Skip to main content
Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier fumbles the ball against Texas Longhorns defensive back Andrew Mukuba as we discuss the college football championship odds.
Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier (3) fumbles the ball against Texas Longhorns defensive back Andrew Mukuba (4). Photo by Brett Davis-Imagn Images.

The College Football Playoff begins in a matter of days with the first-round matchups kicking off on Friday.

There's a new college football championship odds co-favorite, with Oregon (+360) now joined by Texas (+360) atop the oddsboards at our best college football betting sites. Public money has poured in on the Longhorns ever since the College Football Playoff bracket was initially released.

Georgia (+500), Ohio State (+530), Penn State (+625), and Notre Dame (+800) are the other teams with odds shorter than 10/1. Surprisingly, only two of those teams - the Bulldogs and Ducks - have first-round byes. Arizona State (+6000) and Boise State (+6500) are the other two conference champions awaiting opponents in the next round.

These latest developments show bettors don't necessarily care about which four teams get a bye in the first 12-team College Football Playoff bracket.

College football championship odds 2025

Live college football championship odds from our best sports betting apps.

  • Oregon: The Ducks remain atop the college football championship odds as they await their next opponent
  • Texas: Despite losing to Georgia the last time out, public money has poured in on the Longhorns, who are now co-favorites to win the College Football Playoff
  • Georgia: The Bulldogs are still considered the so-called "best of the rest" behind the co-favorites
  • Tennessee: The Volunteers (+2500) have the best odds among first-round underdogs
  • Boise State: The Broncos have the longest odds on the board, despite getting a first-round bye

College football championship favorites 2025

Oregon (+360)

It seems as if, despite being the betting favorites for weeks now, the public isn't quite sold on Oregon.

The Ducks' CV is one of the - if not the - best in the country. They successfully navigated a difficult Big Ten schedule en route to a perfect season. Dan Lanning's men also have two of the most impressive victories this season: a 32-31 win over Ohio State in Eugene and an eight-point win over Penn State in the Big Ten Championship.

Oregon running back Jordan James celebrates a touchdown against Penn State. The Ducks lead the college football championship odds.
Oregon running back Jordan James celebrates a touchdown against Penn State. Photo by Grace Smith/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

They've also got a top-15 scoring offense and defense, a quarterback who was invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony, and NFL talent across the board. Yet, oddsmakers don't seem sold.

Oregon opened up as the clear favorite when the College Football Playoff odds were released. Now, they share the spot atop the oddsboards with Texas. It's often understandable when bettors stay away from betting favorites on the futures market. But in this case, the Ducks are trading at odds better than 7/2.

Considering 33% of the competition will be eliminated before Oregon even takes the field, there's value in picking the Ducks (+360) to win the national title. A $10 winning wager would profit $36 at this stage.

Best odds: +360 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 22.22%

Bet $5, Get $150 + $1K Deposit Bonus

Terms and conditions apply.

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Texas (+360)

Public money has poured in on Texas, despite its loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

The Longhorns are now co-favorites to win the College Football Playoff, alongside Oregon. The duo spent 12 weeks of the season atop the AP Poll and College Football Playoff Rankings, so this development shouldn't come as a surprise.

Georgia is the only team to get the better of Steve Sarkisian's men, which perhaps explains why bettors are so high on Texas heading into the postseason. The Longhorns missed out on an automatic bye when they lost the SEC Championship Game, but they ensured they'd avoid the Bulldogs until the title game, if not entirely.

Either way, Texas is a true national championship contender. The Longhorns are one of three teams to boast a top-15 total offense and defense. They've got NFL talent littered across both sides of the ball, and they're multiple players deep at running back and every position on the defensive line.

Usatsi 24939460
Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams sacks Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. Photo by Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The key to Texas' success is likely its quarterback play. Quinn Ewers hasn't been stellar when his number has been called this season, but he's been good enough to get the job done against teams not named Georgia. Can he, or Arch Manning, elevate the Longhorns' offense to a national title?

As our Rob Paul has noted in the past, it's difficult to back anybody with odds of +400 or shorter, especially a team that failed to win its conference championship. Nevertheless, DraftKings has the best odds on the board for those looking to bet on Texas. A $10 winning wager on the Longhorns would profit $36.

Best odds: +360 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 22.22%

Georgia (+500)

It's been a bizarre season of inconsistency from Georgia, from its blowout win against Clemson to its loss to Alabama to needing eight overtimes to beat Georgia Tech. But the Bulldogs are once again the champions of what many consider to be the best conference in college football.

