College Football Playoff Odds: CFP Picks, Favorites, Contenders, & Longshots

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The 2024 College Football season was groundbreaking, as we had a 12-team playoff for the National Championship for the first time. 

While the University of Georgia, winner of two of the last three national titles, was the odds-on favorite to win the College Football National Title, Notre Dame shocked the world by upsetting them in the quarterfinals. Ohio State would eventually beat Notre Dame in the championship. 

What are the odds for the College Football Playoffs?

The odds for the 2025 2025 College Football Playoffs are not out yet. However, here are the hypothetical odds, based on the College Football Championship odds. 

🏆 Ohio State Buckeyes

+500

✅ Texas Longhorns

+550

✅ Georgia Bulldogs

+600

✅ Oregon Ducks

+750

✅ Penn State Nitany Lions

+800

📆 Last Updated:

April 30, 2025

The new 12-team playoff format could yield some surprising results and upsets in 2024. Ohio State won the title, beating Notre Dame, in the National Championship Game. 

Now, we will see if Ohio State can repeat. Or, the possibility of another winner might emerge, especially in the landscape of a brand-new playoff field that will see its second year under the current format. 

College Football Playoff Championship Odds

It should be no surprise to the college football fan that the championship odds had Georgia favored. While they did not win the title, they still are heavy favorites for this upcoming season. 

The 2024 Playoff saw a lot of movement, including some upsets. The top-ranked championship contenders all have great odds of winning the title this season. However, as we learned last season, there is always at least one upset. Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, and Oregon all currently have the best odds.  

CFP National Championship Favorites 

The Ohio State Buckeyes just won the National Championship after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Now, they have the tall task of attempting to repeat, without their stars, as quarterback Will Howard, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka will head to the NFL.  

But some guys are returning. Specifically,  Carnell Tate, and soon-to-be sophomore phenom Jeremiah Smith will be back at wide receiver. Caleb Downs and Denzel Burke will be back covering the backfield, making it tough for quarterbacks to throw at them.

Texas Longhorns CFP Odds: +550

  • PFF Power Ranking: 1
  • Strength of Schedule: 12
  • 2025 Recruiting Rank: 1
  • Question Mark: Offensive Line

Oregon Ducks CFP Odds: +750

  • PFF Power Ranking: 2
  • Strength of Schedule: 10
  • 2025 Recruiting Rank: 3
  • Question Mark: Pass Rush

Ohio State Buckeyes CFP Odds: +380

  • PFF Power Ranking: 3
  • Strength of Schedule: 18
  • 2025 Recruiting Rank: 4
  • Question Mark: QB and RB

CFP National Championship Contenders 

Here's a look at CFP contenders to watch that are currently above +1000. 

Georgia Bulldogs CFP Odds: +600

  • PFF Power Ranking: 7
  • Strength of Schedule: 15
  • 2024 Recruiting Rank: 1
  • Question Mark: Pass Rush

Penn State Nittany Lions National Title Odds: +800

  • PFF Power Ranking: 8
  • Strength of Schedule: 7
  • 2024 Recruiting Rank: 16
  • Question Mark: O-Line/WRs

More: Michigan Wolverines CFP Odds

CFP National Championship Longshots

If you are looking for a truly under-the-radar pick, the Tennessee Volunteers at +3500 could be a strong long-odds pick. Former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava has all the potential in the world, and we know head coach Josh Heupel will have a high-flying offense, but will their defense be up for the challenge? In a 12-team playoff, anything can happen in January.

Alabama Crimson Tide National Title Odds: +1200

  • PFF Power Ranking: 8
  • Strength of Schedule: 23
  • 2025 Recruiting Rank: 2
  • Question Mark: WRs

LSU Tigers National Title Odds: +2000

  • PFF Power Ranking: 11
  • Strength of Schedule: 21
  • 2025 Recruiting Rank: 7
  • Question Mark: Secondary

Tennessee Volunteers CFP Odds: +3500

  • PFF Power Ranking: 9
  • Strength of Schedule: 37
  • 2025 Recruiting Rank: 13
  • Question Mark: Youth On Defense

Miami Hurricanes CFP Odds: +4000

  • PFF Power Ranking: 15
  • Strength of Schedule: 49
  • 2025 Recruiting Rank: 5
  • Question Mark: Secondary

More: Legal Michigan Sports Betting

How to Bet On the National Championship

Signing up for a legal sportsbook and placing a bet on the national championship is a very straightforward process. 

  1. Choose a sportsbook
  2. Create an account
  3. Verify your identity
  4. Make a deposit
  5. Navigate to the "College Football" section
  6. Look for "Futures"
  7. Place your bets on who you think will make the college football playoffs and who will be the National Champion!

📲 More: Best Michigan Sportsbook Promos

Always Bet Responsibly

Betting responsibly on college football during the 2024-2025 season requires careful consideration and discipline. It's important to set a budget before the season begins and stick to it, ensuring that any money wagered is an amount you can afford to lose. Stay informed by researching teams, players, and current statistics to make educated bets rather than relying on impulse or luck. 

Remember, betting should enhance the game's enjoyment, not create financial stress or detract from the experience.

CFP Odds FAQ

Author

Dan Thompson
Dan Thompson
Lead College Football Betting Analyst

Dan Thompson is a Lead College Football Betting Analyst for BetMichigan.com. His sports betting experience provides the perfect fit to find the latest storylines and interesting angles impacting Michigan sports betting.

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