These Might Suck, But Here’s My Heisman Picks Anyways

Now, to start this off, all of these futures bets should be placed on DraftKings if you’re in a sponsored state. If you’re not, well figure it out. With that out of the way, let’s talk Heisman options.

To be honest, this feels like a dark-horse year. Most of the top QBs in college football are either unproven, mid, or transferring for the third time. And yeah, it’s a QB award, we all know it.

I’ve got three picks I like: two quarterbacks and one fun, freak athlete pick, because hopefully this isn’t another chalk year where a blue blood QB walks away with it by Week 10. Final shoutout here goes to Rico Bosco, the certified Futures King, who will definitely have better picks come Pick Em time. But for now, here’s how I’m seeing it:

The Chalk Pick (But Still My Favorite): Kade Klubnik +950

Yeah, it’s chalk. Yeah, he has the third-best odds. But Kade Klubnik is my guy, and Clemson is back or at least they will be, if QB play returns to what we saw during their peak years. Klubnik showed flashes last year. The issue? His weapons were young and still figuring it out. But now he’s got experienced guys, two sophomore WRs, Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore, who cooked Pitt (yes, I’ve come to terms with the fact Pitt might just suck). The Heisman isn’t just about stats, which Klubnik can easily put up with 3,000+ yards and 35+ TDs last year, it’s also about moments. And Klubnik has wheels, too. I had a front-row seat to his 50-yard game-winning TD against Pitt. (Again Pitt.).

The ACC isn’t great, so if Clemson looks strong, they’ll stand out. That means primetime games, national buzz, and plenty of Heisman spotlight. Their matchups with FSU and South Carolina late in the season are perfect setups for "Heisman moments." So yeah, it’s a chalk pick but at +950, it’s safe, with a real chance to hedge or cash out later in the year.

The Twitter Pick (Dark Horse): John Mateer +2500

This one isn’t mine. Credit goes to my guy Mr. Cyber on Twitter for starting the John Mateer at Oklahoma movement, and I’m all in. The name might sound familiar because Mateer was Big Cat’s QB at Washington State in the dynasty. Threw about a million picks, sure, but the dude is an athlete in real life. Wazzu’s had some solid QBs, and now that Cam Ward thrived at Miami, it wouldn’t shock me if Mateer follows a similar path.

At Oklahoma, Mateer has the job and an SEC schedule, meaning plenty of big-stage opportunities, especially early vs. Texas and Arch (who is, frankly, mid, but that’s for a different blog). Mateer tossed 29 TDs last year, ran for a few more, and has underrated athleticism. More importantly, he brings actual stability to an Oklahoma QB room that’s been lost since Lane Kiffin dipped for USC (which might eventually cost him a job, but again, separate blog).

At +2500, this is the kind of ticket you either brag about all year or rip up by Week 3 when he’s thrown more picks than touchdowns. I’m betting on the former.

The Freak Pick (Non-QB Fun): Jeremiah Smith

Let’s keep this one short: Don’t bet non-QBs unless it’s Jeremiah Smith.

The dude is a certified freak. He’s on national TV every week, plays for Ohio State, and looks like he was built in a lab. If anyone can steal the Heisman as a WR, it’s him.

Also, future Pittsburgh Steeler, hopefully. 

Final Notes

Bet responsibly, trust your gut, and maybe sprinkle a Clemson National Title future too. The value is there, and if Klubnik hits, they’re in the mix.

Let’s have a year.