Heisman Trophy Predictions & Odds 2025: Carson Beck Is Unstoppable Right Now

• Carson Beck is atop the Heisman Trophy odds at +800

• Jeremiah Smith is the highest non-quarterback on the Heisman Trophy odds at +1200.

• Beck and John Mateer are the only players with odds better than +1000

Week 3 of the college football season is in the books, and there’s been plenty of movement on the Heisman Trophy odds. 

Atop the odds now is the signal-caller for the Miami Hurricanes, who transferred in from Georgia last season.  

Below, I’ll examine the latest Heisman Trophy odds, examine some predictions, make a pick, and fill you in on the history of the coveted award. 

Let’s dive in.

Heisman Trophy Odds

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Create an account at FanDuel and claim the promo offer: Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.

Heisman Trophy Predictions

We’re through three weeks of the 2025-26 college football season, and players are starting to separate themselves from the pack a little bit, but at the same time, we’re still waiting on some big-time matchups. 

Below, I’ll discuss three options following Week 3: 

• John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma Sooners (+900): Through three weeks, Mateer has completed 67.6% of his passes for 933 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He’s also run 33 times for 161 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a bit of a wild man when it comes to throwing the ball around, but he more than makes up for it. In Week 3, he had an interception, but that was more a result of the defensive back ripping the ball from a Sooner receiver's hands. Mateer is also averaging nine yards per pass attempt, and when pressured, he has not thrown a single interception, still pushing the ball downfield with a 10.2 yards per attempt average. Next up is Auburn in Week 4. 

• Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes (+1200): While the competition has only been Grambling State and Ohio since beating Texas in Week 1, Smith, to date, has caught 20 passes on 26 targets for 315 yards and three touchdowns. He had 153 yards and a score in Week 3. Smith has also caught all three of his passes 20-plus yards downfield for 176 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 4, Ohio State has a bye, but in Week 5, they’re on the road against Washington. 

• Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers (+2500): Although the competition for Mendoza hasn’t been stellar to start the season, he has been excellent for Indiana. Through three matchups, he’s completed 55 of 78 passes (70.5%) for 708 yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions. In Week 3, he unloaded on Indiana State, completing 19 of 20 passes for 270 yards and five touchdowns. Of course, it’s just Indiana State, though. This pick could change after Week 4, though, as Mendoza and the Hoosiers host the No. 9 team in the country, Illinois. 

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Heisman Trophy Winner - My Pick

John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma (+900) at FanDuel Sportsbook

I mentioned Mateer above, and right now, he’s my pick to win the award. He’s second in the odds behind Miami (FL) quarterback Carson Beck, but I believe he has a skill set better suited to win the Heisman Trophy. 

In 2024, he had 15 rushing touchdowns. If he can continue that production and keep this current passing trajectory up, he may be difficult to take down.

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How to Bet on the Heisman Trophy Odds

The only way to bet on the Heisman Trophy winner is to wager on the Heisman Trophy futures betting market. This is a prominent market that changes almost daily, especially when the season is in progress.

Additionally, you can wager on your favorite players for the Heisman Trophy every week with their player props. For example, if you wanted to bet on LaNorris Sellers, you could wager on his rushing yards. 

How to Read Heisman Trophy Odds

When reading odds for the Heisman Trophy, you’ll come across those labeled with a “+” and some with a “-.”

Typically, “+” indicates the underdog, whereas “-” indicates a favorite. If all players are “+,” then the player with the lowest number is considered the favorite. Conversely, if all players are “-,” the player with the highest number is considered the favorite. 

Here’s how to best interpret betting odds: 

• With “-” odds, you must wager the amount associated with the odds to win $100. For example, if a player is -150 to win the Heisman Trophy, you must wager $150 to win $100. 

• With “+” odds, you’ll win the amount associated with the odds when you place a successful $100 bet. For example, if a player is +150 and you bet $100 and win, you’ll get $150. 

Of course, you can wager more or less than $100, but those examples outline the best way to interpret these odds. 

Where to Bet on the Heisman Trophy Winner

While some states restrict college player props, the Heisman Trophy winner is a futures bet and a safe betting market. If you are interested in wagering on odds-on Heisman favorites through game-by-game player props, check out our sports betting map to see if sports betting, including on college football, is available in your state. 

Here are two sportsbooks I enjoy checking out when betting on the Heisman Trophy winner. 

• FanDuel Sportsbook: The welcome bonus is new player-friendly, and the odds are always competitive. The current promo offer for new users is quite generous, no promo code is required: Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.

• Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars offers various promotions throughout the college football season and routinely has odds boosts that can increase your winnings on markets such as college football. Use our promo code WSN20X and claim the following promo offer at Caesars: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Next 20 Bets.

Heisman Trophy Winner History

The Heisman Trophy is voted on by more than 920 sports journalists, previous Heisman winners, and a fan vote. In 2024, there were 928 votes. So, each year, at least one new vote is added. The award is given to the most outstanding player in college football. 

Since 2000, quarterbacks have won it 20 times. Until 2024-25, a defensive player hadn’t won it since Charles Woodson did as a member of the Michigan Wolverines in 1997. Then, in 2024-25, Colorado Buffaloes cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter won it. 

This trophy is essentially the MVP award of the college football season. 

The first award was given to Chicago halfback Jay Berwanger in 1935. 

See all winners since 2010 below.