2025 College Football Playoff Odds: Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Favorites to Reach CFP
The upcoming 12-team format has placed several top programs as frontrunners in the College Football Playoff odds, with the Georgia Bulldogs and Ohio State Buckeyes leading the way as clear favorites on the top college football betting sites.
The expansion of playoffs has further facilitated the dominance of blue-blood programs in the sport, leading to incredibly favorable odds for the top teams to compete in important games in late December.
Oregon and Texas, along with Georgia and Ohio State, are widely expected to make it to the postseason and are favored by college football championship odds. Each of these programs boast top-tier quarterbacks in the running for the Heisman Trophy, as well as rosters filled with former five-star recruits and standout transfer players.
Aside from those four teams, the board is populated by the usual contenders, with the notable absence of Colorado, despite Shedeur Sanders being the frontrunner to be selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft according to odds.
College Football Playoff odds 2025
College Football Playoff odds ranked by best to worst as of July 9 on our top sports betting apps: 🏆 = best odds | ❄️ = worst odds
| Team | DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM | Caesars | bet365 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | -650 | -650 | -769 ❄️ | -700 | -600 |
| Georgia | -550 | -590 | -599 | -600 ❄️ | -500 |
| Oregon | -300 | -290 | -250 | -300 | -250 |
| Texas | -235 ❄️ | -230 | -227 | -190 | -220 |
| Notre Dame | -165 | -170 | -169 | -190 ❄️ | -170 |
| Penn State | -140 | -142 | -130 | -120 | -140 |
| Ole Miss | -130 | -122 | -130 | -160 ❄️ | -130 |
| Alabama | +100 ❄️ | +104 | +115 | +120 | +120 |
| Michigan | +115 | +118 | -110 ❄️ | +120 | +100 |
| LSU | +120 | +128 | +120 | +110 ❄️ | +120 |
2025 College Football Playoff favorites
Ohio State (-600)
Although Ohio State has not won the Big Ten under head coach Ryan Day since 2020, the Buckeyes have been consistently competitive throughout his tenure. Ohio State was a strong contender for the College Football Playoff this past season, and came close to defeating eventual champions Georgia in the playoff two years ago if not for Michigan’s performance.
Day has consistently placed in the top seven of the final College Football Playoff rankings. Although the Buckeyes lost standout players like Marvin Harrison Jr. to the NFL, they have retained key players and made significant additions through the transfer portal. Ohio State has welcomed back top talents like Emeka Egbuka, J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Denzel Burke, who are all potential first-round draft picks.
Day successfully recruited freshman All-American Caleb Downs from Alabama, All-SEC running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss, and Kansas State QB Will Howard. If Howard can elevate his performance from last season, this team has the potential to contend for the title.
Nevertheless, the odds for Ohio State are currently too low to warrant placing a bet on them. A $10 wager would only yield a $1.67 profit, and these odds are expected to decrease even further.
The best odds are -600 at bet365, with an implied probability of 85.71%.
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Georgia (-500)
Ever since Kirby Smart became Georgia’s head coach in 2016, the Bulldogs have qualified for the College Football Playoff three times and won the championship twice. With the playoff expanding to 12 teams, it will be even more attainable for the Bulldogs to secure a spot in the postseason, solidifying their status as one of the most dominant programs in college football.
During Smart’s eight-year tenure as the head coach in Athens, Georgia has consistently finished in the top 12 of the final College Football Playoff rankings, with the Bulldogs only missing the top 12 in his first season. If a 12-team playoff had been in place throughout his tenure, Georgia would have made seven consecutive appearances.
The Bulldogs have a wealth of talent on offense and defense, with QB Carson Beck and pass rusher Mykel Williams leading the way. Smart is in a good position to secure his third championship in four years, having strengthened the roster with top recruits like running back Trevor Etienne (Florida), tight end Benjamin Yurosek (Stanford), and wide receivers Colbie Young (Miami) and London Humphreys (Vanderbilt) from the transfer portal.
Just like Ohio State, Georgia is almost guaranteed to make the College Football Playoff, which makes the odds difficult to swallow. Betting $10 on the Bulldogs to make the 12-team playoff would only result in a $2 profit.
Most favorable odds: -500 at bet365 | Implied likelihood: 83.33%
Oregon (-250)
Currently, Oregon, a former Pac-12 team, is playing at a level similar to that of an SEC team as it gears up for its inaugural season in the Big Ten. While conference realignment may have a detrimental effect on teams like Washington or Oklahoma, the Ducks are poised to challenge powerhouses like Ohio State and Michigan.
Oregon faced uncertainty at the quarterback position following Bo Nix’s departure to the NFL. However, head coach Dan Lanning filled the void with Dillon Gabriel, the most seasoned passer in college football with nearly 15,000 career passing yards. With Gabriel at the helm, the team is poised to excel in Will Stein’s offensive system, especially with talented receivers such as Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart.
Oregon’s defense is expected to improve under the guidance of Lanning, a disciple of Smart and Saban. The team boasts a formidable defensive line, anchored by Burch, Uiagalelei, and Harmon. Lanning has also successfully revamped the secondary, bringing in four top transfers who are projected to start.
In order for Oregon to make it to the playoff, they must secure at least nine victories, which appears highly probable. Despite facing tough opponents like Ohio State and Michigan, their next biggest challenges are either Washington at home or Wisconsin on the road, both of which they are expected to win. However, even with a $10 wager on the Ducks, the payout is only a $4 profit.
Top odds: -250 at BetMGM | Probability of winning: 71.43%
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My College Football Playoff team to watch
Notre Dame (-165)
With conference realignment changing the college football landscape, Notre Dame is the only top program unaffected. Unlike teams like Texas and Oregon, who now face challenges in the SEC and Big Ten, Notre Dame has a smoother journey ahead.
