USC QB Sam Darnold odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy

USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold used to be a well kept secret, known mostly within the confines of the Los Angeles area. He was the starting quarterback of a seemingly mediocre team that was removed from the national discussion after you know…Alabama happened (still trying to block that game from my memory). But after winning nine games in a row, throwing for over 3,000 yards and orchestrating a last second victory in the Rose Bowl.

Darnold no longer has the luxury of sliding under the radar. Heading into his sophomore campaign, he has been regarded as NFL CFB’s third best player in the nation, a second team All- American by Athlon Sports and a personal favorite of Colin Cowherd.

Now Vegas oddsmakers can be added to the list of people who are hopping on the Sam Darnold hype train. According to the LA Times, multiple sports books including Bovada, William Hill US, and Westgate have Sam Darnold atop their lists as the most likely player to win the Heisman Trophy next season, ahead of defending Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, perennial contender Baker Mayfield and Ohio State senior JT Barrett.

Back in September, Clay Helton took a gamble on a relatively unknown freshman choosing to start him when the team was off to a floundering 1-2 start. Now people are gambling on that same quarterback to be the Heisman trophy winner. What a difference a few months can make.