College football: Inside look at Heisman Trophy betting odds

In a normal season, which is normally anything but normal, this is the time when a Heisman campaign starts to take shape.

For the favorites heading into the year, the process is well underway. It begins in the offseason, and in many cases the season that came before it. It then grows with wins, elite play and attention.

But for the players coming from off the pace, as they often do, the campaign must start somewhere.

But this year? Good luck finding one.

Even now, still in September, the Heisman feels like a two-horse race. The updated odds certainly reflect that.

After a month (and change) of college football, Ole Miss QB Matt Corral is the Heisman favorite (+ 155) followed by Alabama QB Bryce Young (+ 185). Those two will meet up this week — more on that game in a moment — and that result will create some separation between the two.

The other favorites entering the year? It largely hasn’t gone well. Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler, the chalk before the season began, is now 30/1. DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson’s next great five-star QB, is now 80/1 after a loss to North Carolina State. Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud, who missed last week’s game due to an injury, is now 50/1 after surging up odds boards before the season began.

It is, quite simply, a mess. And for those in search of the next DeVonta Smith — a player who vaulted into contention as last season progressed — the possibilities seem limited.

As I see it, here are some options:

JT Daniels (22/1)

He plays quarterback at Georgia, which might be the best team in college football. And he could, if all goes according to plan, get a crack at Alabama in the SEC Championship game. I liked him before the season began. At 22/1, he is the best value on the board.

CJ Verdell (40/1)

Here is where you start to feel the drop off. I love watching Oregon’s running back play. He’s explosive and should continue to post numbers. The problem is that, a) he splits carries and, b) it might be difficult for a running back on a good (but not dominant) team to win.

Casey Thompson (150/1)

Let’s get weird. He started the season on the bench, although Thompson has been a monster for Texas since seeing the field. The odds speak to the likelihood of this taking shape, but Thompson has at least a few of the ingredients needed.

I don’t love any of the options above. I also don’t love a lot of players, besides Daniels, coming just off the pace. And Corral or Young could both boost their cases this week, separating themselves even more.

Godspeed, Heisman Trophy value seekers.