Heisman Watch: Hendon Hooker Leapfrogs C.J. Stroud as Favorite
By Reed Wallach
We have a new favorite atop the Heisman Trophy market.
Hendon Hooker, who combined for four touchdowns in Tennessee's 44-6 win over Kentucky, overtook Ohio State's C.J. Stroud as the new favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Hooker's numbers are still off pace from Stroud's, but the narrative around Tennessee continues to build as a College Football Playoff contender. Can Hooker hold up as a true favorite? Let's discuss:
Here's the latest market movement in the Heisman Trophy market:
1. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee (+100), Last Week (+500)
Hooker is the new favorite to win the award, but I'm not sure how long the Tennessee QB will be in this spot. The team heads to Athens to face the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs and will be double digit underdogs in the game. If the Vols lose, Stroud will become the favorite again (assuming the Buckeyes win at Northwestern next week).
This race is quickly becoming a narrative vs. numbers debate as Hooker has the strongest win, outdueling Bryce Young and Alabama, but Stroud has the counting numbers that matter.
In my opinion, a bet on Hooker right now is a bet on Tennessee moneyline at Georgia and possibly through the SEC Championship considering Ohio State is going to be rarely challenged through the rest of the regular season.
2022 Stats: 156-219, 2,338 Passing Yards, 21 Passing TDs, 1 INT, 4 Rushing TDs
Next Week: @ Georgia
2. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State (+200) Last Week (-105)
Stroud was flawless in the box score against Penn State, completing 78% of his passes for 354 yards. He only passed for one touchdown, which allowed Hooker to cut into his lead in that category, but he is the quarterback of a likely undefeated team that will be in the College Football Playoff. How much does that count for?
I believe that voters will gravitate towards Hooker because of the SEC schedule, but if Tennessee loses to Georgia, Stroud is going to be the odds on favorite once again.
Ohio State will be a double digit favorite in every game ahead of the CFP (which doesn't factor into the Heisman Trophy conversation). This is probably the time to play on Stroud if you think Tennessee loses next week.
20222 Stats: 159-223, 2,377 Passing Yards, 29 Passing TDs, 4 INT
Next Week: @ Northwestern
2022 Heisman Trophy Odds
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.