Alabama’s Mac Jones Sees 2020 Heisman Odds Improve; Will He Beat Out Bryce Young for Starting Job?

• Crimson Tide QB Mac Jones has seen his Heisman Trophy odds improve despite still being in a competition with Bryce Young for the starting role
• Can Jones take advantage of his love for the play-action deep ball and rack up big numbers this year?
• Read why Jones may not remain a dark-horse Heisman candidate for much longer

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones has seen his 2020 Heisman Trophy odds improve over the last week. But to capture the award, not only does the redshirt junior need to have an incredible season, he first needs to win the starting job over five-star freshman Bryce Young.

Bettors appear to be giving Jones the early edge; his odds improved from +1875 to +1775 over the last week, while Young is still at +4000.

Heisman Trophy Odds

Odds as of June 16th.

Despite the challenges ahead I love the prospect of betting Jones to win the Heisman Trophy for two key reasons.

Jones Deserves to Be QB1 in Tuscaloosa

Consider it a blessing you can still get your money in before head coach Nick Saban does the inevitable and names Jones the starting quarterback. The minute that happens the odds will change drastically.

“All of my fellow student-athletes at @UofAlabama understand how lucky we are to continue our athletic careers in college and to do it at a place that cares so much about each one of us individually.” @MacJones_10#NationalStudentAthleteDay #RollTide pic.twitter.com/zTw62AbMib

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) April 6, 2020

Jones was prolific starting in place of the injured Tua Tagovailoa last year. He completed 68.8% of his passes for 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions. His QBR would have ranked fourth in the country had he reached the minimum pass attempts to qualify.

Jones averaged 14.6 yards per attempt on play-action passes, which ranked first in all of college football. You know who loves play-action? Saban. You know who would join Jones in the back field should he get the job? Star running back Najee Harris.

It all adds up to Jones being the starter. The track record shows no reason to go with Young before he is ready.

Alabama Has Plenty of Weapons at Wide Receiver

To take advantage of play-action, a QB needs to have great wide receivers. At first glance, seeing Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III off to the NFL is concerning, but there is lots left in reserve at Alabama. The Tide return DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle and also add an impressive class that includes Thaiu Jones-Bell, who could make an immediate impact as a freshman.

Who do you think is the best WR in college football? pic.twitter.com/mu11OC1HDC

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) June 15, 2020

Jones has a big frame at 6’2 and 205 pounds and has proven physically capable of handling the grinding SEC schedule. Young comes in to college at only 5’11 and 197 pounds. He could use a year to grow and learn while watching from the sidelines.

The Time to Bet Is Now

The best time to bet on a Heisman Trophy longshot is before the ball is kicked off for the season. In this particular case, it’s important to get your money in before the job is officially handed to Jones.

Waiting will only hurt your pay out if you happen to hit on this dark-horse candidate, who may not remain a dark horse for very long.