Arch Manning For Heisman And Texas To Win National Title Are

LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Manning name goes a long way - even for college football wagerers.


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


Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning is the early leader to record the Heisman Trophy, which would be one of the rare accomplishments his popular football family has not accomplished.


After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for 2 seasons, Manning finally gets his possibility to show what all the hype is about. Many gamblers are buying into it.


"I believe (buzz 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 leading teams in college football. (Bettors) took a look at the team last year and the quarterback was OK, but 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 agreement favorite to win all of it, though it's a crowded 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 broad receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a goal versus Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage (5) throughout the very 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 numerous sportsbooks to win the Heisman, consisting of a significant one at BetMGM at 6-1 odds. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik are next at 9-1 each.


"The story there with (Manning's) grandfather and his uncle missing out on out on the trophy, so I can see that storyline kind of evolving like that," CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall said. "Like, this is sort of a repayment for the Mannings this year, however we just haven't seen that much of him. Should he be up there ahead of Klubnik from Clemson? I would not think so, but he exists."


Colorado two-way gamer Travis Hunter's Heisman success last season was a rarity. Quarterbacks had won the award 20 of the previous 24 times.


Though odds are in the QBs' favor once again this season - the top three play that position - Ohio State pass receiver Jeremiah Smith might get a long appearance. 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 could see Smith winning the Heisman.


"A big-play component," Marshall said.


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


run similar to the U.S. Stock Market in which individuals invest cash, but critics - consisting of those in sportsbooks - concern whether it's sports wagering disguised as financial investment. Maryland, Nevada and New Jersey have taken legal action against Kalshi, arguing it violates state sports betting laws. Native American tribes in California and Wisconsin have made comparable arguments in their suits.


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


That doesn't satisfy the NCAA.


"Sport stability is vital for the NCAA, and we are deeply concerned by unregulated and unguarded markets that pose 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 examine developments of this market and deal with industry leaders to help ensure guardrails and regulations to secure 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 need to be a high seed to win the title. The Buckeyes entered as the eight seed, but powered through the field.


Bettors have actually noticed, 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 sort of coasted through the routine season and then really turned it on when they got to the playoffs," BetMGM sports trading supervisor Christian Cipollini stated. "A few of these groups are nearly guaranteed to get in with this expanded playoff. It's going to take a lot for Ohio State or Alabama, these actually 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 believe 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.


"An extremely simple 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 chances 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 been available 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 backing can either expect a big benefit or wager against them to ensure a profit.


"The chances are higher and (wagerers) take a look at them as groups that are perhaps making a relocation forward over the last couple of years," Avello stated.


AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football