The 2026 college football campaign kicks off later this month. Indiana is the defending National Champion, but Big Ten rival Ohio State goes off as the title favorite. What can we expect to see on the gridiron throughout the upcoming season?
It all gets started with North Carolina vs. TCU on Saturday, August 29. That’s all well and good, but we won’t see a serious title contender take the field until Miami, FL pays a visit to ACC foe Stanford on Friday, September 4.
The Week 1 schedule also includes Baylor vs. Auburn, Clemson vs. LSU, Louisville vs. Ole Miss, Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame and SMU vs. Florida State.
With every week and even every game, the College Football Playoff picture will begin to take shape. Even in the preseason, though, it’s not too early to forecast what could transpire in the 2026 college football season.
Let’s take a look at some of the odds and the best bets to make.
College Football National Championship 2026/27 Outright betting picks and predictions
Georgia to win the College Football Playoff (+850)
Excluding Alabama since Nick Saban is no longer running the show, Georgia has been the most consistent program in the nation throughout the tenure of head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs have played in either the College Football Playoff or a New Year’s Six Bowl in nine of Smart’s 10 seasons – including the last nine in a row. This stretch features two CFP titles (2021, 2022) and one runner-up finish (2017).
There is no reason to think that the Dawgs will slow down in 2026. Gunner Stockton is back at quarterback, Nate Frazie is an elite running back, Lawson Luckie is a reliable pass-catcher at tight end and the offensive line should be stout. Georgia’s defense always seems to be among the best of the best, so – as usual – this will be a well-rounded team.
The Bulldogs have road games against Alabama and Ole Miss, but the schedule – especially by SEC standards – is otherwise friendly. Smart’s squad should have no trouble coasting to a CFP berth, perhaps even with a first-round bye.
Julian Sayin to win the Heisman Trophy (+1200)
With a few exceptions such as two-way star Travis Hunter of Colorado in 2024, the Heisman Trophy has essentially become a quarterback on the best team in the country award. Or, at the very least, it’s a great quarterback on a very good team award.
As long as you are a QB who puts up big numbers and puts his school in the CFP mix, you are going to garner consideration. If you aren’t, well...good luck!
Sayin is heading into his sophomore season at the helm of the preseason No. 1 team in the land, Ohio State. The Carlsbad, California native is coming off a freshman campaign in which he passed for 3610 yards with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Thirteen of the last 16 Heisman winners have come from the quarterback position. Don’t be surprised if Sayin is the one to continue that trend.
Ole Miss to make the Playoffs (+170)
Twelve teams make the College Football Playoff. Ole Miss is the 12th favorite to win the national title. It does not take a genius to figure out that there is outstanding value on a team that is No. 12 being priced at +170 to qualify for a 12-team tournament.
Following all kinds of litigation, Trinidad Chambliss is eligible to play and will be back under center for the Rebels. Chambliss was a college football sensation last year, arriving as a transfer from Ferris State to throw for 3937 yards with 22 TDs and only three INTs. He also rushed for 527 yards and eight scores.
The combination of Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy gives Ole Miss one of the most dangerous offenses in the nation. Head coach Pete Golding’s team went all the way to the semifinals last season. At the very least it should be back in the dance this year.
NCAAF Championship 2026/27 odds
Ohio State +600
Notre Dame +650
Indiana +750
Texas +750
Oregon +750
Georgia +850
Miami, FL +1200
LSU +1800
Texas A&M +1800
Texas Tech +2000
Heisman Trophy Winner odds
CJ Carr +700
Arch Manning +750
Dante Moore +1100
Darian Mensah +1100
Julian Sayin +1200
Trinidad Chambliss +1200
Jeremiah Smith +1400
Josh Hoover +1400
Gunner Stockton +2000
Sam Leavitt +2000
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
