Travis Hunter’s Heisman Journey: A Win for Fans, A Loss for Sportsbooks
Travis Hunter’s name has been on the lips of college football fans all season long, and for good reason. The Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way phenom has captivated audiences with his jaw-dropping performances on both sides of the ball. But while fans are celebrating his likely Heisman Trophy win, sportsbooks are bracing for a financial hit. Let’s break down how Hunter went from a +3500 longshot to a near-lock for college football’s most prestigious individual award.
The Odds Were Stacked Against Him
When the Heisman odds opened last summer, Hunter wasn’t exactly a favorite. In fact, he was a +3500 underdog. Why? Well, history wasn’t on his side. Quarterbacks have dominated the Heisman Trophy, winning 20 of the last 24 awards. Cornerbacks and wide receivers rarely get the nod, and there were doubts about whether Hunter could handle the grueling workload of playing over 100 snaps per game. But Hunter didn’t just handle it—he thrived.
Fast forward to December, and the Heisman Trust is preparing to crown its next winner. Hunter is now listed at around -2000 odds to take home the trophy. That’s a massive swing, and it’s bad news for sportsbooks. According to ESPN BET, Hunter holds 17.5% of the tickets and 31.5% of the handle to win the award. The only player with more action is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, who has 45.8% of bets and 37.7% of the handle. Jeanty, also a Heisman finalist, had a historic rushing season, but even an upset win by him wouldn’t help the books much.
Sportsbooks Are Feeling the Heat
“We’re not in good shape on Hunter and we’re not in good shape on Jeanty. So just to sum it up, we’re not in good shape,” said Johnny Avello, DraftKings’ sportsbook director, in an interview with ESPN. Ouch.
While the sportsbooks are preparing to take a hit, bettors are ready to cash in. Joey Feazel, Caesars’ head of football, acknowledged that Hunter was one of their most popular picks throughout the summer and the season. “It’s going to be very good for our customers,” Feazel said.
How Hunter’s Odds Shifted Throughout the Season
Hunter’s Heisman campaign has been a rollercoaster. Here’s a quick timeline of how his odds evolved:
- Preseason: Hunter opened at +3500 odds.
- Week 1: He took 17% of bets and 16.2% of the handle at ESPN BET, trailing only Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, the preseason favorite.
- Week 7: After an injury during Colorado’s loss to Kansas State, his odds lengthened to +1100.
- Week 8: A quiet game with just two catches for 17 yards saw his odds balloon to +2500.
- Week 9: A monster 153-yard, two-touchdown performance brought his odds back down to +375.
- Week 11: Hunter became the favorite at +125 odds.
- Week 12: He hit -400 odds, solidifying his status as the frontrunner.
By the time Jeanty started gaining traction with bettors after Week 12, it was too late for sportsbooks to recover. The damage was done.
Why Hunter’s Season Stands Out
Hunter’s ability to play at an elite level on both offense and defense is what sets him apart. “As far as Hunter is concerned, he plays both ways and the team was winning,” Avello explained. “If Colorado wasn’t a winning team this year, if they were a four- or five-win team, he probably wouldn’t have won it. But I think the fact that they did win and he helped them in a lot of those wins… it played out well for him.”
It’s also worth noting that this year’s Heisman race lacked a standout quarterback, which opened the door for players like Hunter and Jeanty to shine. Feazel believes this is a good thing for college football. “I think it’s good for the sport to see that instead of it just being a quarterback award,” he said. “It is really going to go to the most outstanding college football player this year.”
What’s Next?
As we await the official announcement, one thing is clear: Travis Hunter’s season has been nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re a fan, a bettor, or even a sportsbook operator, it’s hard not to appreciate what he’s accomplished. And while the sportsbooks may be licking their wounds, the fans are the real winners here. After all, isn’t that what college football is all about?
Originally Written by: David Purdum
