Seven teams have emerged as leading contenders for the 2026 College Football Playoff national championship, according to oddsmakers. Ohio State and Notre Dame are co-favorites at +600 odds, followed closely by Indiana, Texas, and Oregon, all at +750. Georgia is listed at +850, and Miami at 11/1.
Notre Dame is noted for having the most favorable schedule among the top contenders. The Fighting Irish are expected to navigate a straightforward path, potentially positioning themselves for a deep playoff run in the expanded 12-team format. The team boasts a potential Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, significant skill position depth, and a defense projected to be among the nation's best.
While the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is anticipated to be a challenging conference, there is no single dominant team akin to previous seasons. Georgia is considered the top team on paper, but questions remain about their ability to overcome elite competition in recent years. This could open the door for teams like LSU.
LSU's potential resurgence is attributed in part to the arrival of head coach Lane Kiffin and a significantly improved defense under defensive coordinator Blake Baker. The Tigers face an early test with games against Clemson, Kiffin's former team Ole Miss, and Texas A&M within the first four weeks of the season. Success in these initial matchups could substantially improve their championship odds.
Beyond the top contenders, other teams are listed with longer odds. LSU and Texas A&M are at 18/1, and Texas Tech at 20/1. Alabama, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma are the only other teams with odds below 30/1, checking in at 22/1, 25/1, and 25/1, respectively.
As a long-shot pick, Utah is listed at 120/1. Despite the departure of long-time coach Kyle Whittingham for Michigan, the program's culture is expected to endure under his successor, Morgan Scalley. Utah's path is aided by a relatively manageable schedule and the return of quarterback Devon Dampier. They are projected to be favorites in eight games before a Week 11 matchup against BYU, potentially securing a spot in the Big 12 Championship.