2021 Heisman Trophy opening odds: Rattler favored in loaded field

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The 2020 Heisman race took as many twists and turns as the season itself, with Devonta Smith finally cashing on Tuesday as the first receiver to win the award since 1991. It was a dream come true for bettors, as the Alabama star was as high as 100-1 in the offseason and 50-1 just a month ago.

Smith isn't the biggest long shot to win in recent years - Joe Burrow takes the cake - but serves as a reminder of just how volatile this race can be, and how fruitful it can be for those who know where the value lies.

Here are the odds to win the Heisman Trophy in 2021, with a few notes on the early favorites and one long shot to watch:

Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma (+500)

It should surprise no one that Rattler - the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2019 and a Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist as a freshman - is the front-runner here.

The Oklahoma star threw for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns in his redshirt freshman season - ranking in the top 10 in both categories - and added six touchdowns on the ground to flash the dual-threat skill set that made him a coveted recruit out of Arizona.

He showed clear improvement as the year progressed, and now he'll enter a second season under Lincoln Riley - who coached two of the last three Heisman winners and should have the Sooners back in the College Football Playoff conversation once again. That'll be enough to bolster what should be a gaudy statistical resume for Rattler.

D.J. Uiagalelei, QB, Clemson (+1000)

If you're worried about betting a short price on someone with just two career starts, simply pop in the tape from those games and let your jaw drop.

In his collegiate debut, Uiagalelei threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns to erase an 18-point deficit against Boston College. A week later, he threw for 439 yards - the most-ever by a Notre Dame opponent - and combined for three scores in a double-overtime thriller.

Some better offensive-line play and more favorable injury luck could lead Clemson to an even better season in 2021. If Trevor Lawrence can finish second in Heisman voting for an underwhelming campaign, Uiagalelei can win it.

Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina (+1400)

For a moment, it appeared Howell arrived a year early when he elevated North Carolina to the No. 5 ranking behind 777 passing yards and six touchdowns through his first three games.

The Tar Heels faded down the stretch, as did Howell's Heisman candidacy. But the junior enters 2021 as the front-runner to go No. 1 overall in the 2022 draft and a trendy pick to win this award after tossing 20 touchdowns to just three interceptions in his final seven games. He's got the arm talent, but will he have the wins to support his case?

Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State (+4000)

It's silly to have such a long price on Hall, who finished sixth in Heisman voting in 2020 after leading the nation in rushing yards (1,572) and finishing second in touchdowns (21). He also bullied the Oregon defense for 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl, which could help spark some more national attention for the Iowa State star.

None of the top-five Heisman vote-getters are expected to return in 2021, which means Hall can make a case as the most accomplished contender entering this season. Only three running backs have won this award in the last 20 years, but Hall has the talent and resume to force his way into the conversation.

C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.