Trevor Lawrence’s Heisman Odds Improve to +200 After Big Ten, Pac-12 Cancel Seasons

• The Heisman Trophy odds shifted once the Big Ten and Pac-12 announced they will not play football in 2020
• Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence is now listed as the overwhelming favorite to win the award
• Here’s the case for Lawrence as well as a dark-horse candidate who could be worth a bet at long odds

The Big Ten and Pac-12 won’t be playing football in the fall of 2020.

The decision has a number of consequences, including changing the Heisman Trophy odds in a big way. Eliminating contenders like Justin Fields from contention has strengthened Trevor Lawrence’s position as the favorite. The Clemson QB is the +200 chalk now, which is miles ahead of the pack.

2020 Heisman Trophy Odds

Odds as of August 20th.

Prior to the announcements from the Big Ten and Pac-12, Lawrence was the second-favorite at +383, on average. His odds have almost been cut in half. I think he’ll ultimately cap his college career by winning the award. Here’s the case for him to be holding the trophy at seasons end, as well as a dark horse pick that could net you much more value in the event Lawrence doesn’t win.

"I want college football to come back." 🏈

President @realDonaldTrump on his phone call with Trevor Lawrence, quarterback for the Clemson Tigers: pic.twitter.com/LINJMGCtcl

— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) August 15, 2020

Lawrence Likely #1 Pick In 2021 NFL Draft

You may have noticed a pattern at the NFL draft the last few years. The last three players selected first overall were all coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning season. Joe Burrow from LSU as well as Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield from Oklahoma accomplished the feat. Will Lawrence make it four in a row?

No. 1 on PFF's top-50 CFB players:

Trevor Lawrence, Clemson QB pic.twitter.com/pukFzjSDPs

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 18, 2020

Lawrence threw for 3,665 yards and 36 touchdowns last season. He improved his passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage from the year prior. There’s little indication he’s going to take his foot off the gas in year three as the Tigers starting quarterback.

Factor in that Clemson will only play teams in the ACC and there’s even more reason to be optimistic. The conference has little to offer except a game against the newest addition, Notre Dame. Lawrence will light up the conference with big numbers all year and will likely finish it holding a trophy on stage in New York.

Chuba Hubbard Is Intriguing at +2000

The 2019 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year led college football with 2,094 rushing yards last year. He was so good, it surprised many that he returned to Oklahoma State instead of heading to the NFL. He is an exceptional player and, while no running back has won the award since Derrick Henry in 2015, Hubbard will certainly contend.

The @Big12Conference had some serious ballers in the last decade 💪😤

Who are you putting on your squad? ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/o3TFowOtRc

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 18, 2020

Looking at the list of contenders between Lawrence and Hubbard, there are several first year starters as well as a pair of transfers on the list. While Lawrence is a deserving favorite, I think Hubbard is the second-most likely player to win the award. Getting him at +2000 is solid value. He enters the season as a household name, not just for his great play on the field, but also his admirable social justice efforts which is important.

A known commodity who put his NFL dreams on pause to come chase down more of Barry Sanders’ records? That’s a Heisman story if I’ve ever heard one.

Consider Betting Both Lawrence & Hubbard

Call it a hedge, call it a lottery ticket, call it whatever you want. I’d consider splashing a little something on Hubbard along with a bet on the favorite. Lawrence certainly seems likely to win the award, but it could be a tight race between a star quarterback and a star running back. Wouldn’t it be great to have a piece of both players on award night?