While a Heisman Trophy for Penn State senior quarterback Sean Clifford’s Heisman Trophy isn’t likely to happen this season, he’s still gaining ground as a fringe contender, according to Sports Betting.
With longshot +4000 odds, Clifford holds the 11th-best odds in the country.
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young has overtaken Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral as the new favorite, his +110 odds just outstripping Corral’s +200 odds. Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud and Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler round out the Top 5, with odds of +1000, +1600 and +1600, respectively.
Texas running back Bijan Robinson is the highest-ranked non-quarterback, holding +1800 odds.
Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett holds the same odds as Clifford and North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell, all three sitting at +4000.
Clifford has led the Nittany Lions to a 5-0 record and No. 4 record in the latest AP Poll this season, throwing for 1,336 yards and 11 touchdowns to just three interceptions. His 67.3% completion percentage, 8.7 yards per attempt and 160.5 efficiency rating are the highest Clifford’s managed since becoming a starter with the Lions.
However, while the Lions may complete a stellar season, so far, Clifford doesn’t have the statistical dominance or name-brand hype to warrant serious consideration for the Heisman.
