As we approach the upcoming college football season, the focus of discussions has been everything but the players. Amidst the ongoing buzz about conference realignment, this will mark the last season featuring the original conferences, promising intense excitement in most power five rivalry matchups.
With three Heisman contenders including one Running Back, here are five prop bets to take the “over” on for the 2023-24 college football season. Best of luck this year!
Drake Maye (UNC) OVER 3,200.5 Passing Yards
The 6'5" prospect, who is almost NFL-ready, faced a setback as his primary target, Josh Downs, moved on to the league. Nevertheless, North Carolina's receiving unit retains a substantial number of experienced juniors and seniors, setting the stage for further progress following a successful top 25 season.
Having thrown 38 touchdowns and over 4,300 yards in the previous season, Maye is anticipated to enhance his draft prospects throughout the upcoming season by averaging more than 40 passing attempts per game.
With a leading record in ACC pass completions, it's tough to imagine UNC altering their passing strategy as Maye becomes more accustomed to the team's system.
Jayden Daniels (LSU) OVER 18.5 Pass TD
Jayden Daniels emerges as an intriguing dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy this season. Despite recording 11 rushing touchdowns and a more modest 17 passing touchdowns in 2022, the LSU team is nipping at the heels of Alabama in terms of odds to clinch the SEC West title.
Daniels, along with standout players like WR Malik Nabers, OL Will Campbell, and TE Mason Taylor, have all secured spots on the top two Preseason All-SEC teams.
Having gained valuable experience under Chip Kelly's guidance in Baton Rouge, Daniels is poised to deliver a Heisman-worthy performance as a seasoned veteran in college football.
Finishing with a near 70% completion percentage last season, this prop is one of the best on all of PrizePicks as his red zone progressions are among the best out of QBs in the SEC.
With some shootout games on the way including two potential blowout victories against Grambling St. and Georgia St. on tap, this number can easily eclipse 25, so place your money on it before it’s too late.
Braelon Allen (Wisconsin) OVER 1,075.5 Rush Yds
Two seasons of rushing for over 1,240 yards. Two seasons of 11 or more rushing TDs. A 6’2, 230 pound halfback. The secret is out about Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen. He’s going to be a Day 1 draft pick.
However, he has a new coach in Wisconsin as Luke Fickell takes the reins of one of the more run-heavy programs CFB has seen. Allen made his first appearance at 17-years-old against Michigan and since then, has torched the Big 10.
Playing in a new-era “Air-Raid” offense, getting playmakers in open space will be key for the Badgers and for Allen, he’ll absolutely run through defenses in this new system. With +6000 odds to win the Heisman, it may not be the easiest bet to swallow, but as the top RB in college football, his yard total should be an easy hit in this spread offensive system.
Notably, the winter weather conditions that the Badgers are likely to encounter will result in a frequent reliance on Allen, with him receiving the ball over 20 times per game.
Jacob Cowing (Arizona) OVER 920.5 Rec. Yds
If you think Jacob Cowing will take a step back after his 85 reception, 1,000-yard season at Arizona, think again. Dorian Singer’s 1,100 yards are up for grabs after his transfer to USC to play alongside Caleb Williams.
Cowing taking over the WR1 role in Tucson should automatically get him over the 1,000-yard mark as the offense scored over 30 PPG, threw for over 300 passing yards, and allowed an outrageous 36 PPG.
QB Jayden De Laura and Cowing were transfers who came into Arizona to lead them to their first decent season in over 3 years. With another year in Jedd Fisch’s system, expect this spread offense to explode and Cowing to finish on an All-Pac 12 team before the team transitions into the Big 12.
Oronde Gadsden (Syracuse) OVER 850.5 Rec. Yds
Watching the Syracuse offense was tough last season. Without Sean Tucker out of the backfield, it might be unbearable. One thing that will continue to work for the Orange should be the Schrader/Gadsden connection.
Listed as a TE on PrizePicks, Gadsden ran almost every route and was lined up all over the field for Dino Babers’ squad in a surprisingly positive season for Syracuse.
With limited receiving options and the probability of having a negative game script, expect another near-1,000 yard campaign for the red zone specialist. With no other player securing more than 40 targets nor 500 yards in 2022, bet on opportunity for Oronde and the Orange.
