Top 10 best bets to win the college football national championship
The college football national championship race was turned upside down this weekend, with five of the AP Top 7 teams suffering losses in a historic Saturday of upsets. Georgia, Notre Dame, Indiana, Alabama and Texas all went down, opening the door for new contenders to make their case for the College Football Playoff and the national title.
Which teams have the best chance to make a run at the national title? Here are 10 teams we think are worth considering a future bet.
(All odds provided by bet365 Sportsbook & Racebook)
10. Texas (+1600)
Texas has the talent to make a national championship run, even after a disappointing stretch that has put its season at a crossroads. The Longhorns lost, 27-24, to Florida on Saturday, dropping to 4-2 and suffering their second consecutive defeat.
However, their roster still has the potential to compete with the best teams in the country, and a strong finish against a difficult SEC schedule could change the narrative quickly. Texas needs to become more consistent on offense and eliminate costly mistakes, but its talent gives it a realistic path back into the playoff picture.
QB Arch Manning really needs to prove and build his confidence that he can win in big moments, once he gains that, this team is a totally different threat.
9. Florida (+6000)
Florida has suddenly become an intriguing long shot after knocking off Texas. The Gators improved to 5-2 and showed that they can compete in the SEC, where a strong conference finish could build the résumé needed for a playoff bid.
At +6000, the appeal is the possibility that their recent victory marks the beginning of a major turnaround rather than a single upset. Florida will need to show that it can maintain that level of performance week after week.
8. Indiana (+850)
The defending champs remain a serious contender despite their 19-15 loss to Ohio State, after Nick Marsh stepped out of bounds on what would have been a game-winning touchdown pass.
The Hoosiers pushed one of the country's strongest teams to the final margin in a game that showed they can compete physically with elite opposition. Indiana fell to 6-1, but one loss does not erase the value of its season to date. The Hoosiers will need to respond quickly and continue winning against Big Ten competition to keep their playoff positioning strong.
QB Josh Hoover is having a remarkable season, tossing 18 touchdown passes to his 0 interceptions on the year. He has shown he has what it takes to control the offense and lead the Hoosiers to major wins.
7. BYU (+4000)
BYU delivered one of the biggest statements of the season by defeating Notre Dame, 28-24, improving to 7-0 and climbing to No. 2 in the AP Top 25, behind top-ranked Miami.
The Cougars have combined an undefeated record with a victory over a top-four opponent, giving them a compelling case as a legitimate championship contender. Their ability to finish a close game against Notre Dame was particularly encouraging. The next step is maintaining that standard through the remainder of Big 12 play.
While the passing attack with QB Bear Bachmeier is impressive, the run game is just as productive behind LJ Martin and Bachmeier’s dual-threat ability.
6. Alabama (+1200)
Alabama's 26-10 loss to Tennessee was a significant setback, dropping the Crimson Tide to 5-2. Still, Alabama has too much talent to dismiss after one bad performance.
The key question is whether the offense can become more reliable against quality defenses and whether the team can respond with a strong finish to the regular season. Up next is a home game against Texas A&M, which Alabama should use as a get right game and have the offense show that last week isn’t an accurate representation of its skill and productivity.
The Crimson Tide need to limit mistakes and make the most of their remaining opportunities against SEC competition if they want to qualify for the playoffs.
5. Miami (+600)
Miami is coming off a dramatic 43-35 double OT win over Florida State and has moved to No. 1 in the AP Top 25. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns, while receiver Malachi Toney tallied 154 receiving yards and two touchdown catches.
The Hurricanes showed offensive firepower in surviving a game that went down to the wire. They will need to clean up defensive mistakes, but their unbeaten record and explosive passing game make them a strong title contender.
You may be wondering why I don’t have a 6-0 No. 1 team in the country higher on my list, and that because they haven’t seen a top opponent yet. They barely held on against a struggling Florida State team. The first true test will be in a few weeks at Notre Dame, but a road game at North Carolina could also give them some problems, so we will learn about Miami’s true colors quickly.
4. Notre Dame (+450)
Notre Dame's 28-24 loss to BYU was disappointing, but it does not eliminate the Fighting Irish from championship contention. Everyone is calling them frauds because they lost to the first tough opponent they’ve seen this year. While that is true, let’s not disregard they kept up with BYU on the road in a hostile environment.
The loss dropped the Irish to 6-1, and their overall season résumé remains strong enough to keep them in the conversation. The Irish, who feel like they were snubbed last year they were left out of the playoffs, will need to respond with a convincing performance in their next couple of games, particularly as the margin for error narrows. Their ability to rebound from the BYU defeat will reveal a lot about their playoff ceiling.
The Irish, the current favorite to win it all, have a week off then take on Navy, before a game against No. 1 Miami that I am sure is circled on many of the staff’s calendars.
