Last week, the NCAA announced this season’s finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Quarterbacks make up three of the four finalists: Alabama’s Bryce Young, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud. The fourth finalist is a defender, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson who plays for the Michigan Wolverines. Charles Woodson is the only defensive player to ever win the Heisman. Will Hutchinson be the second? Keep reading for Heisman Trophy odds as well as a top pick and a top underdog pick.

NCAA Football: Heisman Trophy Updated Odds

2021 College Football Heisman Trophy Presentation

• When: Saturday, Dec. 11 at 8:00 pm ET
• Where: Lincoln Center, New York, NY
• TV / Streaming: ESPN / ESPN+

2021 NCAA Heisman Trophy Updated Odds

• Bryce Young, QB Alabama -10000
• Kenny Pickett, QB Pittsburgh +1800
• Aidan Hutchinson, DE Michigan +2500
• CJ Stroud, QB Ohio State +4000

Heisman Trophy Odds Analysis

CJ Stroud and Kenny Pickett have a problem. It’s not that either quarterback had a bad season. But neither plays for a College Football Playoff squad.

The Ohio State Buckeyes failed to even make it to their conference championship game. The disappointing season wasn’t Stroud’s fault. The freshman QB threw for 3,865 yards and 38 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions.

But because Ohio State didn’t play good enough to make the CFP, Stroud has no shot of winning the award. 

Neither does Pickett, who plays for the ACC Champions. Pittsburgh easily beat Wake Forest in the ACC title game. Pickett has been unbelievable this season. The senior threw for 4,319 yards and 42 TDs. 

But Pitt isn’t near the level of the favorite’s squad, Alabama. Bryce Young has had one of the most fantastic seasons in college football history.

Young threw for 4,322 yards. He tossed 42 TD passes. He rushed for another 3 TDs this season. But that’s not the only reason Young is such a big favorite.

Versus then #1 Georgia in the SEC Championship, Young displayed the skills and leadership a player requires to lead his team to the National Championship. He blitzed the Dawgs with 421 passing yards and 3 TD passes. 

Young also rushed for 40 yards and a TD. There’s a reason Young is a -10000 choice to win the Heisman. He’s the best player in college football and a virtual lock to win the trophy.

There’s no reason not to make Bryce Young the top choice. If you can’t get yourself to lay money on a 10,000-to-1 shot, then you should consider backing the Michigan defensive end.

Aidan Hutchinson has recorded 33 solo tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 14 sacks this season. His presence on the Wolverines’ defense is one of the primary reasons Jim Harbaugh’s squad is in the CFP.

Hutchinson can change the course of a game at any moment. He’s that good. So if you’re not comfortable laying the farm on Young, consider Hutchinson the top alternative.  

Heisman Trophy Top Pick: Bryce Young – Alabama 

Heisman Trophy Underdog Pick: Aidan Hutchinson – Michigan