Best Longshot Heisman Odds of 2024
Fan Duel has spoken and the Heisman Trophy odds are in. Each year around this time betting lines come out from multiple betting companies allowing fans the opportunity to bet on several things, including who will win the Heisman trophy in 2024.
Every year we look back after the award is given out to see who the favorites were, and any long shots that may have gotten closer to the award than anticipated. Last year’s Heisman Trophy went to LSU quarterback, Jayden Daniels who was just taken second overall in the NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders .
In 2023, Daniels had the second highest odds at around +1100. This was behind only USC quarterback Caleb Williams who entered the 2023 season with +400 odds. If you bet on Daniels, you won some money, but most likely not a large amount as he was already a favorite.
2022 was much the same as USC quarterback Caleb Williams won the award as the third favorite to win the award trailing only Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud that year.
While longshots are that for a reason, it is always an intriguing play for folks looking for a little more risk for a lot more reward.
In 2019, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow winning the award was the biggest longshot odds since Lamar Jackson won the award in 2016. Burrow’s odds opened at +20000 at pre-season.
Here are some Longshot Names that could Steal the Award in 2024 Worth Betting on
Avery Johnson (QB, Kansas State Wildcats)
With former Wildcats quarterback Will Howard exiting for Ohio State, the time is now for Johnson who comes in the season with +2500 odds. The dual threat quarterback has quite the tandem behind him in the backfield for the Wildcats in returning running back DJ Giddens and incoming Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards.
With Giddens rushing for over 1,200 yards last season for the Wildcats, combined with Edwards dynamic play-making ability, keep your eyes peeled wide for Johnson to be able to have some plays of his own with all eyes not able to be on him at any given time due to the strong offensive presence surrounding him.
Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado Buffaloes)
Deion Sanders’ sons Shedeur and Shilo each play for the Colorado Buffaloes. The one most spotlighted in the recent Amazon Prime docuseries, Coach Prime was Shedeur. And rightfully so as Shedeur took the Pac-12 by storm last season totaling 3,230 yards passing, 27 passing touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Had Sanders played in the SEC, he would have been near the top or on top of many main statistical categories. And usually that earns you a trip to New York City for the Heisman.
With another year under his belt, the +4000 odds that Shedeur is listed at on Fan Duel are well worth the risk.
Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia Bulldogs)
Etienne transferred over from the University of Florida this past off season and looks to be one of the main running back out of the backfield for the Bulldogs this season. Broderick and Branson Robinson will help to carry the load out of the backfield as well for the Bulldogs, so this is why it is just that- a longshot.
However, if head coach Kirby Smart decided to rely heavily on the running game in 2024 and Etienne emerges as a premier back, he may be worth the +7500 odds. Considering he rushed for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns in two seasons with the Gators, he has proven that he can be reliable and get the job done.
Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
Judkins unexpectedly left Oxford after the 2023 season transferring to Ohio State. With a dynamic play calling offensive coordinator in Chip Kelly and question marks at quarterback, look for Judkins to repeat what he did at Ole Miss and then some.
Judkins rushed for 2,725 yards in his first two seasons for the Ole Miss Rebels with 31 touchdowns on the ground. To me, this is well worth the bet as Judkins sits at +10000 odds.
Luther Burden (WR, Missouri Tigers)
DeVonta Smith is probably the first name that comes to mind. And it may be the only one as well when it comes to receivers you can recall that have won the Heisman Trophy. And that came back in 2020. Stand out Tigers receiver Luther Burden looks to duplicate what Smith accomplished a few years ago.
This is tricky because the majority of a quarterbacks completions have to go to that one receiver. But based on his performances last year, Burden has showed that he can be relied upon. And with Cody Schrader no longer in the backfield for the Tigers, Burden may be worth the +10000 betting odds he enters the season with.
In 2023, Burden caught 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. During his Heisman season at Alabama, Smith caught 117 passes for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. With another year of experience under his belt, Burden is not too far off.
Taylen Green (QB, Arkansas Razorbacks)
New Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino brought the gun slinging Taylen Green over from Boise State this past off season. And it was clear from the first practice on that Green was the guy for the job.
Petrino has surrounded Green with a great group of pass catchers including returning wide receivers Andrew Armstrong and Isaac Tesla. The Razorbacks also return tight end Luke Hasz who showed last year that when healthy can be another pass-catching weapon from the position.
The Razorbacks are coming off of a 4-8 season with head coach Sam Pittman squarely on the hot seat entering 2024. But with the addition of Petrino and Green, this could be worth the longshot play. Green enters the year with +15000 odds.