The Nebraska Cornhuskers 2018 record may not be impressive when it is looked at years down the road, however, 2018 may be the year Big Red fans look back and reflect on how it was just the beginning of quarterback Adrian Martinez’s great career.

Freshman stud

Not many true freshmen come to a major program like Nebraska and take over as the starting quarterback. Not only did Adrian Martinez do just that, but he also did it at a record pace. Martinez played wise beyond his years as he left many defenses in the dust and instantly became a team leader and fan favorite last season.

Now it looks like 2019 may be the Fresno native's coming out party on a national scale.

According to a USA Today report, despite a losing record, Martinez is already on the Heisman board watch for 2019. Truthfully, when you think about it, the real question is how could Martinez not be on the Heisman radar?

The numbers don’t lie. As an 18-year-old true freshman, Martinez passed for 2,617 yards and tossed 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 629 rushing yards on the season. That is impressive for any quarterback, but for a freshman? That is off the charts!

The favorites

So, just where does Martinez stack up among the early favorites? He is listed as the No. 7 player to watch according to the USA Today.

Just to be mentioned not far behind fellow star quarterbacks like Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins and Georgia’s Jake Fromm speaks volumes for Martinez.

Way too early odds

The odds to win the 2019 Heisman Trophy vary depending on just where you look. Oddshark reports, via MyBookie.com, that Martinez is currently listed at +1000 (field wager), however, with many NCAA experts listing Martinez as a top 10 candidate, those odds will most likely change as spring draws near.

The top three early candidates look this way: Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is the clear-cut favorite to win the 2019 Heisman at +350. Tagovailoa was the heavy favorite to capture this year's Heisman at -400, however, he was edged out by Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray.

Murray had an incredible 2018 season for OU as he passed for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdown passes.

Murray is also a huge reason that the Sooners made the 2019 College football playoffs. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence is second at +500 followed by Georgia’s Jake Fromm at +550.

At +1000, Martinez is tied with Tate Martell and Austin Kendall +1000. Alabama backup QB Jalen Hurts has the highest odds at this moment at +2000.