Beck, Ewers lead crowded pack of Heisman contenders

Tony Reyes
By , Updated on: May 28, 2024 12:00 AM
Beck, Ewers lead crowded pack of Heisman contenders

Over the past month, most college football spring games have taken place, allowing teams to finalize their offseason practices and fans to get their first glimpse of the top squads and players for 2024. 

These games have significantly heightened the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Heisman Trophy race, and the betting odds clearly reflect this. 

There will be no shortage of Online college football betting as the college football season kicks off, and every game becomes a high-stakes chess match.

Standout performances from quarterbacks like Miami's Cam Ward and Tennessee's rising star Nico Iamaleava have already significantly impacted the race for the prestigious award, shaping it well ahead of Week 1.

With previous winners Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels moving on to the NFL, this year's Heisman Trophy race is wide open. It promises a first-time winner and adds an element of unpredictability and thrill to the competition. 

Carson Beck from Georgia and Quinn Ewers from Texas, newcomers to the Heisman Trophy race, lead the pack as favorites to make their mark in college football history.

As is typical in the modern era, quarterbacks dominate the list of primary candidates for the sport's most coveted individual award.

2024 Heisman Trophy Odds

BetOnlineBovadaBetUS
Carson Beck+850+900+800
Quinn Ewers+950+900+800
Dillon Gabriel+1000+1000+1000
Jaxson Dart+1200+1000+1800
Jalen Milroe+1400+1100+1400
Will Howard+1600+1500+1400
Jackson Arnold+1800+1800+2800
Nico Imaleava+2000+1500+2000
Conor Weigman+2000+1800+4000
Cam Ward+2000+2000+2200
Garrett Nussmeier+2200+2000+2200
Riley Leonard+2200+2000+2800
Sheduer Sanders+2500+1700+3500
Noah Fifita+2500+2000+2500

Carson Beck

Let's start with the prohibitive favorite, Carson Beck from Georgia.

Carson Beck has emerged as the early Heisman favorite without a standout quarterback returning to college football this season. Beck had an impressive year as QB1, throwing for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns. 

He adapted well as Georgia’s starting quarterback, leading the Bulldogs to the SEC Championship and solidifying stability at the position for 2024 after announcing his decision to return before the Orange Bowl.

Although Georgia missed out on the College Football Playoff this year, expectations are high for 2024, with Beck entering the season as a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.

Beck is viewed as a potential top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and played a crucial role in leading Georgia to a 13-1 record in his first season as a starter.

While Beck may have a different dynamic play style than the last two Heisman winners, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, he excels as an efficient pocket passer. 

Under his leadership, the Bulldogs scored the fifth-most points per game in the country last season (40.1). Being a recognizable name is advantageous in a Heisman campaign, and Beck is one of the more prominent quarterbacks in college football. 

Playing for the SEC Championship favorite also bolsters his profile. Despite losing key players like Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey to the NFL, Georgia remains loaded with talent.

Head coach Kirby Smart has bolstered the roster through the transfer portal, adding Trevor Etienne, Colbie Young, and London Humphreys. 

Additionally, receivers Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell, and Rara Thomas will return to Athens. BetUS has him priced at +800, which feels about right. I could see it happening, but I prefer some other contender's prices. 

Carson Beck To win 2024 Heisman Trophy
BetUS
+800

Quinn Ewers

Texas has every reason to be excited about its quarterback situation. Quinn Ewers shares the best odds to win the Heisman Trophy with Carson Beck, and Arch Manning has just completed an impressive spring. 

Despite Manning's progress, this is firmly Ewers' team. Ewers can potentially lead the Longhorns back to the College Football Playoff and possibly to a national championship.

Last season was Ewers' best in college, and if he continues to improve this fall, he could reach the high expectations that made him the top prospect in the 2021 recruiting class.

As a two-year starter and the quarterback who led Texas to the 2023 College Football Playoff, Ewers brings significant experience as the Longhorns transition into the SEC.

Weekly matchups against SEC defenses will give Ewers ample opportunities to showcase his talent, bolstering his candidacy for the Heisman and his prospects for the NFL.

Having already spent much of 2023 as a Heisman contender, the anticipation surrounding Ewers is expected to intensify in the upcoming season.

These odds feel a tad low for me as I would pass on Beck and Ewers at these prices.

