Heisman Trophy Odds and Predictions 2026: CJ Carr and Arch Manning Battling at the Top

Since 1935, the Heisman Memorial Trophy has stood as the undisputed pinnacle of individual achievement in college football, but the race for the iconic bronze stiff-arm is inextricably linked to the sport's ultimate team prize.

Because individual dominance on the gridiron so heavily correlates with elite postseason success, identifying the best betting value for the award usually begins by evaluating the top contenders on the NCAAF National Championship odds board.

From highly touted preseason quarterbacks carrying the weight of blue-blood programs to dark-horse athletes making unexpected late-season surges, predicting who will capture college football's most prestigious honor remains one of the most captivating futures markets in all of sports.

Heisman Trophy Odds

Check the table below for the latest odds for the Heisman Trophy Winner in the 2026/27 NCAAF season, courtesy of the best US betting sites on the market today.

Heisman Trophy Winner - My Pick

Identifying the Heisman Trophy winner requires finding the rare playmaker who seamlessly combines eye-popping statistical output with season-defining signature moments. Here is my top pick to dominate the national spotlight, anchor an elite contender, and strike the iconic pose in New York.

CJ Carr (+700) at Caesars Sportsbook

CJ Carr of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stands out as the strongest pick for Heisman Trophy winner for the 2026–27 season, with odds hovering between +7000 and +750.

While Arch Manning carries immense narrative weight, he must navigate a grueling SEC gauntlet where week-to-week statistical consistency is notoriously difficult to maintain. Carr, on the other hand, benefits from a highly favorable Notre Dame schedule where the Irish are projected as heavy favorites in almost every matchup. Returning the core of his offensive supporting cast, Carr is perfectly insulated from early-season growing pains and is positioned to lean heavily on his elite arm talent.

This combination of extreme efficiency, a navigable path to a dominant record, and a system tailored to his strengths gives the Notre Dame signal-caller the cleanest route to securing the bronze statue in New York.

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Heisman Trophy Winner History

The Heisman Trophy is voted on by sports journalists, previous Heisman winners, and a single fan vote. In 2025, there were 930 total ballots collected. Because previous winners are added to the electoral pool, the total number of voters typically increases each year. The award is given to the most outstanding player in college football.

Since 2000, quarterbacks have dominated the award, winning it 21 times. Before the 2024 season, a primarily defensive player hadn’t won it since Charles Woodson did as a member of the Michigan Wolverines in 1997. That drought ended in 2024 when Colorado Buffaloes two-way star (cornerback/wide receiver) Travis Hunter took home the honor, before the quarterback trend resumed with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza winning in 2025.

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 2011 below.

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 the top three platforms for betting on the next Heisman recipient:

• FanDuel Sportsbook: FanDuel is a premier destination for college football award futures, regularly offering early odds on quarterback contenders and dark-horse playmakers alike. Their mobile app makes tracking weekly line movements seamless as players put together signature performances. Before locking in your pick, make sure to claim the latest FanDuel promo code to secure your welcome bonus: Get $350 in Bonus Bets When You Bet $5 for 7 Days.

• BetMGM Sportsbook: Renowned for its integration with the prestigious MGM Rewards program and an intuitive user interface, BetMGM is an exceptional choice for college football futures. They routinely offer competitive lines, custom parlays, and generous odds boosts on high-profile signal-callers, providing extra value on award favorites. New users who register with our BetMGM bonus code WSNSPORTS can claim the latest welcome offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets*.

• DraftKings Sportsbook: DraftKings delivers unmatched market depth for college football, boasting an expansive selection of Heisman futures, conference award markets, and weekly player props. Their platform quickly adjusts odds based on real-time performance and national media narratives. For more info, check out our detailed DraftKings Sportsbook review and claim your welcome bonus: Spend $5 Get $200 In Bonus Bets (Paid Within 21 days).

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