Every college football season brings a new wave of Heisman contenders, but some stand out before the first whistle blows. This year, a mix of proven stars and intriguing longshots have caught my eye. From a powerhouse Alabama offense with a rising quarterback to a Florida signal-caller ready to make a name for himself, the paths to glory are diverse. I am here to highlight the players I believe are worth watching—and betting on—before the award ceremony in December. Let us dive into the top picks and the value hidden in the odds.
Check out the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks. Plus, it’s not too late to add more futures to your portfolio so take some time to check out our Power Four Conference Previews below.
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Last Year: +13.32 units
Overall CFB Record Since 2022: 174-162-4 (+13.62u)
2025 Heisman Trophy Winner Betting Odds
Can Garrett Nussmeier lead the Tigers to the College Football Playoffs?
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of August 19, 2025 at 12:21 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
- Arch Manning: +600
- Cade Klubnik: +850
- Garrett Nussmeier: +1000
- Jeremiah Smith: +1200
- LaNorris Sellers: +1400
- Jeremiyah Love: +1600
- Carson Beck: +1800
- Ty Simpson: +1800
- Sam Leavitt: +2000
- Drew Allar: +2000
Heisman Trophy Best Bets – August 28
For those who are not aware, this is my favorite award in all of sports. I have minimal betting experience with this award, but I am a massive fan of trying to pick a player I would like to root for or predicting who may be standing on stage in early December.
I have a few names in mind. My initial lean is LSU’s gunslinger, Garrett Nussmeier, but I am not a fan of betting the favorites. I do not hate the 10/1 price on him, but I believe there is more value elsewhere. I can already see myself regretting not taking him in late October when he is -110 to win the award. That is the beauty of sports betting. For now, I am holding two Heisman trophy winner tickets. Let us get into it!
Ty Simpson – Alabama
I am either in love, overselling myself, or just a genius. It cannot be that last one, so let me explain. On paper, this Alabama team is a national championship contender. Their offensive line returns four starters, the running back room is as deep as ever, and Phil Steele ranks their receiving corps sixth in the country.
Ty Simpson is set up for nothing but success in this offense. If he can excel with the talent surrounding him, Alabama will cause a lot of damage in the SEC. That is nothing new for them, but it will be for second-year head coach Kalen DeBoer, who arrived last season after taking Washington to the national title game in 2023. I am a massive fan of trusting coaches in their second season at a new school. The first year is about figuring out everything and getting the right pieces together. Year two is when these are his guys, hand-picked and molded to the culture he wants—DeBoer’s Crimson Tide, not the Nick Saban’s Tide.
Beyond Simpson for the Heisman, I have also sprinkled Alabama to win the national title at 10/1. These futures correlate in my eyes. If Alabama thrives, it is largely because of their new quarterback. If the junior can make plays and dominate with the weapons around him, Alabama will look like the powerhouse we have known for the last two decades.
Bet: Ty Simpson Heisman Trophy Winner (+1800) odds via BetOnline
DJ Lagway – Florida
This play is sponsored by the CLV Warriors group chat, a collection of college football die-hard knuckleheads who landed on a Heisman longshot: Florida’s DJ Lagway.
Why Lagway? Is Billy Napier on the hottest seat in America? True, but last season, when Graham Mertz was injured, the highly regarded DJ Lagway stepped in and led the Gators to a 6-1 record, essentially saving Napier’s job—for now. The young quarterback threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, while adding over 100 yards on the ground during his time filling in.
If that raw talent can be molded, Lagway could become one of the most dangerous players in the country. Florida’s offense returns four starters on the offensive line, perfect for protecting their explosive, dual-threat quarterback. Phil Steele ranks this as one of the best offenses Billy Napier has had at Florida.
He will face a gauntlet of early tests this season:
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Week 3: at #9 LSU
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Week 4: at #10 Miami
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Week 5: vs. #1 Texas
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Week 6: at #19 Texas A&M
If Lagway can lead the Gators to a couple of wins against some of the nation’s top teams, his odds could drop quickly in the early weeks. It is a big ask to take down three top-ten teams in the first five weeks, but this is a longshot. He was once the number one ranked quarterback in the country. If he lives up to the hype, we have a real chance at cashing this one.
Bet: DJ Lagway Heisman Trophy Winner (+2200) odds via BetOnline
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