Longhorns QB Ehlinger Becomes Top-Five Heisman Trophy Favorite

• Sam Ehlinger’s Heisman Trophy odds have been shortened for the fourth time since they were released and now sit at +1000
• Ehilnger has accounted for 80 touchdowns over the past two seasons, the second most in college football
• Read below to find out if the Texas QB a good bet to win the Heisman at his new price

Everybody expected Texas football to be back last season, but it turns out the prognosticators may have been a year off. The Longhorns return half of their starters on both sides of the ball in 2020, including stud quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

The Texas QB followed up a breakout sophomore campaign in 2018 with another banner year in 2019, and sits inside the top-five Heisman Trophy favorites for the upcoming season.

2020 Heisman Trophy Odds

Odds taken March 13th.

His average odds to win the coveted award have been shortened four times since they were first released and now sit at +1000. Some online sportsbooks have been slow to shorten his price, but no matter where you look he’s considered one of the top contenders and for good reason.

Sam Is A Star

For the second consecutive season, Ehlinger improved his passing statistics across the board. He threw for more yards and touchdowns in 2019 compared to 2018, while increasing his yards per attempt, completion percentage and quarterback rating.

Best in the Big 12. @sehlinger3 #ThisIsTexas #HookEm pic.twitter.com/BrJVpqmTwq

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) March 10, 2020

He also increased his ProFootball Focus grade from 85.7 in 2018 to 90.2 last season, and was ranked as one of the 10 most valuable players in college football by their metrics.

His two-year grade ranks behind only four quarterbacks, including 2020 Heisman odds contender Trevor Lawrence, and he’s accounted for 80 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Only reigning Heisman winner and projected NFL first overall pick Joe Burrow produced more TDs over that stretch, and many are expecting Ehlinger’s stats to improve once again in 2020 thanks to a new coaching hire.

Yurcich Couldn’t Pass On Chance To Coach Ehlinger

Mike Yurcich jumped at the chance to leave Ohio State for Texas and Ehlinger is the reason why. Yurcich saw plenty of the Texas star while at Oklahoma State (before joining the Buckeyes) and will be calling plays for the Longhorns in 2020 as their new OC.

Yurcich has a history of developing star quarterbacks and is fresh off guiding Justin Fields to a season worthy of Heisman finalist recognition. He knows talent when he sees it and many experts predict Ehlinger will flourish in his system. Yurcich’s Oklahoma State teams averaged 478.3 yards of total offense and 38 points per game, and last season at Ohio State, the Buckeyes racked up 529.9 yards of offense and 46.9 points per game.

Ehlinger put up 41 and 39 total touchdowns in much weaker systems the last two seasons and under Yurcich, the sky will be the limit.

Extract Value With Ehlinger

Ehlinger has all the ingredients of a Heisman contender. He boasts solid arm strength, precision accuracy and the ability to also beat you with his legs. We know he’s capable of putting up gaudy numbers with average teams, but this year’s squad profiles to be the most talented he’s ever been a part of. Combine that with a new coach who will maximize his skills and he could be staring at a 50-touchdown season.

Texas Football will definitely be back this season and Ehlinger will be catalyst. He’s worthy a bet at +1000 and especially at +1200.