The college football landscape has been flipped on its head. On January 19, 2026, the Indiana Hoosiers completed one of the most shocking and inspiring seasons in the sport’s history — winning their first-ever national championship with a 27-21 victory over the Miami Hurricanes, finishing 16-0 under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. But as we quickly flip to next season, what are the odds for the 2026 College Football National Championship?
🏆 Early 2026–27 CFP National Championship Futures Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, Ohio State and Notre Dame have opened as co-favorites to win next year’s college football title.
-
Ohio State Buckeyes: +650
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish: +650
-
Indiana Hoosiers: +700
-
Texas Longhorns: +750
-
Oregon Ducks: +900
-
Georgia Bulldogs: +1100
-
LSU Tigers: +1400
-
Texas A&M Aggies: +1500
-
Texas Tech Red Raiders: +1600
-
Miami Hurricanes: +1800
-
Alabama Crimson Tide: +2000
These odds are an early snapshot — futures fluctuate dramatically with offseason moves, quarterback situations, and recruiting impacts — but they provide a clear sense of the market expectation entering 2026 spring ball and summer.
📍 Top Contenders & What Shapes Their Odds
Ohio State Buckeyes — Co-Favorites (+650)
Ohio State remains the model of consistency and talent in the modern CFP era. Despite falling short of a title this season, the Buckeyes return a loaded roster on both sides of the ball and a coaching staff that excels in high-stakes scenarios. With elite recruiting classes and future NFL talent returning, bettors currently peg OSU as the team to beat if they can convert regular-season dominance into postseason success.
Indiana Hoosiers — National Champions & Early Favorites (+700)
Indiana didn’t just win a title — they dominated the 2025–26 season. Under Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers surged from a 3-9 record two years ago to a perfect 16-0 campaign. The key figure was Fernando Mendoza, a dynamic Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback whose leadership and playmaking carried Indiana through tight spots all season. The big offseason question is whether Indiana can keep this momentum without Mendoza, who is expected to be a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+650)
Notre Dame continues to maintain respect in the futures market due to its balance of coaching continuity, stout defense, and elite recruiting. The Irish didn’t make the title game this past season but stayed in contention and are widely viewed as one of the most complete units poised to return stronger in 2026–27.
Texas Longhorns (+750) & Oregon Ducks (+900)
Both programs have the talent to vault into national title contention:
-
Texas boasts elite offensive weapons and recruiting rank, plus a coach focused on playoff breakthroughs.
-
Oregon continues to reload with dynamic defensive fronts and an offense that can run with anyone.
Their futures odds reflect faith in their ability to compete in a wide open Big 12 (Texas) and CF Pacific (Oregon).
📉 Dark Horses & Name Brands Further Down the Board
Several traditional powers are further down in the futures list but could quickly climb with momentum:
-
Georgia (+1100): Always a threat with linebacker depth and physical defense.
-
LSU / Texas A&M / Texas Tech (+1200-1600): SEC and Big 12 teams with big-play capabilities.
-
Alabama (+2000): A dynasty program that always draws attention despite early odds.
These squads may look like longer shots now, but futures odds will tighten with strong non-conference results or early CFP momentum.
📌 What This Means for Bettors
-
Heavy favorites like Ohio State and Indiana reflect market confidence in proven systems and returning talent.
-
Notre Dame and Texas are enticing as slight underdogs with upside.
-
Oregon and Georgia could offer value if their strengths translate consistently across an entire season.
-
Longer shot schools like Miami — despite their CFP run — need breakout developments (like quarterback returns or elite recruiting) to shake up futures odds.
Futures betting is one of the most volatile markets in college football — the best value often appears early before public trends and injury developments shape lines.
🔮 Early Prediction Trends
While it’s early, the consensus narrative from oddsmakers and analysts is:
-
Ohio State and Indiana are the teams to beat.
-
Notre Dame and Texas are the most likely challengers to crack the top line.
-
Oregon and Georgia offer best mix of upside + title legitimacy for mid-tier future bets.
Expect odds to shift sharply once spring practices begin and key quarterback situations, transfers, and injuries crystallize.
Responsible Gaming
For help, visit our Responsible Gaming page or the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Affiliate Disclosure
We may receive affiliate commissions if you sign up through links on our site. Read our Affiliate Disclosure.