Buckeyes superstar leads Heisman race: What DraftKings, Polymarket & Kalshi show for Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith celebrates his touchdown against Illinois during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)AP Photo/Jay LaPreteBy Pat Sharyon | Special CorrespondentOhio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith delivered a performance for the ages on Saturday, racking up 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns in No. 5 Ohio State’s 42-19 victory over Illinois. The sophomore star has cleared 5 catches and 85 receiving yards in every single game this season, bringing his total touchdown tally to seven.That historic outing completely rewrote the Heisman Trophy market overnight. Entering the weekend at 10-1, Smith vaulted over Miami quarterback Darian Mensah and Ole Miss passer Trinidad Chambliss to become the consensus Heisman frontrunner across traditional sportsbooks and peer-to-peer prediction markets.Comparing Heisman Odds: Sportsbooks vs. Exchange MarketsOddsmakers and prediction market traders responded immediately to Smith’s four-touchdown showcase. On traditional sportsbooks, Smith stands as the betting favorite at +260 on DraftKings and +275 on BetMGM, where he currently accounts for 18.2% of all money wagered on the award.On prediction exchanges—where contract prices reflect implicit probabilities—Smith’s surge is even more pronounced:CandidateTeamDraftKings OddsKalshi ProbabilityPolymarket ProbabilityJeremiah SmithOhio State+26025% (25¢)29% (29¢)Darian MensahMiami (FL)+38018% (18¢)18% (18¢)Kamario TaylorMississippi State+70012% (13¢)14% (14¢)Jadan BaughFlorida+12009% (9¢)11% (11¢)Trinidad ChamblissOle Miss+14009% (8¢)9% (9¢)CJ CarrNotre Dame+12006% (6¢)6% (6¢)Arch ManningTexas+30003% (3¢)3% (3¢)Model Projections: Ohio State at Iowa (Week 5 Preview)Smith’s new status as the Heisman favorite faces a formidable road test this Saturday when No. 5 Ohio State travels to Kinnick Stadium to face the Iowa Hawkeyes.Iowa enters the contest 4-0 behind the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense, allowing just 8.0 points per game. However, predictive data models indicate Ohio State’s high-powered attack remains heavily favored to break through in Iowa City.Spread: Ohio State -14.5 (-110) | Iowa +14.5 (-110)Moneyline: Ohio State -752 | Iowa +520Total: 45.5 Points (Over -110 / Under -110)Model Projected Final Score: Ohio State 28, Iowa 14Buckeyes Win Probability: 82.5%Betting Analysis & Value Spot:While Iowa’s stingy defense has held every opponent under 20 points this season, Ohio State presents a completely different caliber of perimeter talent.Smith’s unique combination of size, speed, and target share gives him a distinct advantage even against Hawkeyes defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s disciplined secondary. With model simulations forecasting a 28-14 Buckeye win, Smith projects to clear his individual receiving prop lines once again, making his +260 DraftKings Heisman line an attractive hold before Ohio State enters the heart of its Big Ten schedule.Browns vs. Steelers TNF preview: Experts release game-day predictions and Polymarket oddsMLB Polymarket promo code “CLEVE” updates $50 White Sox-Astros dealMLB Kalshi promo code “CLEVELAND55” renews $55 White Sox-Astros bonusKalshi code CLEVELAND55: Updated $55 referral promo for 2026 MLB playoffs Wild Card Game 2sExperts release updated Jaguars vs. Bengals Week 4 prediction and player propsLearn more about our gaming editorial staff.If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.