3. Ohio State (+475)
Ohio State strengthened its championship case with a 19-15 victory over Indiana, improving to 6-1 and moving to No. 3 in the AP poll. The Buckeyes demonstrated that they can win a physical, low-scoring game against a highly ranked opponent rather than relying solely on offensive production. That versatility could prove valuable in the postseason, when matchups and game conditions can vary considerably.
Quarterback Julian Sayin suffered a right-arm injury against Indiana, with reports indicating he could miss several weeks. This is a major concern because his availability could directly affect Ohio State's offensive ceiling. Not only that, in his absence, OSU can’t suffer more than one or two losses if they want any shot at making the playoff.
When healthy, the Sayin, Jeremiah Smith connection is enough to get this team to where they need to be. He is arguably the best and most electric player in all of college football. He has nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 12 TDs already, both second in the nation. He currently sits as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at -125.
2. Ole Miss (+1600)
Ole Miss avoided the upset chaos around college football with a convincing 31-3 win over Missouri. The Rebels improved to 5-1 and moved to No. 7 in the AP poll, putting themselves in a strong position to pursue a playoff berth.
Their performance against Missouri was encouraging on both sides of the ball, particularly after a season in which consistency has been essential to their championship hopes. A difficult remaining schedule will provide more opportunities to establish themselves as a genuine title threat.
The Rebels will be facing off on the road against Texas in a primetime game this Saturday, followed by hosting Auburn who just took down Georgia, then Ole Miss gets a home matchup against Georgia the following week. Three games, three big tests for the Rebels to prove why they are a top contender to run the table in the College Football Playoff.
1. Georgia (+500)
Georgia remains my top choice despite its 27-24 loss to Auburn, which dropped the Bulldogs from No. 1 to No. 5 in the rankings. The defeat exposed some concerns, particularly costly turnovers, but it does not erase the team's overall talent or its ability to compete against elite opposition.
Georgia's 6-1 record still leaves it in a strong position to recover, and the Bulldogs have time to correct their mistakes before the postseason, including the previously mentioned matchup with Ole Miss in a few weeks. That road matchup is sandwiched between two home games against No. 20 Florida and No. 22 Missouri. So over the next three weeks, there are no breaks for the Bulldogs.
This type of stretch can lead teams to start playing their best football at the right time, heading into playoff mode.
Which teams have the best chance to make a run at the national title? Here are 10 teams we think are worth considering a future bet.
(All odds provided by bet365 Sportsbook & Racebook)
10. Texas (+1600)
Texas has the talent to make a national championship run, even after a disappointing stretch that has put its season at a crossroads. The Longhorns lost, 27-24, to Florida on Saturday, dropping to 4-2 and suffering their second consecutive defeat.
However, their roster still has the potential to compete with the best teams in the country, and a strong finish against a difficult SEC schedule could change the narrative quickly. Texas needs to become more consistent on offense and eliminate costly mistakes, but its talent gives it a realistic path back into the playoff picture.
QB Arch Manning really needs to prove and build his confidence that he can win in big moments, once he gains that, this team is a totally different threat.
9. Florida (+6000)
Florida has suddenly become an intriguing long shot after knocking off Texas. The Gators improved to 5-2 and showed that they can compete in the SEC, where a strong conference finish could build the résumé needed for a playoff bid.
At +6000, the appeal is the possibility that their recent victory marks the beginning of a major turnaround rather than a single upset. Florida will need to show that it can maintain that level of performance week after week.
8. Indiana (+850)
The defending champs remain a serious contender despite their 19-15 loss to Ohio State, after Nick Marsh stepped out of bounds on what would have been a game-winning touchdown pass.
The Hoosiers pushed one of the country's strongest teams to the final margin in a game that showed they can compete physically with elite opposition. Indiana fell to 6-1, but one loss does not erase the value of its season to date. The Hoosiers will need to respond quickly and continue winning against Big Ten competition to keep their playoff positioning strong.
QB Josh Hoover is having a remarkable season, tossing 18 touchdown passes to his 0 interceptions on the year. He has shown he has what it takes to control the offense and lead the Hoosiers to major wins.
7. BYU (+4000)
BYU delivered one of the biggest statements of the season by defeating Notre Dame, 28-24, improving to 7-0 and climbing to No. 2 in the AP Top 25, behind top-ranked Miami.
The Cougars have combined an undefeated record with a victory over a top-four opponent, giving them a compelling case as a legitimate championship contender. Their ability to finish a close game against Notre Dame was particularly encouraging. The next step is maintaining that standard through the remainder of Big 12 play.
While the passing attack with QB Bear Bachmeier is impressive, the run game is just as productive behind LJ Martin and Bachmeier’s dual-threat ability.