While the inconsistency is a concern, Smart's team looked like the Georgia we're used to seeing against top teams like Texas (twice) and Tennessee. Those wins offered a glimpse at the potential of this team come the College Football Playoff.

Georgia running back Trevor Etienne rushes for a touchdown against Texas. The Bulldogs have the second-shortest college football championship odds.
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne rushes for a touchdown against Texas. Photo by Dale Zanine via Imagn Images.

And getting the bye is even more important now after Carson Beck's injury in the SEC Championship knocked him out of the second half until he heroically returned for the game-winning handoff in overtime.

So while the losses to Ole Miss and Alabama were ugly, this defense has come to play twice against a Texas team many expected to beat the Bulldogs. And clearly, Trevor Etienne is the X-factor for this offense, and he looked more than healthy against Texas.

That win over the Longhorns, when they were ranked No. 1, was probably the second-best win of the season after Oregon's victory over Ohio State too. And that arguably makes Georgia's second win against Texas the third-most impressive victory of the year, and they did it with a backup QB playing more than half the game.

I just can't give up on a team full of potential top-60 picks on defense, a QB who has the talent to be among the best in the SEC, and an offensive line that, when healthy, moves opponents at will. 

So if I had to back a team from the SEC to win it all, it would be Georgia. And if the Bulldogs do it for the third time in four years, a $10 bet pays a $50 profit.

Best odds: +500 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 16.67%

Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

My college football championship team to watch

Penn State (+625)

Similar to Texas, I felt better about Penn State's chances to compete for a national championship following its loss in the conference title. The Nittany Lions put up plenty of points against a stellar Oregon defense, and while they never truly looked like winning, they went toe-to-toe with the Ducks throughout.

James Franklin's time in Happy Valley often gets undervalued because of his losses to Ohio State and, at the time, Michigan. However, he's done an excellent job of winning the games he's supposed to, which is why Penn State's College Football Playoff draw is so important to this selection.

Usatsi 24656858
Penn State's Kaytron Allen blocks for fellow running back Nick Singleton. Photo by Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

I've noted the Nittany Lions as my team to watch in the upcoming College Football Playoff because of their favorable draw. SMU travels to Beaver Stadium — a place Penn State is 63-15 over the last decade — where it'll face a hostile crowd and winter weather conditions.

As long as the Nittany Lions, who are 8.5-point favorites at our best sports betting apps, can hang on, they'll face the only non-power conference program in the 12-team field, Boise State, in the next round. One can only imagine Penn State will be a significant favorite over the Broncos too.

BetMGM has the longest odds on the market on the Nittany Lions to win a title. A $10 wager at the aforementioned sportsbook would return $62.50 if Franklin and Co. can bring the school its first title in almost four decades.

Best odds: +625 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 13.79%

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

AP Top 25 college football poll Week 15

RankingTeamRecord
1Oregon13-0
2Georgia11-2
3Notre Dame11-1
4Texas11-2
5Penn State11-2
6Ohio State10-2
7Tennessee 10-2
8Boise State12-1
9Indiana 11-1
10Arizona State11-2
11Alabama9-3
12SMU11-2
13Clemson10-3
14South Carolina9-3
15Miami10-2
16Ole Miss9-3
17BYU10-2
18Iowa State10-3
19Army11-1
20Colorado9-3
21Illinois9-3
22Syracuse9-3
23Missouri9-3
24UNLV10-3
25Memphis 10-2

Conference championship week saw minimal movement across the AP Top 25. Clemson's upset win over SMU in the ACC Championship led to the biggest change in the rankings

Even though the Mustangs mounted a near comeback and lost only on a last-second field goal, they stumbled four spots down to No. 12. However, Clemson moved up only five spots to No. 13, and the Tigers remain behind SMU.

Within the top 10, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State all moved up at least two spots. Meanwhile, Texas and Penn State both fell two spots after losing their respective conference championships.

The biggest riser outside of the top 13 was Army after the Black Knights hammered Tulane to win the AAC Championship as an underdog. Army moved up five spots and is now ranked No. 19 ahead of its annual game against Navy.

How to bet on the college football championship

When betting on college football championship odds, first, choose a reputable sportsbook that offers college football futures. Check out the odds for different teams; for example, if Alabama has +300 odds and Ohio State has +600, a $100 bet on Alabama would win you $300 if they take the championship.

Decide how much you want to wager and place your bet. If you bet $100 on Alabama at +300 and they win, you’ll get $400 back ($300 profit + $100 stake). Keep an eye on team performances throughout the season to see how your bet is shaping up.

Remember, when betting in future markets, the odds will move. It’s mostly about performance and perception.

