Among the many choices available for Super Bowl wagering, predicting the first touchdown scorer offers a unique combination of early payout and high returns without depending on a marquee star. In Super Bowl 2026, George Holani, the seldom-used backup running back for the Seattle Seahawks, stands out as an intriguing option to score the game’s first touchdown. This matchup unfolds Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the Seahawks face the New England Patriots.
This article breaks down the odds for the opening touchdown and highlights why Holani could emerge as a pivotal figure early in the contest, offering significant value for bettors interested in Super Bowl props.
Profile of George Holani: From College Standout to NFL Opportunity
If George Holani’s name is unfamiliar, this overview provides context before the Super Bowl potentially thrusts him into the spotlight. Holani earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors in 2019 while playing for Boise State and finished fifth all-time in school history with 3,596 rushing yards. Over his last two seasons, he totaled 20 touchdowns despite sharing carries with Ashton Jeanty.
Though injuries affected his draft standing, Holani impressed at the NFL Combine with his athleticism and versatility as a downhill runner and receiver. Despite going undrafted, the Seattle Seahawks signed him as a free agent. Last year, he saw limited action as the fourth option at running back, but this season he advanced to the RB3 role, accumulating 73 yards on 22 carries. Notably, he had meaningful contributions against the Saints and Cardinals, scoring his first NFL touchdown in Week 10.
Holani’s trajectory took a critical turn when Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks’ second-leading running back, suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Divisional Round against the 49ers. This development elevated Holani’s importance within Seattle’s backfield.
What Makes Holani a Key Factor in the Super Bowl
The Seahawks maintain a two-back system, with Kenneth Walker III serving as the explosive threat and Charbonnet handling inside runs and passing downs. Following Charbonnet’s injury, Holani has assumed a larger role, particularly in the passing game. During the NFC Championship win over the Rams, Holani logged a season-high 23 snaps and notably outplayed Walker in receiver and pass-blocking duties.
This diversified usage has made Holani a popular target in betting markets, with his over 1.5 receptions and over 9.5 receiving yards prop bets among the most wagered at BetMGM. Given the Seahawks’ game plan, Holani’s rushing stats may also underestimate his potential impact. FanDuel lists him at +550 to score an anytime touchdown, making him a strong candidate for those seeking long-shot bets.
While Walker’s presence limits Holani’s chances of capturing high-volume roles or accolades like Super Bowl MVP, the first touchdown scorer market offers a volatile opportunity where Holani’s chances and the payout balance well for those willing to take a risk.
Assessing Holani’s Chances to Open the Scoring
Though several players have clearer paths to early touchdowns and Holani has only one career NFL touchdown in two seasons, betting on Holani for the first Super Bowl touchdown provides attractive value. At odds as high as +2800 on DraftKings, he represents approximately a 3.45% implied chance, placing him outside the top dozen favorites, yet well worth consideration.
Holani’s college record includes a game with four touchdowns and seven touchdowns as a backup senior, proving he can seize scoring chances. In the NFC Championship, his first carry came early inside the 10-yard line, signaling that he will likely have opportunities on both rushing attempts between the tackles and in the passing game from the outset of Super Bowl 60.
This rare occasion to place a memorable bet in the Super Bowl could pay off handsomely. Even if Holani doesn’t score first, the wager will remain a compelling story among friends for years to come.
Current Odds for First Touchdown Scorer: Seahawks vs. Patriots
The complete list of player props and odds continues to be updated as game day approaches, with Holani’s odds sitting as a middle ground between complete long shots and heavy favorites. Bettors are advised to monitor these numbers closely.
Event Details for Watching Seahawks Against Patriots at Super Bowl 2026
- Date: Sunday, February 8
- Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
