Arch Manning Heisman odds (updated): Texas QB's ranking sees massive improvement after Week 4 domination
Arch Manning made his first start for the Texas Longhorns on Saturday against the UL Monroe Warhawks. He led the Longhorns to a convincing 51-3 victory in this game. Manning's performance should be expected from a quarterback of his statute. Some believe he could be a contender for the Heisman Trophy.
But what do the bookmakers say about Manning's chances of winning the Heisman Trophy in 2024?
Arch Manning Heisman Trophy odds
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (+550) was the favorite for the Heisman Trophy in Week 4. Arch Manning had odds of +5000 with Longhorns teammate, and fellow quarterback Quinn Ewers had odds of +1600. Coming out of Week 4, Manning has odds of +5500 (according to Fan Duel). Ward is still the favorite to win the Heisman.
Why have Arch Manning's odds not changed as much?
Arch Manning did not have the best of starts during the game against the Warhawks. He threw an interception on the opening drive of the game. Manning shouldn't have made this mistake, although the Warhawks (led by quarterback General Booty) couldn't get anything from the following drive.
Additionally, Manning was not the main reason for the 51 points the Longhorns got on the Warhawks. Most of these came from the Longhorns run game. Running back Jaydon Blue scored three touchdowns, and the run game itself scored five TDs in total.
The strong run game helped in areas Manning struggled in. While he did throw for 258 yards and score two touchdowns, he threw for two interceptions. These numbers do not show a Heisman Trophy winner, which is why his odds have slightly fallen or not changed, depending on the odds provider.
This is more visible when Manning's numbers from yesterday are compared to the likes of Cam Ward. Ward threw for 404 yards and scored three touchdowns with one interception against the South Florida Bulls, a harder opposition than the Warhawks, on the same day.
While Manning is unlikely to win the Heisman Trophy this year, he is building experience to allow him to challenge it in future years.