It’s March 1st. Spring games are still about 2 months away, but the Heisman is on my mind. When is the best time to beat Vegas? When they’re focused on college basketball! You can BET that I did some digging and found 3 Heisman bets you should (responsibly) place with a few extra bucks you have lying around. Warning: There are some very, very long shots so don’t expect too much.
Jordan Travis +1200 (FanDuel)
I am one of many CFB talking heads (checkout the Is It Saturday Yet? podcast) who will be very high on Florida State this year. The Seminoles went 10-3 in 2022 with their 3 losses coming in consecutive weeks all to ranked, conference opponents. With Travis at the helm last year, FSU averaged 36 points per game. Travis threw for 3200 yards with 24 TDs and only 5 INT. Mix in 400 rush yards and 7 rush TDs and Travis has established himself as a legitimate Heisman candidate in 2023 with the return of future first round WR, Johnny Wilson.
Tanner Mordecai +12000 (FanDuel)
This might seem like a homer pick. That’s because it is, but just hear me out. Mordecai spent 3 years in Norman, Oklahoma watching Kyler Murray win a Heisman and Jalen Hurts be a runner up. He then took his talents to Dallas, TX where he threw for 7100 yards and 72 touchdowns. Mordecai also ran for 300 yards and 4 TDs in those 2 years. Now, in his swan song, Mordecai comes up north to Madison, Wisconsin. First year HC Luke Fickell brought in Phil Longo who coordinated North Carolina’s potent passing offense. With Ohio State losing their starting QB and WR and the Big Ten West seeing many coaching changes in the carousel, Wisconsin’s proven vets and highly touted coaching give this Heisman bet its merit.
Shedeur Sanders +15000 (FanDuel)
You likely had a visceral reaction reading that name. With most of the focus on Shedeur’s father, Deion Sanders, and his every move as the Colorado head coach, it allows Shedeur to work in peace. Last year, in the FCS, Sanders threw for 3700 yards and 40 touchdowns. You may not be impressed, but Shedeur is as legitimate a talent as there is in the FBS. All eyes will be on Colorado which will absolutely help his cause as long as he plays well and the Buffs can win a LOT of games.
They may be some longshots, but these Heisman bets have some value this early in the year.