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 wagerers.


Top-ranked Texas is preferred to win the championship game, which would be its first since Vince Young rushed into the Rose Bowl end zone 20 years ago to distress Southern California.


Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to catch the Heisman Trophy, which would be among the unusual accomplishments his famous football family has actually not accomplished.


After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for 2 seasons, Manning lastly gets his possibility to reveal what all the buzz has to do with. Many gamblers are purchasing into it.


"I believe (hype is) a huge part of it," stated 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 group last year and the quarterback was OK, however I wouldn't 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 agreement favorite to win all of it, 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 between 7-1 and 9-1.


FILE - Ohio State pass receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a touchdown against 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 preferred at several sportsbooks to win the Heisman, including a considerable 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) grandpa and his uncle missing out on out on the prize, so I can see that storyline type of developing like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall stated. "Like, this is sort of a repayment for the Mannings this year, however we simply have not seen that much of him. Should he be up there ahead of Klubnik from Clemson? I wouldn't believe so, but he's there."


Colorado two-way gamer Travis Hunter's Heisman victory 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 pass receiver Jeremiah Smith could get a long look. BetMGM lists him at 10-1 to take home the trophy.


He has received the second-most bets at the sportsbook, behind only Manning, and Marshall said he might see Smith winning the Heisman.


"A big-play aspect," Marshall stated.


Robinhood announced Tuesday it was partnering with fellow online predictions market company Kalshi to start accepting trades on college and professional football video games.


Predictions markets operate similar to the U.S. Stock Exchange in which people invest money, but critics - including those in sportsbooks - concern whether it's sports wagering disguised as investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have actually sued Kalshi, arguing it violates state sports wagering laws. Native American people in California and Wisconsin have made similar arguments in their lawsuits.


Robinhood and Kalshi compete their business are controlled by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.


That does not please the NCAA.


"Sport stability is vital for the NCAA, and we are deeply worried by uncontrolled and vulnerable markets that pose a threat to competitors integrity and student-athlete safety," Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president of external affairs, stated in a statement. "We will continue to evaluate advancements of this market and work with industry leaders to help ensure guardrails and policies to protect NCAA competitors, student-athletes, coaches and authorities."


Ohio State showed last season in the very first year of the 12-team playoff that a group didn't require to be a high seed to win the title. The Buckeyes entered as the eight seed, however powered through the field.


Bettors have seen, with more wagers going on the under of 10 1/2 wins for Ohio State, causing 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 sort of cruised through the regular season and after that actually turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading supervisor Christian Cipollini said. "Some of these teams are nearly ensured to ingratiate this broadened playoff. It's going to take a lot for Ohio State or Alabama, these truly prominent schools, to not make it."


Boise State became the very first group from outside the power conferences to make the playoffs, and bettors 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," said Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars. "There's high expectations that they're going to be great."


Boise State is a -160 favorite at BetMGM to win the Mountain West, with UNLV next at +700. But as far as that sportsbook's chances to win the nationwide champion, the Rebels are 200-1 compared to 250-1 for the Broncos.


"That surprises me," Cipollini said.


Avello said cash has actually come in on No. 20 Indiana (+500) and No. 23 Texas Tech (+450) at DraftKings to win the title.


Avello said if either makes the postseason field, those support can either expect a huge payoff or them to guarantee a profit.


"The odds are greater and (gamblers) look at them as teams that are perhaps 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