2026 Heisman Trophy predictions, best bets: Proven expert shares top picks, players to avoid for 2026 season
SportsLine college football expert Thomas Casale reveals his Heisman Trophy picks for the 2026 season


The Heisman Trophy is traditionally a quarterback award. Fifteen of the last 19 winners have been quarterbacks, so it makes sense that position dominates the top of the odds board heading into the 2026 college football season.
The preseason favorite to win the 2026-27 Heisman Trophy at FanDuel Sportsbook is Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (+700), followed by Texas' Arch Manning (+800) and Miami's Darian Mensah (+1000).
Being a preseason favorite to win the Heisman doesn't necessarily mean a player will finish the year in contention. Heading into last season, the top three favorites were Manning (+500), LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier (+700) and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik (+800). Eventual winner Fernando Mendoza was a distant +6000 last August.
We break down two best bets to win this year's Heisman Trophy, a longshot to consider and a couple of overvalued players bettors should avoid.
If you're looking to get into college football betting and make Heisman futures picks at the best betting apps, read on for the college football picks and analysis from SportsLine expert Thomas Casale. Here, he breaks down the best bets to win this year's Heisman Trophy, a longshot to consider, and a couple of overvalued players bettors should avoid.
Who are the stars you should be looking at as the best bets to win the Heisman Trophy? Which longshot is worth backing? And which players should you be avoiding in this futures market? Join SportsLine now to see Thomas Casale's top Heisman plays and other insights, all from a proven expert!
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