Following Michigan’s 78-0 dismantling of Rutgers, Jim Harbaugh compared Jabrill Peppers to Jim Thorpe and said the talented multi-purpose star is a future Heisman winner. At least one wagering establishment is beginning to smell what the Wolverines head coach is cooking.
In odds released a week ago, Bovada.lv had Peppers at 33/1 to win the 2016 Heisman Trophy. Just eight days later, the same house has put the defensive back at 9/1.
Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson remains Bovada‘s odds-on favorite, although his odds have lengthened slightly from 2/5 to its current 1/2. Coming off his team’s huge win over Jackson and the Cardinals a week ago, Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has seen his odds go from 5/1 to 3/1.
At 15/2, down from 7/1 a week ago, Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett is the only other player within shouting distance of Jackson.
Just four other players were listed by Bovada: Florida State running back Dalvin Cook at 25/1 (25/1 in the last set of odds), Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. at 28/1 (16/1), Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey at 33/1 (12/1) and Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts at 75/1 (66/1). Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs and North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky were both taken off the board.
One interesting omission from the group is Jake Browning. The sophomore, who leads the nation in touchdown passes with 23 and pass efficiency rating, has led Washington to an unbeaten record and No. 5 ranking, and is currently third in the Associated Press’ Heisman Watch behind Jackson and Watson.