2023 Heisman Trophy Odds ahead of Week 1

The 2023 Heisman Trophy odds were revealed ahead of Week 1 of the college football season. Not all of the top contenders have debuted yet, but two quarterbacks were already in action.

All eyes are on USC quarterback Caleb Wiliams and if he can win a second straight award. He seems to be the most likely candidate to do so, being the first since Archie Griffin, the lone two-time winner.

Below are the top Heisman Trophy contenders going into the 2023 season based on the odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

Caleb Williams, QB – USC (+500)

Your reigning Heisman winner and he’s the favorite once again. It helps that he plays in Lincoln Riley’s system and has a bevy of talent around him this fall. Freshman Zachariah Branch anyone?

In a 56-28 win over San Jose State in Week Zero, Williams didn’t miss a beat. He went 18-of-25 passing for 278 yards and four touchdowns. And even he said he had to be more consistent. Watch out.

Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU (+1,000)

Daniels gets the second best odds of the top contenders since he had his best season at LSU. After his transfer from Arizona State, Daniels recaptured from freshman year magic.

With wideouts like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., Daniels has weapons to throw to. Let’s not forget he can take off and run the football as well. He’s the key to LSU’s College Football Playoff hopes.

Quinn Ewers, QB – Texas (+1,200)

Ewers, if healthy, could be the best quarterback in the country. If the Texas quarterback is the best at his position, he’s likely going to win the Heisman Trophy.

Ewers has Xavier Worthy and AD Mitchell at wide receiver and has looked dialed in throughout the summer. This could be a make or break year for Steve Sarkisian and company, but it seems like Ewers could truly break out and live up to his recruiting hype.

Jordan Travis, QB – Florida State (+1,200)

Travis got a lot of Heisman Trophy love this summer after Florida State finally got over a small hump last season. He has a loaded cast around him this fall with the addition of Keon Coleman at wide receiver. That’ll pair nicely along with Johnny Wilson.

If Traivs can’t put up big numbers this season, that’s on him. With two studs at wide receiver and Trey Benson in the backfield, this could be a special season for the quarterback. If Florida State wins the ACC, expect Travis to be in contention for the award.

Cade Klubnik, QB – Clemson (+1,400)

Klubnik showed some flashes last season and ultimately had his best game in the ACC Championship, giving Clemson its seventh title in eight years. Now a sophomore, it’s time for him to take the next step.

His odds are likely based on potential alone, but Klubnik was a much hyped prospect for a reason. He could very well be the next great Clemson Tigers quarterback and the team is certainly in position to help him succeed.

Sam Hartman, QB – Notre Dame (+1,600)

Hartman got a head start on his Heisman campaign in 2023 with Notre Dame’s season opening win over Navy out in Dublin. The ACC’s all-time passer picked up right where he left off in a new system at a new school.

Arguably, Hartman did not have to do much since the Fighting Irish ran the ball very effectively. Hartman finished 19-of-23 passing for 251 yards and four touchdowns. If can look like that all year, he should shoot up this list.

Michael Penix Jr., QB – Washington (+1,600)

Penix Jr. was another beneficiary of a transfer last season and put up career numbers with the Huskies. Washington is on the precipice of a Pac-12 title before the team moves to the Big Ten.

That’s a big credit to Penix Jr. and it’ll help that Rome Odunze is catching passes from him this fall. Can Penix Jr. top his numbers from last year? We’re talking hitting the 5,000 yard mark in 2023 and well over 30 touchdowns. Seems possible.

Next set of contenders

Drake Maye, QB – North Carolina (+1,800)
J.J. McCarthy, QB – Michigan (+1,800)
Bo Nix, QB – Oregon (+1,800)
Carson Beck, QB – Georgia (+2,000)
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Ohio State (+3,000)
Joe Milton III, QB – Tennessee (+2,500)
Drew Allar, QB – Penn State (+2,500)
Kyle McCord, QB – Ohio State (+2,800)
Devin Brown, QB – Ohio State (+3,300)
Conner Weigman, QB – Texas A&M (+4,000)
Jalen Milroe, QB – Alabama (+5,000)
Spencer Rattler, QB – South Carolina (+5,000)
KJ Jefferson, QB – Arkansas (+5,000)

The Heisman Trophy odds these days are quarterback-heavy, with the lone non-QB being Harrison Jr. He’s easily the top receiver going into the season and he could be so good, he trumps the passers. The odds will be fascinating to watch week-to-week.