2026 Davey O’Brien Award Favorites and NCAAF Odds
Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez
Published: Fri Sep 04, 2026, 8:00 am ET
Read Time: 6 minutes
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The 2026 NCAAF season features a deep quarterback field chasing the Davey O'Brien Award. BetOnline has Notre Dame's CJ Carr leading the market at 5/1 (+500).
Texas quarterback Arch Manning follows at 11/2 (+550), while Dante Moore, Darian Mensah, and Julian Sayin each carry 8/1 (+800) odds. That trio forms a clear third-place tier behind the two favorites.
BetOnline offers the odds as follows for the current Davey O'Brien Award contenders.
CJ Carr (Notre Dame) Leads the Davey O'Brien Award Favorites (5/1 | +500) | BetOnline
Carr enters the season as the outright favorite at 5/1 (+500). Notre Dame expects him to remain the focal point of an offense built around balance and efficiency.
The Irish can complement Carr's passing with a physical rushing attack, creating favorable situations through play-action. That approach could give the quarterback opportunities to attack defenses downfield without forcing throws into coverage.
Notre Dame's schedule should also provide several major stages for Carr. Games against nationally ranked opponents could strengthen his résumé if he produces in critical moments.
Strong performances in those matchups would give Carr a compelling combination of statistics, winning, and national exposure.
Arch Manning (Texas) Closely Challenges Carr (11/2 | +550) | BetOnline
Manning sits at 11/2 (+550), leaving him just behind Carr. The Texas quarterback also enters the season with one of the highest-profile supporting casts in college football.
Texas can attack defenses with speed at receiver and athleticism across its skill positions. That personnel should allow Manning to work through multiple passing concepts rather than depend on one primary target.
The Longhorns also face several high-profile tests during the season. Matchups against elite SEC competition could provide Manning with opportunities to produce against some of the nation's strongest defenses.
A productive campaign combined with Texas success would put Manning in position to overtake Carr in the award market.
Dante Moore (Oregon) Headlines the (8/1 | +800) Tier | BetOnline
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore carries 8/1 (+800) odds, tying him with Miami's Darian Mensah and Ohio State's Julian Sayin.
Moore benefits from continuity within Oregon's offense after gaining experience in the system. The Ducks also have considerable talent at receiver, giving Moore several options when defenses attempt to limit explosive plays.
Oregon's schedule adds another element to his candidacy. High-profile Big Ten games could test Moore against playoff-caliber defenses and create opportunities for statement performances.
Should the Ducks remain among the national contenders, Moore's production will receive considerable attention.
Darian Mensah (Miami) Carries the Hurricanes' Hopes (8/1 | +800) | BetOnline
Mensah also carries 8/1 (+800) odds entering the 2026 season. Miami's offensive talent and ACC schedule give him a legitimate path toward the top of the market.
The Hurricanes can create opportunities through a combination of quarterback mobility and downfield passing. That versatility could become valuable when Miami faces defenses capable of pressuring the quarterback.
Conference play should provide several important tests. Strong performances against ranked ACC opponents would give Mensah quality wins to accompany his individual statistics.
Miami's position in the national picture could ultimately determine how far Mensah climbs. A successful season would give his award campaign considerably more momentum.
Julian Sayin (Ohio State) Rounds Out the Top Five (8/1 | +800) | BetOnline
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin completes the top five at 8/1 (+800). His position within the Buckeyes' offense gives him access to one of the deepest collections of skill-position talent in college football.
Ohio State can spread defenses with multiple receiving threats while using its running game to create favorable passing situations. That balance could help Sayin generate efficient numbers throughout the regular season.
The Big Ten schedule should offer several defining moments. Games against conference contenders could become particularly important if Sayin enters November among the award leaders.
His previous Davey O'Brien recognition also provides additional context for his preseason position. With Ohio State expected to compete nationally, Sayin has the platform needed to challenge the leaders.
The Rest of the Davey O'Brien Award Field
The next group begins with Josh Hoover and Trinidad Chambliss at 9/1 (+900). Both quarterbacks sit within one odds tier of the top five.
Gunner Stockton follows at 12/1 (+1200), while LSU's Sam Leavitt carries 14/1 (+1400) odds. USC's Jayden Maiava and Oklahoma's John Mateer are both listed at 18/1 (+1800).
Texas A&M's Marcel Reed represents another notable option at 20/1 (+2000). Byrum Brown follows at 25/1 (+2500), with Bear Bachmeier and Demond Williams Jr. both at 33/1 (+3300).
Drew Mestemaker and Rocco Becht sit at 40/1 (+4000). Meanwhile, Conner Weigman, Devon Dampier, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, and Kevin Jennings each carry 50/1 (+5000) odds.
Noah Fifita is priced at 66/1 (+6600), while CJ Bailey has the longest price at 80/1 (+8000).
2026 Davey O'Brien Race Remains Competitive
Carr owns the shortest price, but the market remains competitive behind him. Manning sits within one odds tier, while three quarterbacks share the 8/1 (+800) price.
Several factors could quickly reshape the market once the season begins. Quarterback efficiency, touchdown production, team success, and marquee wins will all influence the race.
For bettors following US online sportsbooks, the futures market offers an early look at the award contenders. Those researching NCAAF picks can also track how the NCAAF odds respond to weekly performances.
For now, Carr has the early advantage. Yet Manning, Moore, Mensah, and Sayin all have clear paths toward taking the top spot.
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Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.
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