CFB National Championship Predictions, Odds | Oregon was not the favorite to win it all

Oregon was only ranked No. 9 in the Associated Press’ Week 4 college football poll. The Ducks have remained undefeated since then, defeating former No. 2 Ohio State and having a scoring differential of +107.

For the first time since 2012, Eugene has the top team in the AP poll. But oddsmakers don’t look at Oregon through the same lens as AP voters.

Oregon’s chances of winning the national championship mean it’s a title contender, but oddsmakers are putting more faith in several other teams showering confetti at the end of the season.

Favorite bookmakers for the 2024-25 CFB National Championship

Courses by ZakładMGM (as of October 31):

• Georgia: +325
• Oregon: +450
• Ohio State: +450
• Texas: +550
• Penn State: +1400

Below are my picks for the winner of the Oregon State Championship. Two other teams also deserve attention in the second half of the college football season.

Oregon Championship Winner Odds (+450)

Unlike years past, there doesn’t seem to be a clear team to beat. Every team in the national championship game has shown signs of weakness at some point during the season.

Unlike other teams, Oregon’s questionable moments came early in the season. The Ducks are peaking at the right time and have a clear path to the Big Ten Championship.

None of Oregon’s last four opponents are ranked, and only two have records above .500. The toughest remaining matchup will be Saturday at “The Big House” against Michigan.

The Wolverines are the defending champions, but a series of offseason departures have pushed Michigan State to 5-3. UM’s offense is one of the worst in the Big Ten, and its defense has taken a step back from the dominance we saw in 2023.

Oregon should be favored in every remaining regular-season game, and a win in the Big Ten Championship would mean the Ducks’ bye to the College Football Playoff.

Oregon is well-balanced, thanks in part to an effective attack led by Heisman Trophy candidate QB Dillon Gabriel. The Ducks have four pass catchers with over 300 yards, and RB Jordan James ranks 14th in the nation in rushing yards.

The defense only scores 16 points per game, and quick passing was key. DE Matayo Uiagalelei and Jordan Burch lead the way with a combined 10.5 sacks.

The only thing Oregon lacks is College Football Playoff experience. The Ducks have not participated in the CFP since the format was introduced in 2015.

UO won’t be alone in this, as the CFP will expand from four to 12 teams for the first time in the postseason. If you’re looking to place a futures bet on the National Championship, especially with the +450 or higher odds offered at BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel, the Ducks should definitely be a part of it.

Texas Championship Winner Odds (+550)

Texas was considered the best team in the country until head coach Kirby Smart and Georgia arrived in Austin on October 19. The Bulldogs defense was unrelenting against the Longhorns, recording four tackles for loss, seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

UGA led 23-0 at halftime, and the Longhorns couldn’t recover, losing 30-15 as a 4.5-point favorite.

Last week, Texas responded by killing Vanderbilt on the road. Turnovers were a problem for QB Quinn Ewers, but the Longhorns defense was sharp, which helped UT win the turnover battle.

Georgia isn’t as dominant as the Bulldogs of old, but UGA still has a loaded roster and one of the best coaching staffs in the country. Texas deserves to be relegated after a loss, so I’m taking the opportunity to bet on the Longhorns while they have more valuable national championship odds.

Texas’ defense is allowing the second fewest points in the FBS, while its offense has two QBs who will likely be NFL starters for years to come. The Longhorns have plenty of playmakers at WR and RB, so you shouldn’t overlook UT.

One problem is a four-way tie between SEC teams with one loss in the conference standings. On the other hand, Texas A&M is the only undefeated team in SEC play, and the Longhorns will have a chance to end that streak in the final week of the season.

Miami Championship Winner Odds (+1800)

If you’re looking for a long-term team to bet on in the national championship odds market, I recommend Miami. The Hurricanes are ranked fifth in the AP poll, but are not receiving the same treatment from sportsbooks.

There is no doubt that Miami’s offense has what it takes to win it all. The unit relies on QB Cam Ward, who is at the heart of the Heisman race.

The Canes lead the FBS in points per game, and Ward ranks second in passing yards and touchdowns. He passed for over 300 yards in all but one game and helped lead to two wins as Miami was seemingly doomed.

Oregon State transfer RB Damien Martinez has made a huge impression. WR Xavier Restrepo has the second-most receiving yards in the ACC.

Miami is missing one extremely important element. The defense has given up over 30 points in three of four conference matchups, and that weakness puts the Hurricanes in position to win the national championship at +1800 odds.

Miami’s chances will go down if the defense starts to improve. Things should improve with the return of star DL Rueben Bain Jr.

The four-star recruit led the team with 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last season as a freshman. He missed the first five games this season, but has played in the last three, earning 2.5 sacks.

If Bain continues to improve with more time on the field, Miami could be a valuable national championship future.