2019 Heisman odds: Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa lead talented pack

The two quarterbacks who dueled in the National Championship Game, Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa, also figure to duel for the 2019 Heisman Trophy.

The top of the 2019 Heisman odds list should come as no surprise to anyone who watched the National Championship Game between Clemson and Alabama. Clemson rising sophomore quarterback and Alabama junior quarterback and 2018 Heisman runner-up Tua Tagovailoa are the early betting favorites to win the Heisman in 2019.

Lawrence shined in his performances in this year’s College Football Playoff, throwing for 347 yards and three touchdowns en route to earning the offensive MVP in the Tiger’s commanding National Championship win.

Tagovailoa struggled in the National Championship Game by his standards, throwing two interceptions, but his talent and skill can’t easily be forgotten.

With Lawrence and Tagovailoa being the true front-runners for next year’s Heisman, the real key thing to watch in next year’s regular season will be the competition between the rest of the group. Following the two front-runners, Jake Fromm has had two sterling years directing Georgia’s offense, ranking fifth among FBS quarterbacks in passing efficiency, and was one of the finalists for the 2018 Manning Award, given to the nation’s top quarterback.

Another interesting player to watch in contention, should he be granted eligibility from the NCAA, is ex-Georgia quarterback Justin Fields who transferred to Ohio State. If eligible, and starting for Ohio State, he’d potentially have better odds than Tate Martell, who he is competing with for the starting job.

After having back-to-back Heisman winners, Oklahoma presumptive starting quarterback, Austin Kendall is getting good odds to make it a three-peat for Lincoln Riley and the Sooners.

One non-quarterback who has continuously impressed as part of one of football’s most dynamic offenses is Clemson’s rising junior running back Travis Etienne. His rare mix of speed and power makes him one of the more versatile backs in college football, and he could have a real shot at winning the Heisman if he can improve even further on a stellar sophomore year.

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger impressed many with his performance in the Sugar Bowl win over No. 5 Georgia and caught the eye of many football fans when he declared Texas was back.

Also to consider is few considered Kyler Murray a leading Heisman candidate. He ended up winning the Heisman after one of the more dynamic and electrifying seasons from a quarterback.