Heisman Trophy Odds: Who Can Stop Caleb Williams From Winning It Again?

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

In 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 don't see a non-quarterback on the board until the 15th spot.

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

Naturally, last year's winner -- Caleb Williams -- leads the pack again for the 2023 award. However, only one player has ever won multiple Heisman Trophies: running back Archie Griffin (1974 and 1975). Do what you will with that information.

Let's break down the Heisman odds and take a look at some of the top options.

*Denotes 2022 Heisman Trophy winner

Caleb Williams, QB, USC (+500)

Williams has less than a month before he can begin campaigning for his second consecutive Heisman award. Even before that, he is already listed as a whopping favorite (-330) to be selected first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, per the NFL Draft odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Last year, Williams threw for more than 4,500 yards with 42 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions in his first season at USC. Williams came to Southern Cal from Oklahoma alongside head coach Lincoln Riley. Their run-n-gun style should allow the 2022 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year to have another massive season.

With a top-notch head coach and an offensive line that PFF ranks fifth in the nation, Williams checks a lot of boxes.

As an early treat, Williams is the only player in the top six of the Heisman market who plays in Week 0 -- the Trojans will take on San Jose State on August 26th, where they are currently 30.5-point home favorites.

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU (+1000)

Like Williams, Jayden Daniels is looking to thrive at his second university. In three dynamic seasons at Arizona State, Daniels was responsible for a total of 42 combined touchdowns (passing and rushing).

Last year, Daniels joined LSU. In one season for the "Bayou Bengals," he set a single-season personal-best mark in rushing yards, running for 885 yards and 11 scores on the ground; he also tied his career-best clip for touchdowns thrown (17).

Daniels is trending in the right direction. However, playing quarterback in a loaded SEC West Division can prove arduous. That can work both ways, though, as LSU's tough schedule will give Daniels plenty of spotlight games where he can shine.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington (+1200)

Going three-for-three, Michael Penix Jr. is another quarterback who has recently gone through the transfer portal. After playing for the Indiana Hoosiers, the lefty joined Washington in 2022.

With the Huskies last year, Penix led the Pac 12 in passing yardage (4,641) -- yes, even above Williams. On opposite ends of the conference, Washington and USC did not meet last season, but circle November 14th, 2023 on your calendar -- fireworks should fly from the quarterback spot when the Huskies and Trojans get together.

Worth mentioning, Penix ended last season with seven consecutive victories, including a win over Texas in the Alamo Bowl where he passed for 287 yards and two scores. If Washington is able to keep rolling and Penix continues to post big-time passing numbers, he could push for the Heisman.

Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas (+1200)

Speaking of the Longhorns, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is next on the Heisman Trophy odds list.

In only one season as the starter in Austin, Ewers showed many positive traits. In 2022, Ewers sported a 15-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Notably, he will have a member of football's first family behind him on the depth chart: Arch Manning. That should light a fire under Ewers to leave it all out on the field every week.

Like Williams, Ewers will have the benefit of operating behind a dominant offensive line. According to PFF, the Longhorns enter the year with the seventh-best O-line unit in the nation.

So, is Texas actually back?

Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State (+1600)

As one of the oldest players (age 23) on Heisman watch this season, Jordan Travis is returning to Florida State for a fifth season.

Travis is a dual-threat quarterback for the Seminoles. In 2022, he had his best year to date, passing for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns. On the ground, he added 7 more scores behind 417 rushing yards.

According to ESPN's college football QBR, Travis (85.3) was better last season than any player mentioned here with the exception of Williams (86.5). Yes, I am saying there is a chance that some hardware comes back to Tallahassee.

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson (+1600)

Cade Klubnik will look to carry on the recent tradition of stellar quarterback play at Clemson. With D.J. Uiagalelei having transferred to Oregon State, Klubnik will take control of the Tigers' offense.

Given Uiagalelei's inconsistent play in 2022, we saw a fair amount of Klubnik a year ago, especially toward the latter end of the season. In the ACC Championship game, Klubnik lead the Tigers past UNC, passing for 279 yards in a 39-10 trouncing.

In 2023, we'll see what Klubnik can produce in a full season taking the snaps.

Long Shots

• J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (+1800)

• Bo Nix, QB, Oregon (+1800)

• Drake Maye, QB, UNC (+1800)

• Sam Hartman, QB, Wake Forest (+1800)

• Kyle McCord, QB, Ohio State (+1800)

• Drew Allar, QB, Penn State (+2500)

• Joe Milton, QB, Tennessee (+2500)

• Marvin Harrison Jr.*, WR, Ohio State (+3000)

*Highest listed non-quarterback.

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.