College Football 2026 Betting Picks: Best Futures Bets and Heisman Dark Horses

With the 2026 college football season just around the corner, sportsbooks have officially posted their futures. Although the odds are similar across most books, all of the lines used in this article will come from FanDuel. Most of these recommendations will be straight bets instead of parlays, since tying up your money for an entire season on multiple legs rarely offers enough value. 

Win Totals

In the preseason, it's impossible to know exactly what each team is capable of. The best we can do is project outcomes based on roster construction and schedule strength. The picks below are based on my own projections after evaluating each team's roster and schedule to determine a realistic floor and ceiling for the season. I ordered these picks based on the likelihood of these happening, in my opinion. 

Penn State Nittany Lions: Over 8.5 regular season wins (-170)

Many people around the country aren't very high on the Nittany Lions, but with the additions they made through the transfer portal, most notably quarterback Rocco Becht, they have a legitimate chance to reach the College Football Playoff. They also have one of the easiest schedules in the country, and if they can capitalize on their veteran experience, they should be in a great position to win at least nine games. 

Potential losses: Michigan, USC, Washington

LSU Tigers: Over 8.5 regular season wins (-104)

The Tigers are one of the most exciting teams to watch this season. Lane Kiffin shook up the SEC by accepting the head coaching job at LSU, and his arrival should have an immediate impact. Kiffin has won everywhere he's coached, and I expect that success to continue in Baton Rouge. LSU also boasts one of the most talented rosters on paper in the country, making anything less than a 10-win season feel like a disappointment. Their schedule is tough but in my opinion the Tigers will make the playoffs this year and compete for a National Title. 

Potential losses: Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas, and Texas A&M 

Iowa Hawkeyes: Over 7.5 regular season wins (-132)

The Hawkeyes are consistently in the mix for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, and this season should be no different. With a favorable schedule and one of the toughest home environments in college football at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa has a great opportunity to make some noise. As always, Kirk Ferentz will field a physical, disciplined team led by a strong defense, giving the Hawkeyes a legitimate chance to make a push for the College Football Playoff. 

Potential losses: Ohio State, Michigan, Illinois, Washington, and Nebraska

BYU Cougars: Over 8.5 regular season wins (-138)

Ever since joining the Big 12, the Cougars have been a consistent contender. Their recruiting classes have taken a noticeable step forward under the leadership of head coach Kalani Sitake, giving the program more talent than it has had in recent years. Sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier returns after an impressive freshman campaign and has the potential to lead BYU to another Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Cougars also addressed key needs through the transfer portal on both sides of the ball, and competing in a wide-open Big 12 gives them a great opportunity to reach nine or more wins. 

Potential losses: Notre Dame, Utah, Arizona, and Baylor

Passing Yard Totals

Passing yard props are some of the toughest bets to project, and the sportsbooks reflect that with their lines. I believe these quarterbacks are primed to take a step forward, especially those entering their second full season as starters. The picks below are based on the talent they displayed last year, the weapons they have at their disposal, and the offensive systems they're playing in. 

Ole Miss, Trinidad Chambliss: Over 2625.5 passing yards in the regular season (-113)

Last season, Chambliss burst onto the scene and established himself as one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. Despite his production, the sportsbook has set his passing yard total surprisingly low. That may be due to the coaching change, as Lane Kiffin's offensive system has historically produced inflated passing numbers for his quarterbacks. Even with a new scheme in place, Chambliss has more than enough talent to eclipse this total. The Rebels also retained several key receivers while adding more talent through the transfer portal, giving him plenty of weapons to work with. 

Previous year: 3016 passing yards

Ohio State, Julian Sayin: Over 2850.5 passing yards in the regular season (-113)

Julian Sayin returns as Ohio State's starting quarterback, and history suggests that's a great sign for his production. Ryan Day has consistently gotten the most out of quarterbacks in their second season as starters, and none have finished below this passing yard total. There's little reason to believe that trend will change this year. Sayin is surrounded by elite talent, including one of the nation's best wide receivers in Jeremiah Smith, giving him all the tools needed to take another step forward after an impressive season. 

Previous year: 3065 passing yards 

Heisman Dark Horses

The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award in college football, and predicting the winner before the season is never easy. More often than not, the preseason favorite doesn't end up taking home the trophy. With that in mind, I've put together a short list of players whose odds offer much better value than the favorites. Based on their talent, team situation, and opportunity, I believe each has a legitimate chance to bring home the Heisman this season. 

USC, Jaydan Maiava: Odds to win the Heisman (+2500) 

Lincoln Riley has built a reputation as one of the best offensive minds in college football, consistently putting his quarterbacks in position to succeed. Maiava returns for his second season as USC's starter after an impressive first year, and another step forward could put him firmly in the Heisman conversation. Riley's offense has a history of producing elite quarterback numbers, giving Maiava every opportunity to post a Heisman-worthy season. The Trojans also have a manageable schedule with several marquee matchups that could provide the signature moments Heisman voters look for. If Maiava can lead USC into the College Football Playoff conversation, he'll have a legitimate chance to bring home the trophy. 

Texas A&M, Marcel Reed: Odds to win the Heisman (+2500)

The Aggies are primed for another College Football Playoff appearance, and it all starts with star quarterback Marcel Reed. In my opinion, he's one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football, drawing comparisons to Johnny Manziel because of his ability to take over games with both his arm and his legs. Reed led Texas A&M to the playoff last season by making explosive plays, extending drives with his mobility, and taking advantage of an elite receiving corps. While the Aggies may not have as much talent at wide receiver this year, Reed has the playmaking ability to elevate those around him. If he can navigate Texas A&M's challenging schedule and lead the Aggies to another playoff berth, he'll have the résumé and statistics to be a serious Heisman contender. The biggest area for improvement is ball security, he committed too many turnovers last season, and cutting those down could be the difference between being a finalist and taking home the trophy. 

LSU, Sam Leavitt: Odds to win the Heisman (+2500)

As one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football, Sam Leavitt deserves to be among the Heisman favorites. Now at LSU, he'll be playing in Lane Kiffin's quarterback-friendly offense, a system that has consistently helped passers produce elite numbers. The Tigers also boast one of the most talented rosters in the country, giving Leavitt plenty of weapons to work with. After a disappointing season at Arizona State, he'll have the opportunity to bounce back on one of the biggest stages in college football. If Leavitt can lead LSU through its challenging SEC schedule and into the College Football Playoff, he'll have a strong case to take home the Heisman Trophy.

Disclaimer:
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