Texas 6-Step: Quinn Ewers leaps to Heisman favorite

Quinn Ewers Surges to Top of Heisman Odds After Stellar Performance Against Michigan

Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers made a statement in Week 2 of the college football season, launching himself into the frontrunner position for the Heisman Trophy. With an outstanding three-touchdown performance, Ewers led Texas to a dominant 31-12 victory over reigning national champion Michigan on the road, cementing his rise to the top of the Heisman race.

Just a week ago, Ewers sat seventh in the odds at +1400 according to DraftKings. Despite the fact that none of the six quarterbacks ahead of him lost their games, Ewers vaulted past them all thanks to his stellar play. His odds have now shortened to +600, making him the clear favorite.

Ewers’ main competition includes Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart (+850), who made a strong case of his own by completing 24 consecutive passes in a blowout win over Middle Tennessee. However, Ewers’ big-game performance under pressure, combined with Texas’ undefeated start, has given him a considerable edge.

Oregon’s Gabriel Slips in Heisman Race

Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, who had been the Heisman favorite from mid-summer through the start of the season, saw a significant slide in his odds despite another efficient outing. Gabriel completed 85.7% of his passes and threw two touchdowns, but Oregon’s second straight underwhelming performance—barely escaping Boise State with a win—caused his odds to drop from +800 to +1100. Gabriel’s fall to fifth in the Heisman race is a clear reflection of the Ducks’ early struggles, even as they remain undefeated.

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Updated Heisman Trophy Odds

(via DraftKings)

PlayerTeamJuly OddsWeek 1Current
Quinn EwersTexas+1000+1400+600
Jaxson DartOle Miss+1400+850+800
Cam WardMiami+2200+950+850
Carson BeckGeorgia+800+900+1000
Dillon GabrielOregon+750+800+1100
Jalen MilroeAlabama+1500+1100+1200
Nico IamaleavaTennessee+1800+1200+1300
Miller MossSouthern CalN/A+2200+1800
Will HowardOhio State+1500+1600+2000
Garrett NussmeierLSU+2200+3500+2800

Ewers enjoyed the biggest move, jumping 800 points, while LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier climbed 700 points after an impressive showing. Southern Cal’s Miller Moss also surged into the top-10 after improving from +2200 to +1800.

Colorado Stars Take a Hit

Not all Heisman hopefuls were so lucky this weekend. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and dual-threat Travis Hunter both saw significant drops after the Buffaloes were soundly defeated by Nebraska, 28-10. Sanders’ odds plunged from +2200 to +8000, while Hunter, after being heavily hyped for his two-way play, fell from +2500 to +5000.

Gabriel, who had been a steady presence in the top five, suffered a 300-point drop, while Georgia’s Carson Beck and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava each saw a modest 100-point decrease.

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Non-Quarterbacks Entering the Conversation

One of the few non-quarterbacks making noise in the Heisman race is Boise State’s standout running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty has been electric through two games, racking up 459 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on just 45 carries—an average of 10.2 yards per rush. His 192-yard, three-touchdown performance against Oregon vaulted him into the conversation, and he now sits at +3000 in the latest odds.

While quarterbacks continue to dominate the Heisman discussion, Jeanty is among the few skill players whose explosive play has forced voters to take notice.

Ewers Leading the Pack

At the moment, all eyes are on Quinn Ewers, who has captured national attention and the SEC Offensive Player of the Week honor. In Texas’ 2-0 start, Ewers has completed 24 of 36 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the big win over Michigan. His season stats so far include 506 yards passing, six touchdowns, and only one interception.

With Texas in prime position to make a run at the College Football Playoff, Ewers could cement his place at the top of the Heisman race if he continues to deliver big performances in high-stakes matchups. The question now is whether he can maintain this pace, as competition heats up and conference play begins.