Arch Manning’s performance has drastically changed his Heisman odds. After stepping in for Quinn Ewers and leading the Texas Longhorns to a dominant victory over UTSA, Manning’s odds to win the Heisman Trophy have dropped significantly. Manning threw for four touchdowns and ran for another, making an immediate impact after Ewers left the game in the second quarter due to injury.
Manning shines in relief of Quinn Ewers. Ewers, the starting quarterback, exited the game with a strained abdomen, according to head coach Steve Sarkisian. Manning took over and didn’t waste any time making his mark, throwing a touchdown pass on his first play and running 67 yards for another touchdown shortly after. The Longhorns’ blowout win, finishing 56-7, saw Manning put up impressive numbers before being replaced by Trey Owens in the fourth quarter.
Manning’s Heisman Odds Surge After UTSA Game
Bettors flock to Manning’s Heisman futures. Before the game against UTSA, Manning’s odds to win the Heisman Trophy were a long shot at +10000. After his standout performance, those odds have plummeted to +1600, making him the No. 7 favorite at BetMGM. Bettors are clearly banking on Manning to continue this level of play, especially with Ewers’ injury leaving his status uncertain.
However, it’s worth noting that this surge in odds is seen as an overreaction by many. While Manning’s performance was stellar, it came in a little over half a game against a UTSA team that was overmatched from the start. Despite this, the buzz around Manning is undeniable, and if Ewers’ injury lingers, Manning could see more opportunities to prove himself.
No Timeline for Ewers’ Return, But Manning’s Chances Are Slim
Ewers’ Heisman hopes take a hit. With no clear timeline for Quinn Ewers’ return, his Heisman chances have plummeted. Ewers entered Week 3 as the favorite to win the prestigious award, but as of Sunday morning, he is no longer listed on the betting boards. Manning’s odds, in contrast, have surged, but it’s important to temper expectations. Manning may have had a great debut, but his odds do not necessarily reflect his actual chances of winning the Heisman. It remains to be seen how Sarkisian will handle the quarterback situation moving forward, especially if Ewers is set to miss significant time.
Cam Ward Now Leads Heisman Race
Miami QB Cam Ward emerges as the Heisman favorite. While Arch Manning’s odds have jumped, Miami quarterback Cam Ward has taken the top spot after his own stellar performance. Ward is now the favorite with odds of +450 following his five-touchdown game against Ball State. Ward completed 19 of 28 passes for 346 yards before sitting out the end of Miami’s 62-0 blowout win.
Other Top Heisman Contenders Post Week 3
Here’s a look at the other top players in the Heisman race following Week 3:
- Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (+700): Dart threw for 377 yards and had three total touchdowns in Ole Miss’ 40-6 win over Wake Forest, securing his spot as one of the top contenders.
- Alabama QB Jalen Milroe (+700): Milroe also had a big game, recording five total touchdowns in Alabama’s 42-10 victory over Wisconsin.
- Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava (+800): The Tennessee quarterback continues to shine and remains a strong contender with odds of +800.
- Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel (+900): Gabriel has also impressed this season, moving up in the odds to +900.
- Georgia QB Carson Beck (+1100): Beck rounds out the top contenders, coming in with odds of +1100 after leading Georgia to another win.
Full Post-Week 3 Heisman Odds
Here are the top 10 Heisman candidates after Week 3:
- Miami QB Cam Ward (+450)
- Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (+700)
- Alabama QB Jalen Milroe (+700)
- Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava (+800)
- Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel (+900)
- Georgia QB Carson Beck (+1100)
- Texas QB Arch Manning (+1600)
- Ohio State QB Will Howard (+2000)
- USC QB Miller Moss (+2000)
- Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (+2000)
What’s Next for Manning and Ewers?
The future remains uncertain for Texas quarterbacks. As fans and analysts await further updates on Quinn Ewers’ injury, the focus will be on Arch Manning. If Manning continues to play at a high level, his Heisman odds could continue to rise, especially if Ewers is out for an extended period. However, it’s important to remember that the Heisman race is a marathon, not a sprint, and one standout game against an overmatched opponent may not be enough to make Manning a serious contender just yet.
Regardless, Manning’s performance has injected excitement into the Longhorns’ season, and if he continues to develop, Texas could have a bright future ahead at the quarterback position.
The Information is Collected from ESPN and Yahoo.