Heisman Trophy odds updated ahead of Week 7 of college football

It’s nearly Week 7, and the race for the Heisman Trophy is heating up. There were some major shakeups in the Heisman odds following a loaded Week 6 slate, according to BetMGM, making things even more interesting.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is once again the favorite to win the trophy, coming in at +200. USC quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams saw his odds shift a bit after an up-and-down game against Arizona last week, coming in just behind Penix at +225.

However, the quarterback who got the biggest win of Week 6 is now firmly in the picture. Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel saw his Heisman Trophy odds take a leap after beating Texas, which could create momentum entering the stretch run.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington — +200

Washington was on a bye week last week, but Penix still saw his odds improve to leapfrog Williams as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. He has helped the Huskies’ offense get off to a lightning fast start to the season, setting up a huge game this week against Oregon.

Penix still leads the country with 399.8 passing yards per game and has 16 passing touchdowns to his name. This week’s matchup with Bo Nix and the Ducks is sure to have Heisman implications, though, which is why all eyes will be on Seattle on Saturday.

Caleb Williams, QB, USC — +225

USC struggled early against Arizona, trailing 17-0 at one point. But the Trojans fought back to force overtime, and Williams’ two-point conversion in the second OT sealed the 43-41 victory.

Williams struggled throwing the ball, completing 14 of 25 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown, but ran for 43 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He still looks ready for a trip to New York for the Heisman ceremony, and he’ll be able to increase his stock in a big way on Saturday with a rivalry game against Notre Dame in South Bend.

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon — +600

Bo Nix continues to take another leap in Oregon’s offense this year. His 80.4% completion percentage leads the nation, and he has only thrown one interception through five games.

Nix could further cement his Heisman Trophy candidacy against Washington and further improve his odds. His battle with Penix is going to be intriguing for multiple reasons, with College GameDay in attendance for a pivotal Pac-12 showdown.

Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oklahoma — +1200

Dillon Gabriel stole the spotlight in Week 6 with his electrifying performance in the Red River Rivalry. He threw for 285 yards, rushed for 113 — his first 100-yard rushing game — and had two total touchdowns to lead Oklahoma past Texas 34-31.

The Sooners trailed with 1:17 to play, but Gabriel helped orchestrate a five-play, 75-yard drive capped with the game-winning touchdown to Nic Anderson. As a result, Gabriel’s Heisman Trophy odds soared, making him a top candidate to head to the ceremony in New York.

Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State — +1600

Florida State came out of the bye week hot and cruised to a 39-10 victory over Virginia Tech last week. Jordan Travis was a big reason for that, leading a potent, balanced attack.

Travis threw for 170 yards and two touchdowns on an efficient 18 of 24 passing. He has thrown for at least two touchdowns in every game this season as FSU looks to make a run to the College Football Playoff, and he’ll try to keep things going this week against Syracuse.

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina — +1600

Widely seen as the potential No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Drake Maye has seen his name rise up the Heisman Trophy odds board through the first half of the year. He’s coming off his second 400-yard game of the year as North Carolina handled Syracuse with ease last week, 40-7.

Maye had a strong showing, throwing for 442 yards and three touchdowns. He got a key weapon back in Tez Walker, who’s now eligible after a long process with the NCAA, and has the Tar Heels rolling into an intriguing game against Miami on Saturday.

JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan — +2000

Michigan remains one of the top teams in the country in the early part of this year, and J.J. McCarthy’s Heisman Trophy odds have been consistent so far. He’s coming off one of his most complete games of the year as the Wolverines flew past Minnesota on the road.

McCarthy not only threw for 219 yards and a touchdown against the Golden Gophers, but he notched his first career game with multiple rushing touchdowns in the 52-10 victory. He and the Wolverines have their sights set on a third straight Big Ten championship game appearance with plenty of momentum heading into this week’s home matchup against Indiana.

Other Heisman Trophy contenders ahead of Week 7

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia — +3000
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU — +3000
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan — +4000
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas — +5000
Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame — +5000
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado — +5000
Cameron Ward, QB, Washington State — +5000
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State — +6000
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State — +6600
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia — +8000
Riley Leonard, QB, Duke — +8000
Kyle McCord, QB, Ohio State — +8000
Jase McClellan, RB, Alabama — +8000

With Week 7 upon us, the Heisman Trophy odds are starting to see some separation. It’s clear the board isn’t done changing, though, with multiple notable matchups looming this month and beyond with conference championships on the line over the next few weeks.