Quinn Ewers To win 2024 Heisman Trophy
BetUS
+800

Dillon Gabriel

Oregon transformed Bo Nix into a Heisman Trophy finalist last year, and their offensive system seems perfectly suited for newcomer Dillon Gabriel. 

Gabriel's accuracy and playmaking abilities should remind Ducks fans of their outgoing quarterback, keeping the program competitive for its first national title. 

More than just a bridge to future star Dante Moore, Gabriel is one of the top passers in college football this season and is surrounded by the tools he needs to excel.

One of the most high-profile transfers in this cycle, Gabriel is heading to Oregon to replace Bo Nix, aiming to ensure the Ducks maintain their Heisman presence in 2024 as they transition to the Big Ten. 

Gabriel had a standout year at Oklahoma, throwing for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns while adding 373 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. 

He arrives in Oregon as the No. 5-ranked transfer in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings and the No. 2 quarterback, just behind Moore.

I love betting on Gabriel at 10-1 odds here. I am a fan of what Dan Lanning has done for the program and believe Gabriel is set up for success in Eugene.

Dillon Gabriel To win 2024 Heisman Trophy
BetUS
+1000

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Jalen Milroe

Despite a challenging start to the 2023 season, Jalen Milroe's resilience and determination shone through as he found his stride. Leveraging his dual-threat capabilities, he led Alabama to the College Football Playoff. 

Already a formidable runner, Milroe is well-positioned to be a leading Heisman Trophy candidate. 

If he continues to develop his passing game, building on a solid foundation of completing 65.8% of his throws for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns against six interceptions, Milroe could emerge as the top quarterback in next year's NFL Draft.

Milroe's impressive stats included 2,834 passing yards, 531 rushing yards, and a total of 35 touchdowns. 

Returning in 2024, Milroe capitalized on a solid finish to the season, which landed him in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting.

Although he faced challenges in the Rose Bowl against Michigan, he aims to carry the momentum from 2023 into the upcoming season as Alabama navigates the revamped SEC. 

With the guidance of new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer—who has a proven track record of developing players like Michael Penix Jr. into first-round NFL draft picks—Jalen Milroe's potential for growth and improvement is promising. 

This is another value bet, pairing Milroe with DeBoer will only enhance his passing abilities and numbers, +1400 is a great find here.

Jalen Milroe To win 2024 Heisman Trophy
BetUS
+1400

Nico Iamaleava

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has praised Nico Iamaleava's progress as he prepares for his first season as the program's starting quarterback. 

The sophomore's impressive development suggests he's poised for a standout debut campaign. A former five-star recruit, 

Iamaleava started his first career in last year's Citrus Bowl, scoring four touchdowns and quickly becoming a fan favorite. With 120 in-season snaps and two offseasons of preparation, Iamaleava is ready for the spotlight.

Iamaleava's stellar performance in the Citrus Bowl showcased his potential. As he steps into the starting role at Tennessee, he is considered a strong candidate for the 2024 Heisman Trophy.

In the bowl game against a formidable Iowa defense, Iamaleava accounted for four touchdowns—three rushing and one passing—while throwing for 151 yards, earning the game's offensive MVP award. 

As the likely starter for the upcoming season, anticipation is high that On3's top 2023 recruit will significantly impact Rocky Top.

Nico Iamaleava To win 2024 Heisman Trophy
BetUS
+2000

Shedeur Sanders

Now we will discuss the long shot, Shedeur Sanders. One of the famous names in the Heisman race is Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, although calling him a "sleeper" might be a stretch. 

As one of the biggest names in college football, Sanders is a quarterback who could have been among the top passers in the 2024 NFL Draft.

After transferring from Jackson State to Colorado alongside his father, Deion Sanders, last offseason, Shedeur Sanders emerged as the primary reason the Buffaloes managed a 4-8 record with an almost entirely new roster. 

With the Pac-12 dissolved, Sanders will aim to change Colorado's fortunes in the Big 12. Despite the team's struggles, Sanders excelled, throwing for 3,230 yards and totaling 31 touchdowns in his first season.

It's evident that Sanders is one of the most talented quarterbacks returning in 2024, but the question remains whether the rest of the roster will be strong enough to support a Heisman Trophy campaign.

Shedeur Sanders To win 2024 Heisman Trophy
BetUS
+3500

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Meet the author

Tony Reyes

With years of experience as an analyst, Tony brings an expert voice to picks and predictions. His passion for sports betting is evident in his coverage, which not only informs and entertains but also shares his love for the game. When he's not watching or covering t...

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