Jan 18, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman talks to the media during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center, Building A. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Congratulations to the Buckeyes on winning the national championship.
With a champion crowned and a world season ending, it’s officially the start of “next year” as sportsbooks have already posted the opening odds for who will win the national championship next season.
As could be expected, the defending champions (Ohio State) opened as the betting favorite. But that doesn’t make them a good bet, let alone one of our best bets to win the national championship.
Early 2025-26 CFB National Championship Best Bets
At this stage, I am looking for teams that can win it all next season—but not just any old team. I’m not interested in teams like Ohio State, which is one of a handful of teams expected to contend every year. No, I’m talking about the unexpected contenders, the guys that have the potential to turn into legitimate.
The ones with value.
To that end, I’m going to leave out anyone with odds shorter than +1000. You don’t need me to tell you that Georgia (+550), Ohio State (+450), Texas (+500), Oregon (+750), and Penn State (+900) are solid bets (odds via DraftKings).
So, let’s focus on teams with +1000 odds or longer:
Notre Dame +1600
I might wait to see if they add a quarterback in the portal, but I like what I’ve seen out of junior quarterback Steve Angeli. He will not be the running threat that Riley Leonard was for the Fighting Irish this season, but the passing game may actually be better with him.
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LSU +2000
Brian Kelly has done an incredible job at LSU. With an experienced Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback behind a better offensive line (two tackles added via the transfer portal) and a better defense (more transfer portal additions), they could contend.
Texas A&M +3500
The Aggies were good last season but weren’t quite great. Why? The defense was top-notch and could play with anyone, but the offense was not too dynamic. Quarterback Marcel Reed showed some real potential, and with more weapons to help him out, the offense may become explosive next season.
The defense will probably not miss a beat with the players they have coming in.
South Carolina +4000
There was a learning curve once the Gamecocks made him the starter last season. But by the season’s end, he was one of the more dynamic and exciting quarterbacks in the game. Assuming he doesn’t take a step back next season and they improve the roster around him, I wouldn’t be shocked to see South Carolina becoming a contender.
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Auburn +8000
They were just a 5-7 team last season, but rumor has it that the Tigers decided to see if they could buy their way into becoming contenders next season. With the talented young group they have coming back and an excellent class from the transfer portal, they could emerge a lot like LSU did a few years ago.
Then again, Texas A&M spent a bundle on players a few years ago, and they were still mediocre.
Georgia Tech +25000
If you like a good longshot to waste five dollars on, the Yellow Jackets might be it. They were only 7-6 last season but have a lot of talent coming bac,k like quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes. With a solid transfer class coming in, if they can build off last season’s success, there’s a chance they do something special next season.
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