades on college and professional football games.
Predictions markets run comparable to the U.S. Stock Exchange in which people invest money, however critics - consisting of those in sportsbooks - question whether it's sports betting disguised as investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have actually 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 compete their companies are controlled by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
That does not please the NCAA.
"Sport stability is critical for the NCAA, and we are deeply worried by uncontrolled and unguarded markets that present a hazard to competitors stability and student-athlete security," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, said in a declaration. "We will continue to evaluate developments of this market and work with industry leaders to assist make sure guardrails and policies to safeguard NCAA competition, student-athletes, coaches and authorities."
Ohio State revealed last season in the very first year of the 12-team playoff that a group didn't need to be a high seed to win the title. The Buckeyes entered as the 8 seed, but powered through the field.
Bettors have actually seen, 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 seemed like they kind of drifted through the routine season and after that actually turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading supervisor Christian Cipollini stated. "Some of these teams are almost guaranteed to get in with this expanded playoff. It's going to take a lot for Ohio State or Alabama, these truly prominent schools, to not make it."
Boise State ended up being the first string from outside the power conferences to make the playoffs, and wagerers think 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.
"A very easy schedule," stated Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars. "There's high expectations that they're going to be good."
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 odds to win the championship game, the Rebels are 200-1 compared to 250-1 for the Broncos.
"That surprises me," Cipollini stated.
Avello stated money has actually can be found 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 expect a huge reward or wager against them to ensure an earnings.
"The chances are higher and (bettors) take a look at them as groups that are possibly making a move 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
