Caleb Williams Heisman Trophy Odds: USC QB Falls Behind CJ Stroud, Hendon Hooker Following Loss

USC quarterback Caleb Williams’ Heisman Trophy odds are third shortest in the country, trailing those Ohio State’s CJ Stroud and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker.

Hooker led his team to a victory over Alabama in Week 7, but the Heisman Trophy landscape continues to favor Stroud (+100, FanDuel Sportsbook), who has produced gaudier statistics.

USC football is ranked No. 12 in the Associated Press Top 25 and knows a thing or two about producing top-of-the-line quarterbacks. Williams, a true sophomore, is on his way to adding his name to the list of college football greats. He put up stellar numbers against Utah, but the defense couldn’t do its part in the 43-42 defeat.

Williams finished 25 of 42 for 381 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. He added 57 yards on the ground for good measure. It’s a tough loss that makes USC’s road to the College Football Playoff awfully difficult, but it didn’t actually hurt Williams’ Heisman odds.

Sign Up Here for FanDuel DFS With Our Exclusive Promo Code!

Caleb Williams Heisman Trophy Odds After Week 7 Loss vs. Utah

(Odds updated Oct. 17)

Williams put up great numbers against Utah. And while the Heisman Trophy winner typically plays for a team that performed really well, it is, in fact, an individual award. So even though the Trojans are licking their wounds as a team, Williams did take advantage of an opportunity to pad his stats.

Williams’ next two games are at Arizona and vs. Cal, both games the Trojans need to win big in order to claw their way back into the CFP mix. As far as Williams’ Heisman odds, he’ll need a couple more strong performances to remain within arm’s reach of Stroud.

Sign Up for FanDuel DFS With Our Exclusive Promo Code Right Here!

Caleb Williams Is in the Right Place for QB Success

The Trojans will travel as far as Williams leads them. He opened with longer odds than Ohio State’s CJ Stroud and Alabama’s Bryce Young. But now he trails Stroud and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker.

Heisman Trophy odds and national championship prices are tied together to a degree — the better USC performs, the more exposure Williams receives. USC trails Oregon on the Pac-12 Championship odds board. Winning the Pac-12 title may be the only way they can weasel their way back into the CFP mix.

Williams’ head coach, Lincoln Riley, paved the way when he left Oklahoma for USC’s head coaching vacancy. Williams played under Riley as a true freshman at Oklahoma, and the existing relationship has allowed the pair to combine to lead the Trojans to a 6-0 start to the season.

Riley earned the reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” thanks to his work with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, each No. 1 overall selections in the NFL Draft, and Jalen Hurts, the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

A quality season from Williams will not only add to Lincoln’s legacy as a quarterback guru, but also the program’s lineage of premier college-turned-professional quarterbacks. There’s no program in college football that holds the official title of “Quarterback U,” but USC earns a spot in the discussion.

USC Has Plenty of Wide Receivers to Target

Williams is getting quality support from his wide receiver corps. Wide receiver Jordan Addison transferred from Pittsburgh, where he finished with 100 receptions, 1,593 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns in 2021. He leads the team with 39 receptions, 585 yards, and seven touchdowns. Addison ranks No. 18 on Mel Kiper Jr.’s (early) 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and will continue to serve as Williams’ top target.

Behind Addison, Mario Williams and Tahj Washington serve as receiving threats.

The 2022 roster is transfer-heavy. USC inked the arguably the top class of transfers in the country this past offseason, headlined by Caleb Williams and Addison, both former five-star recruits.

Want to Gamble Online? Use Our Exclusive Chumba Casino Promo Code!

Who’s in the Running for the 2022 Heisman Trophy?

Caleb Williams is among the favorites to win the 2022 Heisman Trophy. He’s priced longer than quarterbacks CJ Stroud and Hendon Hooker.

There’s a lot to like about Williams’ Heisman Trophy odds from a betting perspective. He needs to string together some big individual performances though (preferably in wins) to close the gap they have over him.

CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Stroud is the favorite to win the 2022 Heisman Trophy as he leads the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes. Stroud threw for 361 yards and six touchdowns in a blowout win over Michigan State and enjoyed a Week 7 bye.

The Buckeyes’ next game is against Iowa, and they have a big matchup at Penn State the following week.

Stroud has produced the majority of his production without top wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who injured his hamstring against Notre Dame. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka are among the receivers picking up the slack.

Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Hooker, the 24-year-old signal-caller for the Vols, led Tennessee to a monster win over Alabama, so naturally, Hooker gets time in the spotlight. He’s completing 70% of his passes with 16 total touchdowns (three rushing) and only one interception.

Speaking of rushing, his dual-threat ability (287 rushing yards) adds a little extra element for opposing defenses to game plan for each week.

The target is officially on the Volunteers’ backs after beating Alabama and climbing to No. 3 in the nation. Tennessee plays in-state opponent UT-martin, a game that will almost certainly result in a Tennessee victory. The Kentucky Wildcats are the next tough test. Hooker is on the rise right now, but he can’t afford to slip if he’s going to walk down Stroud.

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Young is falling out of the Heisman mix. He missed a game with a sprained shoulder, and then he and the Crimson Tide lost to Tennessee.

On the bright side (as far as the Heisman is concerned), Young threw for 455 yards and two touchdowns to zero interceptions. It wasn’t enough and digs a deeper hole for Young to climb out of if he wants to remain a finalist in the Heisman race.

‘Bama hosts No. 24 Mississippi State in what could be another difficult game.

USC Heisman Trophy History

The USC Trojans are one of college football’s flagship programs and brands. Some of the top players in college football — and NFL — history hail from USC. The list of star players the program has produced includes seven Heisman Trophy winners.

USC Trojans Heisman Trophy Winners

• Reggie Bush, RB, 2005
• Matt Leinart, QB, 2004
• Carson Palmer, QB, 2002
• Marcus Allen, RB, 1981
• Charles White, RB, 1979
• OJ Simpson, RB, 1968
• Mike Garrett, RB, 1965

It’s a testament to USC’s historical greatness that it can make strong claims to hold the titles of “Quarterback U” and “Running Back U.” The list of dominant backs is just as impressive as the signal-callers the school has produced.

Caleb Williams is USC’s best chance at adding another name to the program’s list of Heisman winners — and fuel to its “QBU” claim.

Where to Bet on 2022 Heisman Trophy Odds

Bettors have a number of options when it comes to placing wagers on the 2022 Heisman Trophy. They won’t have any trouble finding 2022 Heisman Trophy odds across industry’s sportsbook apps in California. College football is one of the most popular sports in the US, so sportsbooks know they’ll get plenty of action from college football fans and bettors.

Whether someone wants to place money on USC national title odds or Caleb Williams to win the Heisman, the options and opportunities will be plentiful. Bettors who anticipate big things from quarterback Caleb Williams, head coach Lincoln Riley, and the Trojans as a whole, should scour the sportsbook landscape to find the best odds on their bets.

Bettors aren’t limited to national title and Heisman futures. Sportsbooks offer odds for individual games and to win individual conferences. From a game-to-game perspective, bettors have plenty to consider and digest as well. Traditional wagers such spreads, totals, and moneylines will be easy to find.

Best Promo Codes for 2022 Heisman Trophy Odds

The industry’s top sportsbooks typically present welcome bonuses for new users who register for their platforms. However, they also reward returning users with promotions throughout the season. Prominent sporting events and the beginning of new seasons often serve as the source behind fun promo offers. The welcome bonuses at California sportsbooks are sure to be intriguing when the state launches sports betting.

The beginning of the college football season is a huge deal for many sports fans, and sportsbooks do not neglect that fact.

As the season unfolds and the Heisman race heats up, sportsbooks are likely to leverage the excitement and exposure that comes with the sports’ most prestigious award. Even if books don’t offer specific Heisman Trophy promotions, the promotions they do offer (i.e. risk-free bets, deposit bonuses, etc.) will be eligible for wagers on Heisman Trophy odds.

Caleb Williams Heisman Trophy Odds FAQs