Jayden Daniels opting out impacts LSU-Wisconsin betting odds

LSU quarterback and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels has made his decision on if he’s going to play in the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl between the LSU Tigers and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Daniels has decided to opt out of the Tigers bowl game to begin preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft in which he’s now a projected first round prospect, and the betting line has changed at Caesars Sportsbook as a result.

The opening line had the Tigers as 10-point favorites, but the Badgers are now only 8.5-point underdogs with the news that the Heisman Trophy winner Daniels won’t be taking the field.

Other odds in the betting market have the Tigers favored by only 7.5, so it’s clear that the market has reacted and feels better about the Badgers chances of pulling an upset.

The Badgers have a key opt out of their own though in running back Braelon Allen, and the Tigers aren’t expected to have any other major opt outs with star wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas practicing and expected to play.

Nabers and Thomas will be catching passes from Tigers backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who will be getting his first career start as a sophomore and will have a chance to show that he should take over as the starter next season.

The over/under hasn’t shifted much despite the news of Daniels not playing, as the total is now at 55 points from 55.5, but it could drop once more bets are placed with the game still two weeks away.

Daniels will finish the season with 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns and only four interceptions while also rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns, and those impressive numbers were enough for him to win the Heisman despite the Tigers losing three games.

Kickoff for the ReliaQuest Bowl between the Tigers and Badgers is set for Monday, Jan. 1 at 11 a.m. on ESPN2 and will be the first of five matchups on New Year's Day.