It was supposed to be a quiet Tuesday in the college football world before Week 5 brought us the chaos over the weekend.
However, Oklahoma fans — and bettors — got some shocking news that has sent the latest Heisman Trophy odds for a loop.
Sooner's quarterback John Mateer underwent thumb surgery on his throwing hand and will miss time this year.
While Mateer's Heisman Trophy door shuts, a handful open as the college football odds heat up.
Latest Heisman Trophy odds
Here are the current Heisman Trophy favorites after news of John Mateer's injury broke.
| Player | Position |  |
|---|---|---|
 Fernando Mendoza |
QB | +650 |
 Dante Moore |
QB | +1000 |
 Jeremiah Smith |
WR | +1000 |
 Carson Beck |
QB | +1200 |
 Gunnar Stockton |
QB | +1200 |
 Marcel Reed |
QB | +1400 |
 Jayden Maiava |
QB | +1400 |
 Josh Hoover |
QB | +1400 |
 Joey Aguilar |
QB | +1400 |
| Julian Sayin |
QB | +1600 |
 Garrett Nussmeier |
QB | +2000 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 9-23.
John Mateer's injury
While John Mateer was certainly not a 'lock' to win the Heisman Trophy, he had positioned himself well through four games, sitting as co-favorite with Miami Hurricanes QB, Carson Beck.
The injury announcement came as a shock to everyone, as he looked great in his last game vs. the Auburn Tigers.
Breaking: Oklahoma QB John Mateer will undergo surgery Wednesday to address a right-hand injury he sustained against Auburn, head coach Brent Venables announced.
— ESPN (@espn) September 23, 2025
Venables said the expectation is that Mateer will return to action sometime this season. pic.twitter.com/LaVfJRFNAl
According to reports, Mateer suffered a broken bone in his throwing hand in the first quarter vs. Auburn, and early indications are that he will miss at least three weeks.
The Sooners have a bye this week, before an October schedule that consists of Kent State, Texas, South Carolina, and Mississippi.
Mateer's absence will leave a void in the Sooners' offense, and it will be interesting to see how they rally behind backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr.
Updated Heisman Trophy favorites
Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
I spoke about Fernando Mendoza at length before Indiana demolished Illinois. At the time, he was between 30/1 and 35/1, depending on your sportsbook. I said a big showing vs. a Top 10 team would have those odds shortening quicker than you can spell 'Hoosiers', and would you look at that.
Mendoza is now the betting favorite in the Heisman Trophy market.
However, with two tricky road matchups on deck vs. Iowa and vs. current No. 6 Oregon, these odds may yet lengthen.
Dante Moore (Oregon)
The Oregon Ducks have a massive game this week vs. No. 3 Penn State.
If you like the Ducks to win that game, you might as well come out and say that you like Dante Moore to win the Heisman.
The Ducks could very well run the table if they get by the Nittany Lions, and if they do, Moore will be a big reason why.
The sophomore QB has 11 touchdowns to just one interception and is averaging 240.5 passing yards per game.
Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)
Jeremiah Smith remains one of the best wide receivers in the college game, but winning the Heisman as a receiver is very difficult.
Since 1991, only three receivers have won the award, and you can put an asterisk on Travis Hunter because he was a two-way star.
Smith sits outside the Top 20 in receiving yards through four weeks, but is averaging 105 yards per game, and has three touchdowns.
This is a very short price to back a receiver.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Heisman Trophy One Off
The 2025 Heisman Trophy ceremony will be Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
John Mateer suffered a broken bone in his throwing hand in the first quarter vs. Auburn. He's expected to be out at least three weeks.
Indiana QB, Fernando Mendoza is now the betting favorite at +650.
