The 12‑team College Football Playoff landscape is more competitive than ever, with Notre Dame emerging as the clear favorite after a dominant opening win over Wisconsin that boosted its selection odds.
Key Contenders and Shifting Odds
Miami’s explosive 45‑6 victory over Stanford catapulted the Hurricanes back into the conversation, and the performances of Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney have turned them into the leading Heisman Trophy candidates, further elevating the team’s profile.
LSU, fresh off a commanding triumph over Clemson, now sits at -125 on both DraftKings and FanDuel, placing it among the select group of programs projected to have better than a 50% chance of landing in the playoff.
The Southeastern Conference is wrestling with a potential rule adjustment that could bar LSU from the playoff despite its strong start, introducing a layer of uncertainty that contrasts with the steady rise of Boise State, whose +350 and +310 odds on DraftKings and FanDuel reflect a resilient showing against Oregon.
Ohio State remains the national title favorite, and its odds are expected to shift dramatically if the Buckeyes travel to Austin for a showdown with Texas, a game that could reshape the entire playoff picture.
Ole Miss secured a marquee win over Louisville, earning a spot in the playoff dialogue and underscoring the depth of competition among both Power Five and Group of Five programs.
Across the SEC, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M continue to vie for the limited spots, while the conference’s internal debate over LSU’s eligibility adds a strategic element that could influence the final selections.
The five national title favorites — Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas, Miami and Georgia — along with Indiana, Oregon and Texas Tech all carry minus odds, signaling a greater than 50% probability of making the expanded field, yet the race remains fluid as weeks progress.