NCAAF futures: We like these value plays for the Heisman

The College Football season begins on Saturday and it's time we look through the board and hitch our wagon to a few futures. We'll touch on some teams tomorrow. Today is all about the Heisman.

We're high on these Heisman hopefuls

Michigan's J.J. McCarthy (+1800 FD/DK)

The Heisman is most definitely a quarterback's award, with 19 winners at that position since 2000. In that vein, it makes sense we start there, and the value on Michigan's starting QB seems like an investment worth making when you consider that the Wolverines should be in the mix all season long.

The case for McCarthy is relatively simple. He's surrounded by talent in a power conference on a team vying for a national championship. There's also room for significant growth here. The Michigan starter threw for 2,700 yards last year. Another year in the system should see a jump in his stats, and if he can land in the 3,500 to 4,000 range to go along with an increase in touchdowns and an undefeated season, one has to think he could be sitting there as a finalist come December.

Ole Miss' Quinshon Judkins (+8000 FD)

If you really want some value in your pocket, how about Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins? Over the past 25 years, running backs have won this award four times. When they do, they come out of the nation's best conferences, so check that box with Judkins and Ole Miss in the SEC.

As a freshman last season, Judkins led the SEC in rushing with 1,567 yards to go along with 16 touchdowns. Yup, he led the entire SEC in rushing. His role figures to only grow in Year Two, particularly in the passing game. This is a longshot, and Ole Miss isn't a championship hopeful. However, playing in the SEC it's easy to make a name for yourself, and if the Rebels shock a few of the better teams on their schedule, it's very likely because of what Judkins did on the field.

In the news ...

Shohei Ohtani tears UCL, no more pitching this season — Yesterday started off beautifully for Shohei Ohtani, striking out two batters in the top of the first and hitting his league-leading 44th homer in the bottom of the inning. But Ohtani would be forced out of the game with what was diagnosed as a torn UCL, ending his season on the mound. Ohtani is about to be a free agent in what was expected to be the biggest contract ever signed. This complicates things. Additionally, Ohtani MVP bettors have to be holding their breath now. Currently, American League MVP odds are off the board. Ohtani was the runaway favorite up to this point.

Auston Matthews signs four-year extension with Toronto — Toronto has locked in its superstar Auston Matthews to a new deal that will pay him $13.25M annually for four seasons. Matthews, the 2022 Hart Trophy winner for most valuable player, helped the Maple Leafs win their first postseason series since 2004 this past season. Toronto is currently +900 to hoist the Cup next season, second behind the Carolina Hurricanes.

Chris Jones threatens to sit out eight weeks — Earlier this summer we wrote about the value on Chris Jones to win Defensive Player of the Year, but best to avoid that bet now. Jones, Kansas City's star DT, wants a new deal, and it seems he's ready to hold out if need be. His extended absence would be a loss for the Chiefs, he is one of the best defensive linemen in football. The Chiefs remain the Super Bowl favorites at +600 and are still -165 to win their division.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll