Offensive Paradigm Shift Makes This QB Intriguing Heisman Sleeper

Heisman Sleeper With A Ton Of Upside

What if I told you that there’s a Big Ten quarterback who threw 72 touchdown passes over the last two seasons and played behind Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts and Spencer Rattler at Oklahoma before that? This 23 year old will not only enter his sixth year of college eligibility, but will do so for a proven winner as his head coach and an offensive virtuoso as his coordinator with plenty of high-profile games on his schedule to make an impact.

What if I also told you that this same quarterback didn’t even have the shortest Heisman odds on his own team and is available at +15000 on BetRivers and Unibet? Think you know who it is? Keep reading to confirm or reveal your pick.

Heisman Sleeper: Wisconsin QB Tanner Mordecai

For years, the Wisconsin Badgers' offensive identity leaned toward a conservative, ball control-oriented style. Yet, a seismic transformation is underway, headlined by former Oklahoma and SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai and masterminded by new offensive coordinator Phil Longo, a virtuoso with a penchant for igniting dynamic passing games with his Air Raid offense. Longo’s track record at North Carolina and Ole Miss sets the stage for a new era of aggression and innovation within the Badgers' offense and Moredcai’s past success suggests he’s ready to take another step forward in advance of the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Longo’s inventive offensive schemes have propelled quarterbacks like Sam Howell to the NFL and Drake Maye to put up insane numbers last season as he entered the Heisman conversation. The coordinator’s strategic brilliance promises an offensive renaissance that perfectly aligns with Mordecai's strengths as a downfield passer. Long gone is the boring Wisconsin offenses that pounded the ball between the tackles and guards over and over.

All three receiving leaders from last year (Chimere Dike, Skyler Bell, Keontez Lewis) return and transfers CJ Williams (USC), Will Pauling (Cincinnati) and Bryson Green (Oklahoma State) should also provide quality options for Mordecai.

However, what makes him most intriguing is the presence of running back Braelon Allen and Wisconsin’s huge offensive line. Allen might be the best running back in college football and will keep defenses honest while the o-line should provide Mordecai with ample time in the pocket if needed. We all know what a star running back can do for a passing attack; just imagine all the extra opportunities that Mordecai will get based on the threat of Allen on the ground. All the veteran QB needs is for his receiver to get a step on a defender who committed to the run or missed coverage. 

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Early dates versus Buffalo (FS1), at Washington State (ABC) and at Purdue (FS1) will provide Mordecai with national audiences to put up numbers in front of. The one major test in conference play after that point will come versus Ohio State on October 28. There’s a very logical shot that this team could enter that matchup against the Buckeyes with a 7-0 mark and if the Badgers finish with one loss, Mordecai would presumably be right in the Heisman mix assuming that he throws for 40ish touchdowns en route to the major-conference success.