Heisman Odds Shake Up: Stockton Soars, Simpson Slides

Heisman Trophy Race Reshaped in Week 13: SEC Drama Dominates Odds

The race for college football's most prestigious award took dramatic turns in Week 13, with SEC quarterbacks driving the narrative as the regular season approaches its climax. A trio of signal-callers delivered contrasting performances that sent shockwaves through the Heisman Trophy odds, creating a fascinating mix of rising stars and fallen frontrunners.

Current Heisman Trophy Leaders (Odds via FanDuel)

• Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): +100
• Julian Sayin (Ohio State): +190
• Marcel Reed (Texas A&M): +600
• Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt): +1500
• Gunner Stockton (Georgia): +2500
• Haynes King (Georgia Tech): +3300
• Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame): +3500
• Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech): +10000

Stock Up: Gunner Stockton's Heisman Moment

In the biggest shakeup of the week, Gunner Stockton has seized momentum with a career-defining performance. The Georgia quarterback accounted for all five of the Bulldogs' touchdowns in a dominant 35-10 rout of Texas—tying a career high while matching the most points surrendered by the Longhorns' defense since 2021. What makes Stockton's surge particularly noteworthy is his consistency against elite opponents, now 2-0 against Texas in his career. His SEC-leading 70.7% completion percentage and clutch playmaking ability have propelled him up two spots in the odds, positioning Georgia perfectly for a potential conference title and playoff bye.

Stock Down: Ty Simpson's Tumble

Meanwhile, Alabama's Ty Simpson experienced a costly setback. The Heisman frontrunner's struggles in Oklahoma's 23-21 victory exposed Alabama's greatest vulnerability: relying too heavily on their quarterback. Simpson's second interception of the season, combined with a strip-sack fumble, proved decisive in the loss. While his raw talent remains undeniable and he still possesses first-round draft potential, Simpson's Heisman odds have cratered from +800 to +15,000. His inability to deliver in a critical game could not only end Alabama's SEC Championship hopes but also his own Heisman dreams.

Marcel Reed's Resilience

Texas A&M's Marcel Reed delivered perhaps the most compelling Heisman narrative. After an abysmal first half against South Carolina—where he threw two interceptions and had a backward pass returned for a touchdown—Reed orchestrated the largest comeback in Aggie history. He rallied his team from a 30-3 deficit to a 31-30 victory, completing 35 passes for a career-high 439 yards while consistently delivering clutch throws. What could have been a season-ending blow instead became a Heisman-defining moment, boosting his odds to +600 and keeping the Aggies' perfect season alive.

Longshot Alert: Jacob Rodriguez's Defensive Showcase

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez continues to defy expectations. Now listed at +10000 after being entirely absent from odds boards just two weeks ago, Rodriguez has put up eye-popping numbers: 55 solo tackles (most in the Big 12), 4 interceptions, and a nation-leading 7 forced fumbles. Coach Joey McGuire has embraced his Heisman candidacy, even giving Rodriguez offensive touches—evidenced by his touchdown run in a 48-9 rout of UCF. While his odds remain long, Rodriguez has made a compelling case as college football's most impactful defensive player.

Week 13 Watch List

With limited top-tier matchups, stat-padding opportunities abound for Heisman hopefuls. Key performances to monitor include:

• Dante Moore (Oregon) vs. Jayden Maiava (USC): The CBS/Paramount+ matchup features two dark horses with contrasting trajectories. Moore's Heisman stock has cooled since early-season dominance, while Maiava's turnover-prone play threatens USC's playoff hopes.
• Haynes King (Georgia Tech) vs. Pittsburgh: King's Heisman candidacy hinges on consistency against challenging defenses. A strong showing against Pitt would set the stage for his rivalry showdown with Georgia.

"The Heisman Trophy race is as unpredictable as ever, with SEC quarterbacks leading the charge. As the regular season winds down, every play counts."

With conference championships and the College Football Playoff looming, the Heisman race remains wide open. Stockton's late surge proves that timing is everything, while Simpson's fall demonstrates how quickly momentum can shift. As the final weeks unfold, expect more dramatic twists in the race for college football's most iconic award.