Being an independent gives Notre Dame an edge since they don’t have to win a conference championship. While this means they can’t automatically qualify, it’s likely that the playoff committee would choose a 10 or 11-win Irish team as an at-large candidate.
Putting aside technicalities, Notre Dame appears strong as Freeman begins his third season as head coach. The team will have Duke transfer Riley Leonard at quarterback, FIU transfer Kris Mitchell at receiver, and Mitchell Evans at tight end. The offense is expected to perform well, but the defense has the potential to be among the top in the nation.
The defensive line, featuring future pros Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills, was further strengthened with the addition of R.J. Oben through the portal. Linebacker Jack Kiser is a standout player in the sport, and defensive backs Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts are strong contenders for preseason All-American honors.
Notre Dame is not a major underdog, but the odds are more favorable compared to other top programs in the sport. A $10 bet on Notre Dame would yield a $6.06 profit. It may be worth considering a Group of Five team like Boise State or Liberty for better value in this market.
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2025 College Football Playoff odds over time
Odds via DraftKings.
| Team | Opening odds (April 29, 2024) | July 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | -600 | -550 |
| Ohio State | -600 | -650 |
| Texas | -250 | -235 |
| Oregon | -200 | -300 |
| Notre Dame | -165 | -165 |
| Penn State | -130 | -140 |
| Ole Miss | -130 | -130 |
| Michigan | -120 | +115 |
| LSU | -110 | +120 |
| Alabama | +100 | +100 |
| Florida State | +140 | +140 |
| Tennessee | +170 | +170 |
| Missouri | +175 | +175 |
| Clemson | +190 | +190 |
| Miami | +220 | +220 |
| Utah | +220 | +220 |
| Texas A&M | +220 | +220 |
| Kansas State | +250 | +250 |
| USC | +400 | +400 |
| Liberty | +400 | +400 |
Past CFP National Championship winners
| Year | Team | Opening odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Michigan | +800 |
| 2023 | Georgia | +350 |
| 2022 | Georgia | +600 |
| 2021 | Alabama | +300 |
| 2020 | LSU | +2500 |
| 2019 | Clemson | +400 |
| 2018 | Alabama | +250 |
| 2017 | Clemson | +700 |
| 2016 | Alabama | +700 |
| 2015 | Ohio State | +4000 |
How to bet on the College Football Playoff
Placing bets on College Football Playoff odds is easy. First, find a trustworthy sportsbook that provides futures bets for the College Football Playoff. Look at the odds for various teams – for instance, if Alabama is listed at +300 and Ohio State at +600, Alabama is the favorite to reach the playoffs. Choose the amount you want to bet and make your wager. If you bet $100 on Alabama at +300 and they qualify, you’ll receive $400 ($300 profit + $100 stake). Monitor the teams’ progress during the season to track the status of your bet.
Keep in mind that future markets are dynamic, with odds constantly changing based on performance and perception. Factors such as team performance, injuries, player acquisitions, coaching changes, and public betting trends all play a role in determining odds. It’s important to consider expert analysis and predictions to make informed decisions and take advantage of favorable odds shifts.
How to read College Football Playoff odds
Odds are commonly displayed in formats such as +300 or -150. Positive odds (+300) indicate the potential profit on a $100 bet. For example, a $100 bet at +300 odds would result in a $300 profit, along with the original $100 stake, for a total of $400. Negative odds (-150) show the amount needed to be wagered in order to win $100. Therefore, a $150 bet at -150 odds would yield a $100 profit, in addition to the $150 stake, totaling $250.
These odds indicate the likelihood of a team reaching the playoffs. Lower odds (+200) suggest a higher probability, while higher odds (+1000) indicate a lower chance. These odds are adjusted based on factors such as team performance, injuries, coaching changes, and public betting trends.
If Alabama has +300 odds and Ohio State has +600 odds, Alabama is seen as having a higher likelihood of making the playoffs. Betting $100 on Alabama would result in a $400 return if they make it ($300 profit + $100 stake). Knowing how to interpret these odds can assist you in making well-informed betting choices and assessing potential winnings.
College Football Playoff FAQs
Who are the favorites to make the College Football Playoff?
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the favorites to make the 2025 College Football Playoff with odds of -769, which suggests there is a 49% chance they will secure a spot in the playoff, as calculated by our odds calculator.
How many teams make College Football Playoff?
In the past, only four teams were chosen for the College Football Playoff, but this year the playoff will include 12 teams. The top five ranked conference champions will earn automatic bids to the playoff, while the remaining seven spots will be filled by at-large teams selected by the College Football Playoff selection committee.
The playoff will grant a first-round bye to the top four conference champions.
When does the College Football Playoff start?
The 2025 College Football Playoff kicks off with the first round games on Dec. 20 and 21, hosted at the higher seed’s campus. The quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, with games spread across the Fiesta, Peach, Rose, and Sugar Bowl.
The semifinals are scheduled for Jan. 9 and 10 at the Orange and Cotton Bowl, followed by the CFP National Championship game on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.
Who made the College Football Playoff last year?
Last season, the selection committee chose Michigan, Washington, Texas, and Alabama for the College Football Playoff.
Who won the CFP National Championship last year?
In 2024, the Michigan Wolverines claimed victory over the Washington Huskies in the national championship, marking their first title win since 1997.
College football odds pages
| CFP National Championship Odds | SEC Odds | Big 12 Odds | Bowl Season Odds & Info |
| Heisman Trophy Odds | Big Ten Odds | Pac-12 Odds | |
| College Football Playoff Odds | Mountain West Odds | ACC Odds |
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