Analyst Backs Ole Miss at 30-1, Demond Williams Jr. at 55-1 for 2026 Long Shots

2 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 26

Ole Miss emerged as the analyst’s most credible College Football Playoff long shot at 30-1, with Washington tagged as a deeper 120-1 national-title flyer and Demond Williams Jr. as the preferred 55-1 Heisman bet.
Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy underpin the Ole Miss case after the Rebels reached last season’s playoff semifinals, while defensive continuity under new head coach Pete Golding and home games against LSU and Georgia strengthen the path.
Washington’s upside runs through Williams, who completed 70% of his passes for 3,065 yards, added 611 rushing yards and produced 31 total touchdowns, giving the Huskies upset potential despite major turnover at running back, receiver and on defense.
The Heisman argument centers on Williams’ dual-threat profile and big-game schedule, though the analyst also flagged Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita at 120-1 and Miami receiver Malachi Toney at 38-1 as longer-shot alternatives.
The picks were framed as value bets with plausible paths rather than pure gambles, favoring teams and players whose odds look longer than their returning production and roster additions suggest.