Ladies and gents, the wait is almost over. We’re only 34 days away from the return of college football and, as I’m sure you’re well aware, there’s quite a few storylines to keep up with this year. 

Per usual, the perennial powerhouses will look to reload (Clemson, Alabama, OSU) after losing their respective Heisman contending QBs from last season. Clemson and Alabama fans both anxiously await the beginning of new eras under center for their programs as DJ Uiagalelei looks to replace arguably the most talented QB to ever play at Clemson (Trevor Lawrence) and Bryce Young faces the challenge of filling national champion Mac Jones’ shoes. Buckeye fans still don’t even know for sure who’s taking over for the talented Justin Fields but rest assured expectations will be high regardless.

Players are actually getting paid now! The once pipe dream has become a reality due to the recent NIL agreements. Time will tell how these MASSIVE changes will affect teams/the NCAA as a whole but I think we can all appreciate the concept of someone being compensated for their worth. 

Last but not least, the 12 team playoff rumors have been floating around for about a month with relatively mixed reviews. General consensus being positive for the most part so far with the exception of powerhouse programs resenting being forced to play additional games. Can’t really blame them, but my selfish desire for more football currently drowns out their concerns. That said, if we’re paying college players now then expanding the playoff system seems like a relatively fair compromise. 

Keeping all of this in mind, we’ve listed out our preliminary favorite college football futures bets for 2021 below. These are obviously subject to change so keep an eye out for updates throughout the season.

Heisman

• Spencer Rattler +650
• DJ Uiagalelei +750
• Bryce Young +800
• D’Eriq King +2000
• Breece Hall +4000

Favorite Bets: Spencer Rattler (+650) and D’Eriq King (+2000)

Logic: Rattler, DJ and Bryce Young are considered the early favorites this year with Rattler slightly edging out a lead due to his breakout season for the Sooners last year. DJ Uiagalelei and Bryce Young definitely have the potential to orchestrate solid Heisman campaigns as well but I’m giving Rattler the nod here due to his valuable experience as well as playing in an easy conference (Big 12 doesn’t play defense). 

Choosing sleepers for Heisman futures bets is definitely more challenging than the front runners but, considering a preseason front runner hasn’t won the award in quite awhile, I have to give it the old college try. 

Breece Hall? Really? You are correct, that is not a typo. Adding Breece Hall to my sleepers list despite being a RB. Breece Hall finished 6th in Heisman voting last season, won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous first team All American selection. I see no reason why he wouldn’t be able to reproduce similar results for Iowa State again this year and at +4000 odds currently I’d think hard about buying some of his stock and hoping chaos ensues throughout the season. I mean, hey, a WR won the Heisman last year so anything’s possible. I’m listing out D’Eriq King specifically here because the guy is a rock star and still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. His versatility makes him an absolute game changer and his leadership on the field is admirable to say the least. He’s also playing in the ACC during a rebuilding year for Clemson this season so the opportunities are endless for him to stand out. I see a ton of value with this pick currently (+2000) for a guy that’s positioned well for another stellar season. Lock him in at +2000 now before he starts balling out and his odds become less enticing.

Power 5 Conference Champs

ACC: Clemson (-900)

• No surprise here. The Tigers have joined the ranks of football royalty over the past decade and rightfully so. Dabo is undoubtedly one of the best recruiters of our generation and the culture he’s built around his program throughout his tenure as head coach is second to none. Clemson is the place to be which we can see through Dabo’s consistently elite recruiting classes year over year. Clemson will be reloading but with absolute stud young talents this year and if you haven’t heard the name Bryan Bresee yet, get used to it.
• Favorite Sleeper: Miami (+900 odds)

SEC: Alabama (-170)

• Similar to Clemson, Alabama is blessed with elite recruiting classes year over year due to the Saban factor. I fully expect them to reload this year without missing a step.
• Favorite Sleeper: Georgia (+225 odds)

BIG 10: Ohio State (-170)

• Chill out Buckeye fans, only picking you here based off the large step back I expect to see from your overrated conference this year. Despite uncertainty at QB1, I expect the Buckeyes’ elite WRs to help them pull out another BIG 10 title this season.
• Favorite Sleeper: Wisconsin (+900 odds)

BIG 12: Oklahoma (-180)

• While I fully expect Oklahoma to drop a game this year to a sub par team, per usual, we can’t ignore how talented they are on offense. Led by Heisman front runner, Spencer Rattler, this offense is electric and shouldn’t face too much adversity from the defenses they’re matched up against this season (assuming they remain in the Big 12 and don’t jump ship to the SEC). 
• Favorite Sleeper: Iowa State (+275 odds)

PAC 12: Washington (+360)

• No teams in the PAC 12 really knock your socks off this year so I’m going with the most talented team with an easy schedule. As long as Washington beats Oregon (at home) this year they should have a great shot at winning the conference.
• Favorite Sleeper: USC (+380)

National Champs

• Clemson (+380)
• Oklahoma (+750)

Favorite Bet: Clemson (+380)

Logic: Don’t sleep on Clemson regardless of their “rebuilding year” this upcoming season. Their defense is young, deep and talented with senior leadership in the form of James Skalski (you might remember him from the targeting call against Justin Fields in the playoffs that made all of us review the technicalities behind that penalty in depth) and burgeoning star Bryan Bresee. If Justyn Ross is able to suit up at WR (you might remember him from their 2018 national championship victory) he should replace Amari Rodgers, and then some. People also tend to forget that DJ Uiagalelei was the #1 QB recruit in the country coming out of high school, just like Trevor Lawrence. We could be talking Cam Newton Auburn era production out of this guy but with better passing ability. With really only one challenge on their schedule all season, Georgia opening game at home, it’s reasonable to think the Tigers will be formidable this season if they’re able to get off to a good start. Add the factor that they seem to be flying under the radar currently and you get a great futures bet to take home another title at +380 odds.

Disclaimer: SidehustlebetsMJQ.com is not an online gambling operator or a gambling site of any kind. Our insights about sports/sports betting are purely for entertainment purposes only.