B/R CFB 2025-26 Betting Locks: Early Heisman Picks

Not terribly long ago, the path to a Heisman Trophy was perfectly defined.

If you played quarterback, you had a shot. If you played for a storied program in a major conference, you had a better shot. And if you put up video-game numbers while winning all (or most of) your games, you were certainly in a spot to win.

Doing all of the above still will put you in position. Although in the past five years, two non-quarterbacks have prevailed. Former Alabama wideout DeVonta Smith showed how a dominant year at the position could conquer all, while Colorado's Travis Hunter built his campaign this past season by excelling on both sides.

The appetite for voters has evolved, which leads us to an early look at next season's Heisman odds. While Locks of the Week will make its official picks before next season, we don't have to wait until then to assess how we feel.

 We're not just picking one player. No, that wouldn't be a meaningful exercise this time of year. Instead, we're looking at interesting options up and down the board who will likely be in the mix when things solidify in August.

And here they are.

For the latest spreads on futures and games, head to DraftKings.

Someone has to throw him the football, which is where every wide receiver’s Heisman campaign begins and ends. In the instance of Jeremiah Smith, though, the buzz generated over the seven months is impossible to ignore.

Forget about stats. Smith, a true freshman a season ago, created moments. He went from the most coveted high school football player in the country to the best wideout in the country in a matter of months.

The 19-year-old largely dominated elite competition. He won a national championship. And yes, he put up massive numbers. He caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and scored 16 touchdowns.

Again, true freshman.

Now for the bad news. Quarterback Will Howard and many other key pieces on the offensive side—including offensive coordinator Chip Kelly—have moved on.

The Buckeyes have a talent exodus to deal with, and filling in the glaring holes won't be easy. The result will likely make Smith a larger focal point for defenses, which would be the case regardless.

But the talent is simply jaw-dropping, regardless of who is ultimately named the starting quarterback. And the buzz Smith created this year will pay enormous dividends in this season and beyond.

If the pieces come together for Ohio State, he should dazzle once again. And when he does, Heisman voters will likely be ready to pounce.

Lost in the hype surrounding the arrival of Dillon Gabriel last season was the addition of Dante Moore, who showed incredible flashes as a true freshman at UCLA before deciding to transfer to the Ducks.

After throwing just eight passes last season, the 19-year-old is poised for takeoff. The former 5-star recruit has the tools to be one of the top players in the sport. Add in Oregon head coach Dan Lanning's recent track record when it comes to developing quarterbacks, and the potential is real.

Like Ohio State, Oregon will need to replace plenty of pieces on the offensive side. Also like the Buckeyes, it’s reasonable to expect the Ducks will find a way.

Evan Stewart is back, and he seems destined to be Moore’s favorite target. Beyond the wideout, the Ducks will welcome in true freshman wide receiver Dakorien Moore, who is poised to become one of the most explosive players on the team early on.

The success of Oregon largely relies on Dante Moore, who should benefit greatly from a quiet season in 2024. In a year that feels somewhat light on big-name quarterbacks, it would not surprise in the least if he emerged as one of the faces in the sport.

And at 25/1, it’s hard not to love the value.

On the topic of emerging QBs, enter Gunner Stockton.

Although the Georgia signal-caller was unable to deliver a playoff win over Notre Dame, there were plenty of signs of encouragement. Despite iffy play from the offensive line and an abundance of drops, he hung tough in his first career start.

The 21-year-old delivered a handful of “wow” throws under difficult circumstances, although those were likely lost (for many) in the final outcome. In short, he didn't have much help.

That moment, while a loss, should pay enormous dividends this season. With Carson Beck at Miami, this is likely his team to lead. And the additions of wideouts Noah Thomas and Zachariah Branch through the transfer portal are precisely what he and this team needed.

In many respects, Georgia enters 2025 a smidge under the radar. The team is still overflowing with talent, and a brutal schedule in 2024 eases up a smidge. The Bulldogs will play Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida and Texas, although they will do so at home.

Stockton doesn’t necessarily ooze "can't-miss NFL prospect" in terms of size, but the arm is there. Now, at long last, Georgia has addressed the wide receiver position in a way that feels meaningful.

And while this team doesn't carry the same invincible look it did a few years ago, Stockton is in a position to change that.

There's a lot to like about a guy who has already shown us plenty in small doses.

Ryan Williams, Alabama (28/1)

It's not just Smith. Ryan Williams blossomed at Alabama as a true freshman, and the wideout, who will be 18 throughout all of next season, has a chance to thrive if Alabama can find the right QB.

John Mateer, Oklahoma (35/1)

This was a fabulous addition for Oklahoma, and John Mateer could quickly become one of the more interesting players in the SEC. Can the Sooners bounce back enough in other places? That's the worry.

Marcel Reed, Texas A&M (40/1)

Marcel Reed dazzled when called upon last season, even if there were a few hiccups here and there. In terms of talent and general excitement, the Texas A&M quarterback should deliver early plenty.