As the 2024 college football season reaches its midpoint, the national championship landscape has been shaken by Week 6 upsets, reshaping the odds for top contenders. While individual players like Boise State's Ashton Jeanty continue to impress and Colorado two-way sensation Travis Hunter garners praise from across the sports world, traditional powerhouses have seen their fortunes shift dramatically.
All odds are accurate as of timestamp. For the latest odds go to ESPN BET.
Heisman watch: Tracking the latest odds and top contenders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Broncos (+225)
Last week: (+1100)
Jeanty was up to 35-1 after the second week of the season, but has since surged to become the new Heisman Trophy betting favorite. Jeanty has accumulated 1,031 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in just five games, averaging 10.9 yards per carry. His 1,031 rushing yards lead the nation, with the second-place rusher trailing by 260 yards. If his production continues, Jeanty is on track to potentially reach, if not break, both of Barry Sanders' single-season rushing records (2,628 yards, 37 touchdowns) and be the first running back to average over 12.2 yards per carry in a season.
Jeanty already set Boise State's school record for rushing yards in a game with his 259-yard performance against Washington State. Jeanty rushed for 186 yards and three touchdowns against Utah State in Week 6 in just the first half.
Jeanty's performances have been crucial to the Broncos' 3-1 start and, in a year where quarterbacks haven't dominated consistently, Jeanty stands out. His performances have garnered significant national attention and put Boise State squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation. If he maintains this level of production, especially against tougher conference opponents, Jeanty could become the first running back to win the Heisman since Derrick Henry in 2015.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (+325)
Last week: (+700)
Hunter was 30-1 after the second week of the season and now sits as the second favorite, despite Colorado having a bye week in Week 6. Hunter has excelled at an elite level on both offense and defense, playing nearly every snap at both wide receiver and cornerback. This level of two-way play is almost unheard of in modern college football.
As a receiver, Hunter ranks in the top five nationally in receptions (46), receiving yards (561) and touchdown catches (6). Defensively, he has recorded 16 tackles, two interceptions and defended three passes. Stats aside, Hunter has consistently delivered in crucial moments, including a forced fumble in overtime against Baylor. The rarity of Hunter's dual-role excellence sets him apart in the Heisman race. While Colorado might not be a national title contender, Hunter's performances have played a key part in their wins and close games against top opponents.
Hunter has plenty of opportunity to expand his portfolio with a huge Big 12 conference showdown matchup against No. 18 Kansas State in Week 7.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (+40000)
Smith has entered the Heisman conversation. Through four games, he has caught 23 passes for 453 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 19.7 yards per reception -- impressive numbers for a freshman. Smith has made some spectacular catches, including two one-handed grabs in a single drive against Michigan State, one of which went for a touchdown.
In addition to his receiving skills, Smith has also shown his versatility with a 19-yard touchdown run. If he maintains his current pace, Smith could have one of the best freshman seasons in Ohio State history.
Historically, wide receivers rarely win the Heisman Trophy. The last one to win was DeVonta Smith in 2020, and before that, Desmond Howard in 1991. With only five games played, it's still very early to consider Smith a serious contender.
Breaking down the latest national championship odds
The national championship odds have relatively stayed the same after Week 6 with some minor shuffling between the top teams. The current favorites are Ohio State (+300), Texas (+425), Georgia (+450) and Alabama (+650).
Alabama lost to Vanderbilt and dropped to No. 7 in the latest AP Poll. Meanwhile Tennessee lost to Arkansas and dropped to No. 8. Texas is the new No. 1 despite being on bye last week, and Ohio State listed at No. 2 despite being the current betting favorite to win the national championship at ESPN BET. With Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia all suffering one loss, it's less certain that the SEC will dominate the playoff picture, potentially opening the door for other conferences.
Teams like Oregon (No. 4) and Penn State (No. 5) have improved their positions and championship odds, while the Big Ten now has three teams ranked in the top 5 (Ohio State, Penn State and Oregon), showcasing the conference's strength this season.
Bet to consider: Clemson Tigers to win the ACC (+200)
I recommended Clemson to win the ACC at +275 on ESPN BET Live heading into Week 5. I still like the Tigers at +200.
Clemson's defense has the potential to finish the season as one of the best in the nation. They have a strong defensive line, an elite linebacker unit led by All-American Barrett Carter, and a talented safety group. Clemson's offense has shown significant improvement, after their season-opening loss to Georgia, with quarterback Cade Klubnik leading the way. Clemson has a favorable schedule moving forward, one that won't include ACC favorite Miami in the regular season.
This wager is as much about fading Miami as it is backing Clemson. The Hurricanes have shown significant vulnerabilities escaping with narrow wins in back-to-back games because of turnovers. Miami has four turnovers in two games and are winning "too close for comfort" games that have needed late calls to secure victories instead of dominating opponents. Miami has a poor run defense and struggle with tackling and quarterback consistency, resulting in one-score wins against weaker opponents. Miami might be 6-0 but the Hurricanes are currently walking a tightrope, needing to improve in several areas before becoming a conference winner.