Heisman Race: Star Receivers Challenge QB Tradition

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Pushing The Odds with Matt Perrault

Wide Receivers Challenge the Heisman Trophy’s Quarterback Trend

The Heisman Trophy race is especially interesting because three wide receivers—Jesse, Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Tony—are putting together remarkable seasons. They rank first, second and third nationally in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Only four wide receivers have won the Heisman Trophy in the award’s 91-year history. If this trio maintains its current pace, three of the 10 most prolific receiving seasons of the past 30 years will occur in the same college football season.

Among the top power-conference receiving seasons since 1995, only Michael Crabtree, Terrence Williams, Brandon Cooks and Justin Blackman had more yards through seven games than this year’s trio.

The challenge is that the Heisman has traditionally been a quarterback award. Jeremiah Smith could benefit because he is expected to turn pro after this season, while Jesse and Malachi are expected to return. Smith does not have as many yards or touchdowns as Tony, but he is widely viewed as a potential top-five draft pick.

For bettors, Miami quarterback Darian Mensa deserves a close look. The former Duke quarterback transferred to Miami and is producing strong numbers while throwing to Malachi Tony. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr is also in the conversation at 19-to-1.

At the moment, the potential finalists include two Miami players and one Ohio State player, with Carr possibly joining them. The central question is whether voters will choose a wide receiver despite the award’s history of favoring quarterbacks. Miami’s upcoming game against Notre Dame could help clarify the race on the field.

Betting on the Heisman, MVP awards or Coach of the Year is difficult because the outcome depends on human voters. Trends can help indicate how those voters may respond, but the markets remain unpredictable.

Trinidad Chambliss may have damaged his chances with a loss at Texas. He is now 30-to-1 and, at the moment, is not projected to receive an invitation to New York. That price could still be worth considering because quarterbacks have historically held an advantage in this race.

If placing a bet, the pick would be Darian Mensa because the Heisman is typically a quarterback award. Jeremiah Smith offers a different angle because of his popularity and the praise he receives as an elite wide receiver talent who is setting records with the Buckeyes and in the Big Ten.

Smith’s candidacy could be affected by Ohio State’s quarterback situation. Julian Say is out for the year with a throwing shoulder injury and is not expected to return, given his professional aspirations and the risk of a long-term problem. Ohio State may have to turn to a true freshman option.

If Smith continues producing at a similar level with a backup quarterback, he could strengthen the argument that he is the best player in college football and deserves to win the Heisman Trophy.