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE ?? https://t.co/6OOPfx45jJ
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 18, 2026
6. Alabama (+1200)
Alabama's 26-10 loss to Tennessee was a significant setback, dropping the Crimson Tide to 5-2. Still, Alabama has too much talent to dismiss after one bad performance.
The key question is whether the offense can become more reliable against quality defenses and whether the team can respond with a strong finish to the regular season. Up next is a home game against Texas A&M, which Alabama should use as a get right game and have the offense show that last week isn’t an accurate representation of its skill and productivity.
The Crimson Tide need to limit mistakes and make the most of their remaining opportunities against SEC competition if they want to qualify for the playoffs.
5. Miami (+600)
Miami is coming off a dramatic 43-35 double OT win over Florida State and has moved to No. 1 in the AP Top 25. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns, while receiver Malachi Toney tallied 154 receiving yards and two touchdown catches.
The Hurricanes showed offensive firepower in surviving a game that went down to the wire. They will need to clean up defensive mistakes, but their unbeaten record and explosive passing game make them a strong title contender.
You may be wondering why I don’t have a 6-0 No. 1 team in the country higher on my list, and that because they haven’t seen a top opponent yet. They barely held on against a struggling Florida State team. The first true test will be in a few weeks at Notre Dame, but a road game at North Carolina could also give them some problems, so we will learn about Miami’s true colors quickly.
4. Notre Dame (+450)
Notre Dame's 28-24 loss to BYU was disappointing, but it does not eliminate the Fighting Irish from championship contention. Everyone is calling them frauds because they lost to the first tough opponent they’ve seen this year. While that is true, let’s not disregard they kept up with BYU on the road in a hostile environment.
The loss dropped the Irish to 6-1, and their overall season résumé remains strong enough to keep them in the conversation. The Irish, who feel like they were snubbed last year they were left out of the playoffs, will need to respond with a convincing performance in their next couple of games, particularly as the margin for error narrows. Their ability to rebound from the BYU defeat will reveal a lot about their playoff ceiling.
The Irish, the current favorite to win it all, have a week off then take on Navy, before a game against No. 1 Miami that I am sure is circled on many of the staff’s calendars.
3. Ohio State (+475)
Ohio State strengthened its championship case with a 19-15 victory over Indiana, improving to 6-1 and moving to No. 3 in the AP poll. The Buckeyes demonstrated that they can win a physical, low-scoring game against a highly ranked opponent rather than relying solely on offensive production. That versatility could prove valuable in the postseason, when matchups and game conditions can vary considerably.
Quarterback Julian Sayin suffered a right-arm injury against Indiana, with reports indicating he could miss several weeks. This is a major concern because his availability could directly affect Ohio State's offensive ceiling. Not only that, in his absence, OSU can’t suffer more than one or two losses if they want any shot at making the playoff.
When healthy, the Sayin, Jeremiah Smith connection is enough to get this team to where they need to be. He is arguably the best and most electric player in all of college football. He has nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 12 TDs already, both second in the nation. He currently sits as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at -125.
O-H?? https://t.co/4PjQaEkopa
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 17, 2026
2. Ole Miss (+1600)
Ole Miss avoided the upset chaos around college football with a convincing 31-3 win over Missouri. The Rebels improved to 5-1 and moved to No. 7 in the AP poll, putting themselves in a strong position to pursue a playoff berth.
Their performance against Missouri was encouraging on both sides of the ball, particularly after a season in which consistency has been essential to their championship hopes. A difficult remaining schedule will provide more opportunities to establish themselves as a genuine title threat.
The Rebels will be facing off on the road against Texas in a primetime game this Saturday, followed by hosting Auburn who just took down Georgia, then Ole Miss gets a home matchup against Georgia the following week. Three games, three big tests for the Rebels to prove why they are a top contender to run the table in the College Football Playoff.
Eenie, meenie, miney, moe...
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 17, 2026
Caught the Tigers, sent them home ????? https://t.co/yCIbPEQOQe
1. Georgia (+500)
Georgia remains my top choice despite its 27-24 loss to Auburn, which dropped the Bulldogs from No. 1 to No. 5 in the rankings. The defeat exposed some concerns, particularly costly turnovers, but it does not erase the team's overall talent or its ability to compete against elite opposition.
Georgia's 6-1 record still leaves it in a strong position to recover, and the Bulldogs have time to correct their mistakes before the postseason, including the previously mentioned matchup with Ole Miss in a few weeks. That road matchup is sandwiched between two home games against No. 20 Florida and No. 22 Missouri. So over the next three weeks, there are no breaks for the Bulldogs.
This type of stretch can lead teams to start playing their best football at the right time, heading into playoff mode.