It’s hard to believe that we are only a little over a month until Clemson football kick off the season against Georgia Tech on September 5th. This is the prime time to take a look at college football futures. This week, we are going to take a look at Heisman Trophy and National Champion odds.
Clemson is in an odd position coming off a disappointing 2021-2022 campaign. Oddsmakers are setting odds based on the reputation of Dabo Swinney and one of top defenses in the country. So, let’s get to it and see if there is any value in these Clemson futures odds.
Clemson Tigers Heisman Trophy Contender
Cade Klubnik (QB) +5000
There is no doubt that Clemson has had some very deserving greats such as Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence who ultimately fell short of winning collegiate football’s most prestigious award, the Heisman Trophy. Will this be the year that the Tigers have a winner?
Depending on your Sportsbook du jor, you can find a wide range of Heisman futures for several Tigers. The only real possibility for Clemson lies with their quarterback – whoever that may be.
You don’t have to look particularly hard to find odds on current Clemson QB1, D.J. Uiagalelei. However, last season, Uiagalelei was the ACC’s least efficient passer. While no one expected him to fill Trevor Lawrence’s shoes, it is safe to say that Uiagalelei’s season was disappointing, at best.
Uiagalelei’s odds feel a little short given the performance he had last season. Many fans are already anticipating the Tigers moving on to the freshman 5-star quarterback Cade Klubnik at some point this season and FanSided’s John Buhler included Klubnik as one of his three Clemson breakout stars for 2022.
This bet is contingent on how you feel about the ceiling of “Big Cinco”. Even if he was able to win two more games (more on that later) and double, or even triple, his production from last season, he wouldn’t have even been amongst the top three finalists last season. On paper, the team appears to be a better group overall with Klubnik at the helm.
There is too much uncertainty to feel comfortable putting any serious betting units on this one. However, I am going to throw a few down a few on Klubnik. If you are looking for real value at these odds, this isn’t the bet. I’d take a look at Texas running back Bijan Robinson or Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Despite a subpar 2021 Clemson football has the fourth best odds to win the National Championship
2022-23 National Champion +1000
Despite Clemson coming off one of its worst seasons of the last 10 years, they are still able to keep top-tier recruits streaming into the ranks. This has oddsmakers believing that they will be able to bounce back from the down 2021 season. WynnBet has Clemson slotted only behind Alabama, Ohio State and Georgia for CFB National Champion favorites.
If Dabo Swinney can get his new defensive coordinator up to speed with the very talented defensive unit led by blue-chippers, Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy, that will be a great start. The aforementioned quarterback situation is a one to keep an eye on throughout the season though. That quarterback question mark makes this a little tougher for betters to take a shot on.
There is some confidence in this bet when looking at the Tigers’ upcoming schedule. Their big tests will come Week 4 at Wake Forest, Week 5 versus NC State, Week 10 at Notre Dame and Week 12 versus Miami. However, the ACC doesn’t look particularly daunting this season. It’s not completely inconceivable for Clemson to run the table.
In fact, in addition to a bet on Clemson winning the CFB national championship, it would also be worth searching out odds on Clemson winning the ACC. Depending on your sportsbook, odds range from -120 to -135.
It’ll be hard for Clemson fans to not bet with their hearts headed into and throughout the 2022-23 season – but make sure you check out Rubbing The Rock throughout the upcoming college season. I will be posting weekly Clemson Football best bets and odds analysis.
(All Odds Courtesy of WynnBet)