2024 college football odds, predictions: Why Travis Hunter could win the Heisman

With non-conference play just about finished in college football, the rubber is hitting the road. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t lucrative futures still available in the market.Here are two I’m adding to my portfolio: A non-quarterback needs three things to break in his favor to win a Heisman Trophy:Quinn Ewers looked poised to run away with the Heisman after dismantling Michigan in Week 2, but then he suffered an abdominal injury that has forced him to miss the last seven quarters for Texas.Keep in mind, no quarterback has missed more than one full game during his Heisman season. Other Heisman hopefuls at quarterback have resume issues.Miami’s Cam Ward might not face a single ranked team during the regular season, and Georgia’s Carson Beck could struggle to throw for enough yards to capture the imagination of voters. This could leave the door open for Hunter, the two-way player whose game-winning forced fumble Saturday and his three-touchdown performance in Colorado’s opener already give him a few Heisman moments. The rub here is team success.Even if the Buffs spark a few upsets, it appears 8-4 would be their absolute ceiling.

There hasn’t been a Heisman winner with four or more losses in 55 years.But at 33/1 odds, I’m willing to add the best player in America to my Heisman portfolio. Curt Cignetti made it clear last December, “I win.

Google me.” True to form, Cignetti just became the first coach in Indiana history to start his tenure 4-0. And not only are the Hoosiers winning, they’re winning big.Indiana is 3-1 against the spread this season, besting the closing number by an average of 16 points per game (sixth). But Indiana isn’t just a gambling darling under Cignetti; it’s also a darn good football team.Kurtis Rourke is fourth nationally in QBR with a perfect 8/0 touchdown/interception ratio.

And he’s getting everyone involved offensively. Through four weeks, four running backs have more than 100 yards rushing and four...