Following Ohio State's commanding victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff final, the Buckeyes emerged as the early favorites to secure the 2026 national championship.
Ohio State, with odds of +425, leads the pack of early title contenders, followed closely by rival Oregon at +800. According to our top college football betting sites, 12 of the top 15 favorites come from the Big Ten or SEC.
Notre Dame, still in pursuit of its first championship since 1988, ranks sixth, trailing other playoff teams such as Texas (+550), Georgia (+800), and Penn State (+900) as we look ahead to the 2025-26 season.
There will be no shortage ofย Online college football betting as the college football season for 2025 gets closer every day.
2026 College Football Championship Odds
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | +425 | +500 | +425 |
| Texas | +550 | +550 | +500 |
| Georgia | +800 | +600 | +800 |
| Oregon | +800 | +700 | +800 |
| Penn State | +900 | +850 | +900 |
| Notre Dame | +1200 | +1400 | +1400 |
| Alabama | +1400 | +1400 | +1600 |
| Clemson | +1400 | +1800 | +2000 |
| LSU | +1800 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Tennessee | +1800 | +1800 | +2000 |
| Ole Miss | +2500 | +2500 | +2500 |
| Miami FL | +2500 | +2800 | +3300 |
| Texas A&M | +3300 | +2800 | +3500 |
| Florida | +3300 | +5000 | +4000 |
Ohio State
Ohio State started as the frontrunner to claim another title.
Still, they are set to lose several key starters in the double digits. They will also lose offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, heading to the Las Vegas Raiders, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who is moving to Penn State.
๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ช๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ ๐พ๐ค๐ก๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ฉ๐๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ค๐ง๐ฎ ๐ pic.twitter.com/Fz22tseSUA
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) February 11, 2025
While they consistently lose high-caliber starters to the NFL each year, they can replenish their ranks. This upcoming season seems to follow that pattern.
Up to 16 players may be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft. Significant changes are anticipated for the roster, with one of the biggest uncertainties being the upcoming shift at quarterback.
This position is expected to be contested primarily between former five-star recruits Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair. Sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith, regarded as the top prospect during his freshman year, is set to return.
Although Ohio State is the favorite, it seems like it would be a surprise for them to repeat as champions.
Oregon
Lanning has positioned the Ducks on the brink of greatness. They're expected to maintain that momentum in their second season in the Big Ten.
Although Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel has departed, former five-star recruit Dante Moore is ready to step in at quarterback.
Despite some uncertainty surrounding him, the redshirt sophomore demonstrated potential during his freshman year at UCLA. He recorded 14 significant throws in his first five games, according to PFF.
If Moore can perform in Will Stein's offense as effectively as Gabriel and Bo Nix did, Oregon will be a formidable force. Moore possesses more raw talent than Gabriel.
Tez Johnson on Dante Moore:
โHeโll be a Heisman finalist next year, 100%. Itโs something you havenโt seen yet, that boy can throw a ball like no other. Iโve never seen nothing like it.โ pic.twitter.com/sX8XZhAsoy
— Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) January 3, 2025
The Ducks also retain receiver Evan Stewart and have bolstered their roster with key transfers like Makhi Hughes (Tulane), Isaiah World (Nevada), and Emmanuel Pregnon (USC).
Defensively, the team continues to shine, highlighted by safety Dillon Thieneman (Purdue), a top talent in the nation, who joins a unit that includes pass rusher Matayo Uiagalelei and linebacker Bryce Boettcher.
Even with several stars heading to the NFL, Lanning's strategic use of the transfer portal will aid in mitigating those losses.
Oregon appears to be in a stronger position than Ohio State in the Big Ten. They could once again contend for the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
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Texas
Entering 2025, Texas boasts a distinct advantage that many elite college football teams lackโa proven commodity at the quarterback position. With longtime starter Quinn Ewers heading to the NFL, the Arch Manning era will kick off at Texas.
Manning demonstrated his potential in 2024, securing victories in two starts against Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State. He concluded his redshirt freshman season with 939 passing yards, nine touchdown passes, and four rushing touchdowns.
ARCH MANNING HAS ARRIVED. TD TEXAS๐ฅ ๐
FIRST TEXAS TD FOR ARCH ๐
(via @InsideTexas)
pic.twitter.com/0vsv0LtQgJ— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 31, 2024
Manning will have plenty of support, as Texas is stocked with talent. Wide receiver Ryan Wingo emerged as one of the top freshmen in his position, and the running back corps remains strong with players like CJ Baxter expected to return.
On the defensive side, linebacker Anthony Hill ranks among the top five defenders in the nation.
Defensive end Colin Simmons showed promise as a likely No. 1 overall pick in 2027 during his freshman year. Additionally, cornerback Malik Muhammad is capable of playing on the field.
I think Texas is a tremendous value at this price, I would definitely bet this at +500 odds.ย
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