Following Tennessee’s upset of Alabama, quarterback Hendon Hooker has established himself as a true contender for the Heisman Trophy, annually awarded to the nation’s top college football player.
Hooker sits at 1,817 yards on 70% passing. He has 15 touchdowns and only one interception. He also has led Tennessee to their highest ranking since the Volunteers started the 2005 season ranked at No. 3.
The question around Hooker’s Heisman run has always been “Can Tennessee Win?” Well, Tennessee has won, and Hooker’s Heisman odds reflect that.
Hooker’s odds have climbed to +500 to win the Heisman, per VegasInsider.
Let’s look at Hooker’s competition for the award.
Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud
Stroud currently leads heisman odds at -110, per VegasInsider.
Stroud has 1737 yards on 70.6% passing this year. He has 24 touchdowns and three interceptions.
No. 2 Ohio State hosts Iowa on Saturday, in what should be an easy win for the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes have to be careful though, as unranked Iowa blew out the Buckeyes in 2017, hurting their chances at a postseason run.
The Hawkeyes are one of the best defenses in the nation. Iowa’s defense is only giving up 3.83 yards per play, and 9.83 points per game. The Hawkeyes also have six interceptions on the year.
Ohio State is by far the best offense Iowa will face this year, but it will be interesting to see how Stroud fares against a defense that has found a lot of success.
USC QB Caleb Williams
Williams sits at +700 odds to win the Heisman Trophy, per VegasInsider. That puts him at third behind Stroud and Hooker.
Williams has 1,971 yards on 63.9% passing. He has 19 touchdowns and only one interception.
For Williams, USC losing to Utah last week may hurt his odds in the long run. Although the Heisman Trophy is for the best player annually, oftentimes it also goes to someone who has led their team to an undefeated season, or a playoff run.
Williams and USC have a bye this week before traveling to Arizona.
Michigan RB Blake Corum
Corum’s odds to win the Heisman Trophy currently sit at +1200, per VegasInsider.
Corum has 901 rushing yards on the season with 13 touchdowns. He averages 6.17 yards a carry.
Corum and No. 4 Michigan are off this week before facing Michigan State next Saturday.
Clemson QB D.J. Uiagalelei
Uiagelelei’s odds currency sit at +2,200 per VegasInsider.
Uiagelelei has 1,665 yards on 64% passing. He has 17 touchdowns and two interceptions on the year.
Clemson faces one of the best defenses this weekend in Syracuse. The Orange only give up 13.2 points a game. Syracuse also comes into Saturday 6-0, a very confident team with a chip on their shoulder.
Clemson’s matchup with Syracuse will be the first big test for Uiagelelei thus far.
