Underdog Landscape
The 2025 College Football Playoff saw Indiana break through in a way that caught many analysts off guard, setting the stage for a fresh look at which programs might pull off a similar surprise a year from now.
Blake Toppmeyer, a veteran sportswriter, recently broke down BetMGM’s latest odds for the 2026 national championship, identifying five teams that sit at the bottom of the favorite list but still carry intrigue.
Texas A&M opens the season with 15-to-1 odds, a reflection of both a demanding schedule and the shock of new coordinators taking over key offensive and defensive roles.
LSU also carries 15-to-1 odds, but the Tigers must navigate a rugged conference slate while adjusting to a new head coach, Lane Kiffin, whose offensive philosophy promises a different tempo.
Ole Miss sits at 25-to-1, buoyed by a potent quarterback-running back tandem that could keep defenses guessing, though the Rebels will need to prove they can close out tight games.
USC’s 35-to-1 price reflects a schedule stacked with traditional powerhouses, but the Trojans return a core of starters who could help them punch above their odds.
Penn State’s 50-to-1 odds suggest a relatively softer path early on, yet the Nittany Lions will face a noticeable jump in competition as they move up in class.