For the remainder of the college football season, Yahoo Sports will feature the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy on a weekly basis, including their odds via BetMGM. This week, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has a tremendous opportunity.
Daniels and the 14th-ranked LSU Tigers are set to face off against the 8th-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in a crucial SEC West matchup in Tuscaloosa. Alabama holds a perfect 5-0 record in SEC play and a win would put them in a strong position to reach the conference title game. On the other hand, LSU sits at 4-1 in conference play and a victory would greatly enhance their chances of defending their division title.
While LSU has suffered a loss to 10th-ranked Ole Miss, who also holds a 4-1 SEC record, the Rebels are scheduled to play 2nd-ranked Georgia next Saturday. If Ole Miss loses in Athens and LSU pulls off an upset win over Alabama, the Tigers would have the advantage in the standings over both Ole Miss and Alabama.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels could solidify his position in the Heisman race if he leads his team to a victory in Alabama this weekend. Despite LSU being out of contention for the national championship with two losses, Daniels currently holds the third-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy at BetMGM.
Daniels has been a standout performer this season, putting up impressive numbers. He has thrown for 2,573 yards and 25 touchdowns with only three interceptions, completing 73.1% of his passes. Daniels leads the nation in touchdown passes, yards per attempt, and quarterback rating. Additionally, he ranks fourth in passing yards and sixth in completion percentage. On top of his passing prowess, he has also rushed for 521 yards and five touchdowns so far this year.
Currently listed at +450 in the Heisman Trophy odds, Daniels’ chances of winning are likely to skyrocket if he delivers a stellar performance leading LSU to victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him rise to the top of the odds board.
Other notable contenders in the Heisman race include Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (+275), who has faced some challenges in recent weeks but still leads the country in passing yards and passing yards per game. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (+300) has been outstanding, with the Wolverines remaining undefeated this season. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (+600) made a significant move in the odds after a standout performance against Utah, leading his team to victory. Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis (+800) has been instrumental in FSU’s success, and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (+1300) has been the standout non-quarterback in the race.
There are several other players on the radar, including Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, USC quarterback Caleb Williams, Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, and Michigan running back Blake Corum, among others.
As the college football season progresses, these players will continue to compete for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, displaying their skills and making their case for the award.
