School is spinning back up all across the country, and that means one thing. Football season is upon us! We’re mere weeks away from the College Football season kicking off with another thrilling regular season lying ahead. Once again 12 teams will make the College Football Playoffs at the end of the year, and settle it the right way. With one school raising the trophy above their heads after a job well done. Who will it be in 2026? Let’s dive into the College Football National Championship odds and best bets for 2026.
The Indiana Hoosiers completed the dream season in 2025. They were picked to finish sixth in the Big Ten preseason, and at this time last year, they were north of 100/1 odds to win it all. Will another longshot break through in 2026, or do we see one of the favorites take it down? The 12 teams to make last season’s College Football Playoffs were the Indiana Hoosiers, Ohio State Buckeyes, Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Oregon Ducks, Ole Miss Rebels, Texas A&M Aggies, Oklahoma Sooners, Alabama Crimson Tide, Tulane Green Wave, and James Madison Dukes.
Odds to Win the 2026 College Football National Championship
Notre Dame +600
Ohio State +600
Oregon +650
Texas +750
Georgia +850
Indiana +900
Miami (FL) +1000
LSU +1800
Texas Tech +2000
Alabama +2200
Oklahoma +3000
Texas A&M +3000
Michigan +3500
USC +3500
Ole Miss +4000
Florida +5000
Tennessee +5000
Penn State +6000
Missouri +7500
Auburn +10000
BYU +10000
SMU +10000
South Carolina +10000
Washington +10000
Clemson +15000
Iowa +15000
Louisville +15000
Utah +15000
Kansas State +20000
Georgia Tech +25000
Oklahoma State +25000
Pittsburgh +25000
TCU +25000
Vanderbilt +25000
Virginia +25000
Virginia Tech +25000
Arizona +30000
Arizona State +30000
Cincinnati +30000
North Carolina +30000
Tulane +30000
Florida State +40000
Houston +40000
Arkansas +50000
2026 College Football National Championship Best Bets
Ohio State (+600)
The Buckeyes are just too good to pass up from the group atop the board. This program knows how to win, and they are the best team from the best football conference in the nation. The team went undefeated in the regular season. It was 12-2 overall last season, with their only losses to the two teams that played in the National Championship game, Indiana and Miami. Ohio State is the clear #1 team in the country receiving 38 first-place votes.
The team is returning their starting star quarterback Julian Sayin, along with stud wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. This gives them a great foundation to lean on, and they’ve gone through the big game losses and have been to that stage now. They also return 71% of their offensive production. It cannot be overstated just how important that is in today’s game. Their schedule is tough, will they go undefeated? Maybe, maybe not. Even if they don’t, that tough schedule will prepare them for the playoffs and make them a stronger team.
LSU (+1800)
Lane Kiffin takes over in Baton Rouge after a successful season at Ole Miss, taking the Rebels to the College Football Playoff last year. Kiffin struck gold right away snagging the top quarterback transfer in the country, Arizona State’s dual-threat quarterback Sam Leavitt. Leavitt missed a lot of time last season due to injury, but if he can return to 2024 form with an even better team, watch out. Kiffin didn’t stop there, he attacked the transfer portal hard bringing in explosive options at wide receiver and the 6’ 7” Trey’Dez Green at tight end.
Kiffin hired Charlie Weis Jr as his offensive coordinator and brought in Blake Baker as defensive coordinator, which should immediately set this school up for success. We know Kiffin is a capable coach, Leavitt could be a Heisman-leading quarterback, and if they can make it out of a grueling SEC schedule, this team can’t be counted out. Especially at 18/1 odds.
Utah (+15000)
What if a longshot wins the College Football National Championship? It just happened last season! Who could be 2026’s Indiana Hoosiers? Utah is a team that jumps out to me as I look down the odds board. A common trend in this article, solid quarterback play. Devon Dampier returns as the Utes quarterback, after leading the team to an 11-2 record last season. He’s a true dual-threat quarterback with game-breaking ability.
The head coach is the biggest question for this team. Kyle Whittingham has built a power here, but left to take the Michigan job. Morgan Scalley takes over the team. He isn’t just anyone though, Staley bleeds Ute red through and through. Scalley played at Utah, and he’s coached there for 18 years, spending the last 10 as the defensive coordinator for the program. He knows this place, he knows the players. He’s built nasty defenses for this team over the years, and one big brought spot is the Utes schedule. They don’t have the grueling Big Ten or SEC schedule. Get through the Big 12, get into the dance, and do your thing. If you want a long shot, give me the Utes.
