2024 college football odds, predictions: Why Travis Hunter could win the Heisman

With non-conference play just about finished in college football, the rubber is hitting the road. 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t lucrative futures still available in the market.

Here are two I’m adding to my portfolio: 

Heisman Trophy: Travis Hunter, Colorado (33/1, BetRivers)

A non-quarterback needs three things to break in his favor to win a Heisman Trophy:

• A down year for traditional passers
• An abundance of “Heisman moments”
• Team succes

Quinn Ewers looked poised to run away with the Heisman after dismantling Michigan in Week 2, but then he suffered an abdominal injury that has forced him to miss the last seven quarters for Texas.

Keep in mind, no quarterback has missed more than one full game during his Heisman season. 

Other Heisman hopefuls at quarterback have resume issues.

Miami’s Cam Ward might not face a single ranked team during the regular season, and Georgia’s Carson Beck could struggle to throw for enough yards to capture the imagination of voters. 

This could leave the door open for Hunter, the two-way player whose game-winning forced fumble Saturday and his three-touchdown performance in Colorado’s opener already give him a few Heisman moments. 

The rub here is team success. Even if the Buffs spark a few upsets, it appears 8-4 would be their absolute ceiling. There hasn’t been a Heisman winner with four or more losses in 55 years. But at 33/1 odds, I’m willing to add the best player in America to my Heisman portfolio. 

Indiana to win the Big Ten (50/1, FanDuel)

Curt Cignetti made it clear last December, “I win. Google me.” True to form, Cignetti just became the first coach in Indiana history to start his tenure 4-0. 

And not only are the Hoosiers winning, they’re winning big. Indiana is 3-1 against the spread this season, besting the closing number by an average of 16 points per game (sixth). 

But Indiana isn’t just a gambling darling under Cignetti; it’s also a darn good football team.

Kurtis Rourke is fourth nationally in QBR with a perfect 8/0 touchdown/interception ratio. And he’s getting everyone involved offensively. 

Through four weeks, four running backs have more than 100 yards rushing and four wideouts have eclipsed 165 yards receiving. The ball goes to the hot hand or whoever is open, making Indiana a particularly difficult team to prepare for on a weekly basis.

Betting on College Football?

Defensively, Indiana has one of the best-kept coaching secrets in DC Bryant Haines. The former Broyles Award semifinalist molded James Madison’s pressure defense into one of the nation’s best. The Dukes finished in the top 10 in total defense in all four seasons under Haines, and now he’s working his magic in Bloomington. 

The Hoosiers don’t give up explosive plays, forcing teams to earn it with methodical drives. And in passing situations, IU has a defense that defines lockdown. It ranks in the top five in success rate against the pass, while squeezing opposing passers down to 4.9 yards per attempt. 

These long odds are reflective of the public’s perception of the Hoosiers program. When you factor in its schedule, it’s clear IU is worth a flier at this price. It might be the most manageable schedule Indiana has had in years. It will take an 8-1 conference record for the Hoosiers to get a title shot, but the potential wins are there. 

Outside of a roadie against Ohio State, Indiana’s most difficult opponents — Maryland, Nebraska, Washington and Michigan — all travel to Bloomington. The way the schedule falls also presents a late hedge opportunity should Indiana enter Week 11 against the Wolverines undefeated. 

This play is predicated on a mix of price, program momentum and hedge potential. Grab Indiana at this number because it won’t last.

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Mike Calabrese is a handicapper for the New York Post, with a sharp focus on college sports. His betting advice often centers around situational spots, including travel, rest and altitude disparities.