It is only August, but we are not shy about sharing everything from our college football conference winner predictions to forecasting several teams that we believe will have a decent shot at the National Championship.
Let’s take an early look at how these teams are shaping up from last year, the current National Championship odds, and which teams could pull an upset.
2025-26 College Football Playoff Odds
Contenders & Sleepers
Ohio State Buckeyes (+550)
If you don’t have the defending national champs on your radar, then you’re just not paying attention. Sure, the Longhorns are making noise and are ranked No. 1 in the preseason because they almost got to the Promised Land last year, and they have Arch Manning, of the Manning quarterback dynasty, pulling the trigger this season.
However, the Buckeyes have been there, done that, and they’ve got the T-shirt to prove it (along with some other swanky pieces of national championship merch). Yes, there is heavy turnover at key positions, but that’s the case every year with top teams.
But they keep going because they get the top recruits, have oodles of depth, and keep on winning. Star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs will be returning, so keep your eye out for this Ryan Day squad, and at odds of +550, they are right where they should be.
Alabama Crimson Tide (+1000)
Ever since Nick Saban bowed out of the coaching profession, football in Tuscaloosa has not been the same. Without repeating myself, the turnover will be tremendous at all of the top schools, and Bama is no different. However, the Tide may just have one of the most dominating defensive linemen returning in LT Overton. He is the straw that stirs the drink on this side of the ball, and undoubtedly, talented defensive players will want to learn from him and be on the same side as him.
The oddsmakers have installed Alabama at +1000 at Caesars, which gives us a nice price on a talented team. Although last year’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe, has left town for the NFL, redshirt junior Ty Simpson or 5-star recruit Keelon Russell should be able to move the offense efficiently.
What’s more is that Bama is returning 15 starters from last year’s program, and Kalen DeBoer now has his feet wet after replacing a legend in Saban last year. With a dozen teams in the playoffs, we should see this Bama squad in the mix and competing for a Natty.
LSU Tigers (+1600)
Brian Kelly is suddenly in his fourth season at LSU, and the boosters are getting restless for a national title. Last year, they went 9-4, including a 44-31 win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl, but this year they will see their quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier, returning after rumors were rife that he would be entering the NFL Draft.
Nussmeier likely made a wise decision and now has a talented wide receiver room to join him at LSU. We should also take note that Kelly schmoozed the right people in the portal when he bolstered his defense with linemen Patrick Payton (Florida State) and Jack Pyburn (Florida).
The prevailing odds of +1600 on LSU don’t give this talented squad enough credit. They could upset the apple cart and win the SEC and thereby clinch a playoff berth. Don’t be surprised if LSU is in the conversation this year.
Start a Sportsbook Account
The best thing you can do if you want to make a wager on a game or bet on a future on your college football conference winner predictions is to open a sports betting account. Grab a helmet and get in the game!
Remember, one account works, but opening accounts at multiple sportsbooks allows you to shop for the sharpest lines and the best odds. This is what the pros do, and it’s what recreational gamblers should do as well to get the best chance of winning.
As for these national championship candidates listed above, there is no time like the present to get down. Ohio State at +550 is probably the best price you’ll get on the Buckeyes to win it all, so open your account at Caesars or BetMGM and lock it in while you still can at this price.
The same advice goes for Alabama (+1000) and LSU (+1600), two SEC powers who could be in the championship game!
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More Picks & Insights
Check out Jefe Picks’ in-depth coverage of the 2025-26 College Football Championship race on our YouTube channel!
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
