Heisman Trophy Odds Update: Nix Takes Top Spot After Routing USC

The Heisman Trophy is one of the most coveted awards in American athletics.

For the modern era, the accolade is typically awarded to the nation's best quarterback, but it is not intended as such; that would be the Davey O'Brien Award.

Still, via the college football odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, we are seeing one particular non-quarterback on the rise: Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. At just six-to-one, Harrison is a legit contender in the market; he scored three total touchdowns last weekend versus the Michigan State Spartans.

However, only three players in the past 17 seasons have won the Heisman at a position other than signal-caller. Most recently, wideout DeVonta Smith accomplished the feat before going on to shine with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Last year's trophy winner, Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams, just lengthened in the market after losing a high-scoring affair versus the Oregon Ducks -- Williams is now 200-to-1 in the Heisman Trophy odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Oregon signal-caller Bo Nix was on the other side of the contest in Eugene. Nix dazzled, tossing the football for more than 400 yards in the conference win. As your new market leader, Nix now sits atop the Heisman board at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Additionally, you'll notice Louisiana State Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels is back on the list after exiting versus the Alabama Crimson Tide with concussion symptoms two weeks back. This last week, Daniels put the Tigers on his back en route to defeating the Florida Gators.

Let's break down some of the Heisman candidates to this point in the season and their respective odds to bring home college football's most celebrated individual award.

All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

*Denotes 2022 Heisman Trophy winner

Heisman Trophy Odds

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon (-110)

As alluded to, Bo Nix has been pulling all the right strings as of late. The Auburn Tigers' transfer is shining in more ways than one in his second season at Oregon. Through 10 games this season, Nix shows the third-highest QBR (87.3) in FBS. On the ground, he has done well to run in five scores of his own.

Last weekend against the Trojans, Nix outdueled the most recent Heisman winner (Williams), completing 23 of 31 pass attempts for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns in the home victory. So far, that has been his highest yardage output of the 2023 season.

Nix has been a model of consistency in the current campaign. He has thrown for multiple scores in every game this year, committing only two interceptions. That leaves Nix with a 29:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2023 before even factoring in his 5 rushing scores.

Sporting a sizzling 77.7% completion clip right now, Nix is absolutely deserving of the Heisman Trophy. After Marcus Mariota, Nix would be only the second Heisman in Oregon history. Still, Nix will need to hold strong, as the latter of their two remaining regular season games comes against the rival Oregon State Beavers.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington (+370)

Washington southpaw slinger Michael Penix Jr. has the Huskies at a perfect 10-0 overall, yet his odds in the Heisman Trophy market at FanDuel Sportsbook almost tripled since defeating the Utah Utes last Saturday -- what gives?

Penix has been the majority leader for college football's most prestigious award over the past month, and when you review his numbers, that certainly checks out. The lefty has already compiled 28 passing touchdowns in 2023. On 9.7 yards per attempt, Penix is moving the rock at a prolific rate.

Last Saturday, the Huskies outlasted the Utes at home. Penix was not as efficient as he's been in some other contests this season, showing a 57.1% passing clip for the game, his lowest in any single game this year. Regardless, the Washington quarterback made myriad big plays, including a clutch 33-yard touchdown strike to star receiver Rome Odunze in the final quarter.

Like Nix and the Ducks, Penix and the Huskies have a looming test against Oregon State. However, Washington will face the Beavers in front of Corvallis' strong home-field advantage. That game is only five days away -- can Penix use the adverse moment to catapult back to being the Heisman favorite?

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU (+370)

If anyone was unsure about Jayden Daniels after Alabama knocked him out of a game two weeks ago, those concerns were put to rest in the following contest against Florida. Due to uncertain playing status against the Gators, Daniels was briefly removed from Heisman betting at FanDuel Sportsbook.

But the LSU quarterback suited up versus UF and had arguably the best outing of his college career. Daniels completed just 17 passes last Saturday, but he amassed 372 passing yards and 3 scores through the air. To set himself above, Daniels added another 234 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing. His two TDs on the ground both came from more than 50 yards out.

Daniels' showing versus the Gators felt like that quintessential Heisman-winning performance. However, LSU has already lost three games in 2023, which doesn't help Daniels' cause. Still, Daniels has produced 38 total touchdowns this year while throwing only 4 picks. With a resume like that, he will not be ignored.

This upcoming weekend, Daniels and the Tigers will host the Georgia State Panthers. Can the signal-caller use the non-conference bid to have another dominant game?

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State (+600)

As the lone non-QB with authentic Heisman contention, Marvin Harrison Jr. has Buckeye supporters and NFL scouts equally extremely excited. On an insanely talented Ohio State squad, Harrison is definitively their most prolific offensive player.

In 2023, Harrison is already approaching his personal-best touchdown total of 14; he currently sits on a dozen scores after a show-stopping effort against Michigan State. In terms of yards per catch, Harrison shows a lofty 16.8-yard clip on 59 receptions.

That most recent game -- which included two scores through the air and one on the ground -- put Harrison over 1,000 receiving yards for the second time in three seasons at OSU. Of all the talented wideouts to play in Columbus, Harrison is the first at his position to log multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the Buckeyes.

Of course, Harrison is the son of an NFL Hall-of-Fame wide receiver. Marvin Harrison Sr. is one of the best to ever do it, having caught the fifth-most balls (1,102) in league history. With that sort of pedigree and background, the younger Harrison has a future as bright as the sun.

However, in terms of the Heisman market, Harrison will need an iconic performance at the archrival Michigan Wolverines to close out the regular season.

Longshots

• Carson Beck, QB, Georgia (+3500)

• Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama (+5000)

• Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State (+6000)

• J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (+12000)

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.