If a team starts playing better or worse than expected, its odds will change. Injuries to key players can significantly impact a team's chances and thus their odds. Transfers and new player acquisitions can also affect a team's championship odds. Public betting trends play a role too - if a lot of people are betting on one team, sportsbooks might adjust the odds to balance their risk.

Expert analysis and predictions can also influence how people bet, which in turn affects the odds.

How to read college football championship odds

Reading college football championship odds is straightforward. Odds are usually presented in a format like +300 or -150. Positive odds (i.e., +300) show how much profit you’d make on a $100 bet. For example, a $100 bet at +300 odds would win you $300, plus your original $100 stake, totaling $400.

Negative odds (i.e., -150) indicate how much you need to bet to win $100. So, a $150 bet at -150 odds would win you $100, plus your $150 stake, totaling $250.

These odds also reflect the implied probability of a team winning the championship. Lower odds (i.e., +200) suggest a higher probability of winning, while higher odds (i.e., +1000) indicate a lower probability.

Sportsbooks adjust these odds based on factors like team performance, injuries, transfers, and betting patterns.

For example, if Alabama has +300 odds and Ohio State has +600 odds, Alabama is considered more likely to win. If you bet $100 on Alabama and they win, you’d get $400 back ($300 profit + $100 stake).

College football national title odds over time

Latest odds via DraftKings.

TeamOpening odds (Jan. 9)Oct. 11Dec. 8Dec. 12Dec. 16
Georgia+350+500+380+450+500
Alabama+550+650+2500OFFOFF
Ohio State+800+280+400+475+475
Texas+900+400+450+360+360
Michigan+900+30000OFFOFFOFF
Oregon+1000+1000+320+360+360
Ole Miss+1100+1800OFFOFFOFF
LSU+1600+5000OFFOFFOFF
Clemson +2000+2200+3000+5500+5500
Florida State+2000OFFOFFOFFOFF
Notre Dame+2500+4000+700+800+750
Penn State+2500+1800+1200+600+600
Oklahoma+3000+18000OFFOFFOFF
USC+3000+10000OFFOFFOFF
Texas A&M+4000+5500OFFOFFOFF
Missouri+5000+10000OFFOFFOFF
Tennessee+5000+1800+2500+2500+2500
Louisville+8000+30000OFFOFFOFF
Miami+8000+2200OFFOFFOFF
Utah+8000+9000OFFOFFOFF
Washington+8000+40000OFFOFFOFF
Wisconsin+8000+50000OFFOFFOFF
Auburn+10000+100000OFFOFFOFF
Kansas State+10000+9000OFFOFFOFF
North Carolina+10000+100000OFFOFFOFF
Colorado+20000+30000OFFOFFOFF

College football championship odds history

YearTeamPreseason odds
2024Michigan+800
2023Georgia+350
2022Georgia+600
2021Alabama+300
2020LSU+2500
2019Clemson+400
2018Alabama+250
2017Clemson+700
2016Alabama+700
2015Ohio State+4000
2014Florida State+1600

Most college football championships by school

SchoolChampionship winsMost recent win
Yale181927
Alabama162020
Princeton151922
Notre Dame131988
Michigan102023
USC92004
Harvard81919
Ohio State82014
Oklahoma72000
Minnesota61960

College football championship FAQs

Who is the CFP National Championship favorite?

Oregon is the favorite by the 2025 college football championship odds. The Ducks' shortest odds (+360) imply a 21.74% probability they'll win it all according to our odds calculator.

Who won the CFP National Championship last year?

The Michigan Wolverines won their first title since 1997 by defeating the Washington Huskies in the 2024 national championship.

When will the CFP National Championship be decided?

The 2025 CFP National Championship will be decided on Monday, Jan. 20.

Where will the CFP National Championship take place?

The 2025 college football championship will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.

Who has won the most college football championships?

Yale has won the most college football championships with 18. Alabama ranks second with 16 total victories, and the Crimson Tide's three championships in the college football playoff era also stand as the most.

When does the College Football Playoff start?

The 2025 College Football Playoff starts with the first round on Dec. 20 and 21, with games being played at the campus of the higher seed. The quarterfinals will then be played across the Fiesta, Peach, Rose, and Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The semifinals take place Jan. 9 and 10 at the Orange and Cotton Bowl before the CFP National Championship game on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.

How many teams make the College Football Playoff?

Previously only four teams were selected for the College Football Playoff, but this season the playoff will expand to 12 teams. The top five ranked conference champions will be automatic qualifiers for the playoff along with seven at-large teams, decided by the College Football Playoff selection committee.

The top four conference champions will receive a first-round bye in the playoff.

College football odds pages

Here are our best college football betting sites:

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

Related pages