As the 2025 college football season approaches its conclusion, the focus is already shifting toward the 2026 National Championship. With the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish set to face off for the 2025 title, sportsbooks have released their early odds for next year’s champion. Ohio State currently leads as the favorite at +450, followed closely by Oregon, Texas, and Georgia, each with odds of +650.
Ohio State: Leading the Pack
Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has solidified its position as a perennial powerhouse. The Buckeyes are heavily favored to defeat Notre Dame in the upcoming National Championship Game, with a spread set at 8.5 points. Oddsmakers have confidence in Ohio State’s ability to secure back-to-back titles.
The Buckeyes will likely continue to dominate with a roster brimming with talent. Key players from their championship run, combined with their strong recruiting classes, give them the edge heading into 2026. The team’s depth and consistency under Day make them the clear favorite to repeat.
Oregon: Rising with New Talent
The Oregon Ducks, led by head coach Dan Lanning, are expected to be strong contenders despite significant roster changes. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel departing, five-star recruit Dante Moore is poised to take the reins of the offense. The Ducks will retain critical playmakers like wide receiver Evan Stewart and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, but they will face challenges replacing NFL-bound stars, including offensive tackles Josh Conerly Jr. and Ajani Cornelius, and several defensive stalwarts.
To bolster their roster, Oregon has been active in the transfer portal, adding key players such as defensive lineman Bear Alexander (USC), wide receiver Malik Benson (Florida State), and running back Makhi Hughes (Tulane). These additions, along with Lanning’s proven leadership, have positioned the Ducks as a formidable contender in 2026.
Texas: Manning Era Begins
The Texas Longhorns are set to enter the Arch Manning era as head coach Steve Sarkisian prepares his team for a strong run. Manning, who stepped in during the 2025 season to replace an injured Quinn Ewers, showcased his potential, throwing for 939 yards and nine touchdowns while adding four rushing scores. With Ewers now NFL-bound, Manning will have full control of the offense.
However, the Longhorns will need to navigate key losses, including offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and wide receivers Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden. On defense, returning stars like linebackers Colin Simmons and Trey Moore, along with cornerback Malik Muhammad, provide stability. If Manning lives up to the hype, Texas could find itself back in the national title conversation.
Georgia: Reloading, Not Rebuilding
The Georgia Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, face the challenge of replacing several high-profile players, including offensive lineman Tate Ratledge and defensive standouts Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, and Malaki Starks. Quarterback Carson Beck’s decision to transfer to Miami further complicates the situation, leaving Gunner Stockton as the likely starter.
Despite these losses, Georgia’s depth and elite recruiting classes keep them firmly in the championship race. Returning players like defensive lineman Christen Miller, cornerback Daylen Everette, and offensive weapons Oscar Delp and Dillon Bell provide a strong foundation for the Bulldogs to remain competitive.
Other Contenders
Beyond the top four, other programs are also vying for the 2026 title:
Penn State (+850): Returning quarterback Drew Allar and standout running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen form the backbone of James Franklin’s squad. However, the Nittany Lions still trail conference rivals Ohio State and Oregon in early odds.
Notre Dame and Alabama (+1400): Both teams are tied for the fourth-best odds. Notre Dame will look to build on their 2025 success, while Alabama, under Nick Saban, remains a perennial threat despite recent roster turnover.
What Lies Ahead
The 2026 college football season promises to be an exciting one, with Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, and Georgia leading the charge. Each team faces unique challenges, from integrating new quarterbacks to rebuilding key positions, but their talent and coaching prowess keep them at the forefront of the championship race.
As the offseason unfolds, transfers, recruiting developments, and spring practices will further shape the field, ensuring that the journey to the 2026 National Championship remains as unpredictable as ever.
