The Big Ten has owned the last three national championships in college football, but the preseason betting market is not treating that run like a forever thing. This year’s odds point to a tighter race, with the usual power leagues all showing up in the mix and a few familiar names sitting near the top.
Notre Dame is right there behind Ohio State in the national championship odds, a strong sign after the Irish lost their two brilliant backs this offseason. Even so, they still bring back a sturdy core at quarterback, receiver and in the secondary, and the schedule ahead looks very manageable.
The Big Ten still has the deepest group of contenders. Ohio State leads the way at +600, with Indiana at +750 and Oregon close behind at +800.
Michigan sits at +2500, followed by USC at +3500 and Penn State at +5000. The Buckeyes have Jeremiah Smith back to juice the offense and Julian Sayin returning under center after finishing as a Heisman finalist, but the defense has to replace some major production, and the schedule is tougher this time.
Oregon, meanwhile, looks like a real threat to carry the league banner, with what could be college football’s top defense and plenty of elite skill talent back, including Dante Moore. Indiana is in the conversation too after its surprising title run.
The SEC, which had been shut out of the national championship picture for three straight years, is positioned to push back into the spotlight. Texas is the conference favorite at +650, with Georgia next at +900.
Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M are all listed at +1500, Ole Miss is at +2500 and Oklahoma is at +3000. Georgia, the back-to-back reigning SEC champion, could be the league’s best shot at another title and a third under Kirby Smart, thanks to an experienced offense and important defensive pieces returning.
Texas also has a strong case, with Arch Manning looking to build on the second half of his first season as a starter and a Texas-sized defense ready for an SEC schedule.
The Big 12 has Texas Tech as its top team at +2200, and the Red Raiders are coming off that historic conference championship from a year ago. They do lose some key pieces from that defense, but enough returns to keep Joey McGuire’s team in the hunt.
A strong rushing attack and another solid offensive line should help incoming quarterback Will Hammond, who is back from an ACL tear and now has the job full-time after Brendan Sorsby’s controversial exit. Utah, BYU and Oklahoma State are all at +8000, while Iowa State is at +10000.
In the ACC, Miami is the clear headliner at +1100. The Hurricanes were playing for the title a year ago and added quarterback Darian Mensah through the transfer portal to go with skill players like Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher.
The big question is whether Miami made the right calls in replacing some outgoing defensive stars up front. Clemson is next at +5000 after a 7-6 season in 2025, and while the Tigers return a promising wide receiver group, they are also breaking in a new quarterback.
Florida State and Louisville are both at +10000.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
In Other News...
Notre Dame Lands More Momentum As New Injury Scare Changes Mood
Notre Dame picked up another recruiting jolt when Darien Prescott committed to the 2028 class, a notable win for a program that has made a habit of selling early belief and a clear connection with Marcus Freeman. Prescotts decision over Oregon and Texas A&M adds to the sense that the Irish are building traction well beyond the current roster, and it comes at a time when the programs profile keeps rising off the field as much as on it.
The timing only sharpened the mood around the team. Notre Dame also unveiled a jersey patch partnership with SoFi that is reportedly worth $20 million annually, a deal that underscores how aggressively the Irish continue to position themselves in the modern college sports economy. Even with Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti floating major playoff and scheduling changes at media days, Notre Dames latest news cycle had enough momentum to feel like another step forward before the day took a harder turn. [Read more 🡒]
New NCAA Rule Changes Everything For Notre Dame's Loaded 2026 Class
The NCAAs new 5 for 5 eligibility rule is already changing the way Notre Dame can think about its next wave of talent. With five total seasons now available to play, the old redshirt math is gone, and Marcus Freeman sees that as a win for everyone involved because freshmen can get on the field right away without sacrificing their long-term runway.
For a class that has been billed as one of the nations best, that matters. Notre Dame should be able to bring several 2026 recruits along faster than before, and Freemans staff no longer has to treat early-season snaps like something to be rationed carefully, the way it had to with players such as tight end James Flanigan last season. The bigger question now is how quickly those newcomers can turn that freedom into real roles. [Read more 🡒]
Ian Book Faces A Career Crossroads Notre Dame Fans Will Feel
Ian Books football life has not stopped just because the calendar has moved on from his Notre Dame days and his brief NFL run. The former Irish quarterback is still staying in shape, still around the game through youth coaching, and still showing up where younger players can learn from him, including a recent youth skills camp. Away from the field, he has also begun building a professional life in South Bend, where he works as director of investor relations at Golden Legacy Partners.
Books next chapter is starting to look bigger than any one comeback attempt, even if he has left the door open to playing again. He is balancing that uncertainty with fatherhood and other career opportunities, a familiar crossroads for players whose bodies and timing do not always line up with the leagues next call. For Notre Dame fans who watched him lead the Irish, the appeal is easy to understand: he is still connected to the game, but the shape of his future may be changing in real time. [Read more 🡒]