Despite their flawless record and clinching their first national title since 1997, the Michigan Wolverines are not favored in the college football odds to repeat as champions.
College Football National Championship Favorites
Georgia Bulldogs (+300 to +400)
Despite a less-than-ideal 2023-24 season for Kirby Smart and his team, there’s a strong argument that the Georgia Bulldogs remained the best team in the nation. Their impressive 29-game winning streak ended with a loss in the SEC title game, which kept them out of the CFP. However, they rebounded spectacularly with a dominant 63-3 victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl. With a robust defense and an even stronger offense led by quarterback Carson Beck, the Bulldogs are clear favorites for the upcoming season.
Ohio State Buckeyes (+375 to +450)
The Ohio State Buckeyes missed the CFP for the second time in three years, which included their third consecutive rivalry loss to Michigan. Their defense was among the best in the nation, but the offense struggled despite having Biletnikoff winner and Heisman finalist Marvin Harrison Jr., largely due to the limitations of quarterback Kyle McCord. With Harrison Jr. heading to the NFL and McCord transferring, the Buckeyes will now rely on Kansas State transfer Will Howard at quarterback. The offense, bolstered by Mississippi transfer running back Quinshon Judkins and No. 1 recruit Jeremiah Smith, is expected to be much stronger in 2024.
Texas Longhorns (+700 to +850)
The Texas Longhorns had a breakthrough season, winning the Big 12 for the first time since 2009 and making their first CFP appearance. Although they were defeated by Washington’s potent offense in the Sugar Bowl, the season marked a significant step forward for a program that had been struggling for over a decade. With Quinn Ewers returning for his junior season and the team preparing for their transition into the SEC, the Longhorns are poised for another strong campaign in 2024.
College Football Playoff Odds
NCAA College Football Playoff odds are set by professional oddsmakers at sportsbooks or betting sites. These odds reflect the likelihood of a specific outcome and are designed to balance betting action on both sides of a wager. Here’s what oddsmakers consider before releasing lines to the public:
- Team Performance: Oddsmakers evaluate teams’ performance throughout the season, including their win-loss records and strength of schedule.
- Injuries: The status of key players, particularly quarterbacks and other critical positions, can significantly impact the odds.
- Head-to-Head Matchups: Historical performance between teams and their recent encounters can influence the odds.
- Public Perception: Oddsmakers take into account public sentiment and betting patterns. Popular teams like Notre Dame or Ohio State might have adjusted odds to mitigate the sportsbook’s risk.
- Venue: The game’s location, whether at a neutral site or with home-field advantage, can affect the odds.
- Coaching: The experience and reputation of the coaches are also factored into setting the odds.
After considering these factors, oddsmakers set an initial line, known as the opening line. This line is then adjusted based on betting activity to maintain a balanced amount of money on both sides of the wager. If too much money is placed on one side, the odds may be adjusted to encourage betting on the opposite side.
College Football National Championship History
| Season | Team | Record | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Michigan Wolverines | 15-0 | 1 |
| 2022 | Georgia Bulldogs | 15-0 | 1 |
| 2021 | Georgia Bulldogs | 14-1 | 3 |
| 2020 | Alabama Crimson Tide | 13-0 | 1 |
| 2019 | LSU Tigers | 15-0 | 1 |
| 2018 | Clemson Tigers | 15-0 | 2 |
| 2017 | Alabama Crimson Tide | 13-1 | 4 |
| 2016 | Clemson Tigers | 14-1 | 2 |
| 2015 | Alabama Crimson Tide | 14-1 | 2 |
| 2014 | Ohio State Buckeyes | 14-1 | 4 |
College Football National Championship Trends
- SEC Dominance: An SEC team has won the CFP National Championship in six of the last nine years.
- Frequent Finalists: An SEC team has played in the National Championship game in seven of the last eight years.
- Top-Ranked Teams: The No. 1-ranked team has won just four of the last 10 National Championships.
- Conference Representation: Only two teams outside of the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC have made an appearance in the National Championship (2014 Oregon, 2023 Washington).
Understanding College Football Futures Odds
Sportsbooks release college football futures odds almost immediately after the previous season’s national championship game ends. There are various ways to bet on NCAA football futures, but selecting the outright winner of the national championship is the most popular. During the offseason and preseason, you can get a plus-money price on almost any team due to the uncertainty of the upcoming season.
Example of NCAA Football Championship Odds:
- Alabama Crimson Tide +700: A $100 bet would win $700 if the Crimson Tide clinch the national title.
- Georgia Bulldogs -145: A $145 bet would win $100 if the Bulldogs win the championship.
Futures odds are fluid and can change daily based on news, injuries, suspensions, transfers, etc. While there is generally little movement in the futures market during the offseason, significant changes occur week-to-week during the season based on game outcomes.
All the odds provided are in American format. For those who prefer decimal or fractional formats, you can convert the odds using a simple odds converter tool.
College Football National Championship Odds FAQs
Which team has the highest odds to win the 2025 CFP National Championship?
The Georgia Bulldogs hold the highest odds to claim the 2025 CFP National Championship.
What were the betting odds for the 2024 CFP National Championship Game?
In the 2024 CFP National Championship Game, Michigan was favored by 5.5 points over Washington, with an Over/Under total set at 55.5 points.
Where will the 2025 CFP National Championship Game take place?
The 2025 CFP National Championship Game is scheduled to be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
When will the 2024 College Football Playoff occur?
The first round of the 2024 CFP is scheduled for December 20, 2024, and will continue until the National Championship Game on January 20, 2025.