Backup quarterbacks are seldom found on preseason Heisman Trophy odds boards, but Arch Manning is no ordinary backup.
As the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, one of the most highly valued NIL athletes, and a Texas Longhorn, his presence on the list is no surprise.
Manning has been waiting in the wings as the backup to Quinn Ewers, but that changed on Saturday when Ewers exited the game against UTSA with an abdominal injury.
Manning took the field for the first (truly) meaningful snaps of his college career, delivering a stunning five-touchdown performance.
This breakout showing sparked an immediate surge in his Heisman odds.
In just two hours, Manning’s odds to win the Heisman skyrocketed from +15000 to +1600. Before the season, he wasn’t even ranked in the top 40 for Heisman hopefuls, but now he holds the seventh-best odds.
Ewers, who started the season as the Heisman favorite, saw his odds slip to +1800, trailing behind Manning.
Ewers has established himself as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks over the past two seasons, guiding Texas to the College Football Playoff last year and propelling them into a top-three preseason ranking this year.
He entered the season with the third-best odds to win the Heisman and became the favorite after two stellar performances, including a 246-yard, three-touchdown game against Michigan.
Entering the UTSA clash, Ewers was on top of the college football world and was looking like the favorite to win the Heisman as well as be drafted first overall in next April’s NFL Draft.
In other words, things were rolling pretty smooth prior to the concerning injury.
Following tests, it was revealed that Ewers’ injury isn’t ultra-serious after all. He is listed as week-to-week and there’s a good chance he returns in time for the October 12 showdown against Oklahoma.
However, the door is open for Manning – at least for now.
Betting markets are already reacting to the Manning hype. According to TheScore Bet and ESPN Bet, Manning has attracted the fourth-most Heisman wagers since his performance on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Texas has become the most popular team to bet on for the national championship, with 43% of all money wagered on that market coming in for the Longhorns since Saturday.
Entering the season, Georgia and Ohio State were regarded as being in a class of their own on top of the sport. However, it’s become clear that the Longhorns deserve a spot at that elite table.
Following their commanding 3-0 start and Georgia’s narrow escape against Kentucky, Texas has jumped to No. 1 in the AP Poll for the first time since 2008.
A potential quarterback controversy could be brewing in Austin, depending on how much time Ewers misses and how Manning performs in his absence.
However, the fact of the matter is Ewers has earned the right to captain the Texas ship this season. Whenever he returns to full health, it’s safe to assume head coach Steve Sarkisian will put him right back under center.
Having said all of that, it’s easy to see how everyone is getting wrapped up in the Manning hype. After all, he certainly looks like the real deal.
Knowing that Ewers will inevitably return, it’s probably foolish to bet on Arch to win the Heisman this year. You’d be much better off making that wager next season.
Looking ahead, it would be shocking if Manning finishes his college career in Austin WITHOUT winning a Heisman.
Sure, that’s setting high expectations. But those high expectations come with the territory when your last name is Manning.
What are your thoughts on the updated Heisman odds? … Who do you think ends up winning the trophy this season?
More importantly, do you think this is the year Sark finally brings Texas back to the mountain top?
Now, I have to ask: If you’re a Texas fan, who do YOU want as your starting quarterback????