Two of the top three vote-getters from the 2016 Heisman race will return to college football for the 2017 season, but it's another name that is currently on top of ESPN's odds from the William Hill sports book.
According to those odds, USC quarterback Sam Darnold tops the list at 7-1, tied as the favorite with 2016 Heisman winner Lamar Jackson and second runner-up Baker Mayfield. Following those three are two quarterbacks from the 2016 College Football Playoff: Washington's Jake Browning and Ohio State's J.T. Barrett, both at 10-1 odds.
USC and Darnold were on fire at the end of the 2016 season, so it make sense that a lot of early bets would come in favoring the Trojans. Darnold already being up that high with Jackson and Mayfield, though? That's a tough bet to make at this point.
As far as value bets go, LSU's Derrius Guice at 20-1 is an interesting one that people might want to jump on. Guice essentially took over as LSU's No. 1 offensive option in the wake of Leonard Fournette's injury, and Guice performed well above expectations. In 12 games, Guice rushed for 1,387 yards on a remarkable 7.58 yards per carry. If Guice continues that dominance — and if LSU can get around 10 wins — then Guice would definitely be one of the top contenders.
You Might Also Like
College Football
Sporting News' QB rankings for 2017 completely disrespected one Heisman candidate
By Bo ChurneyFlorida State
CBS analyst predicts one true freshman will make history in 2017-18 Heisman race
By Ben BornsteinSEC
Early Heisman odds for the 2016 season are already out
By Morgan MoriartyBig Ten
ESPN's "Ultimate QB rankings" completely snubbed one huge name
By Bo ChurneyncG1vNJzZmiekaOvtsbZZ5qopV%2BYvK24xKCcZp6fpMGjrculZmtoYWx6qbHIrKSapl2ksaW%2FjKucr52RoXqwusRmqq6qoKe2tLXNoGSnmZ2aeqLAjK2fnmWkpL1w