Sportsbooks have already begun shaping the narrative for the 2026 college football national championship, releasing early odds that point to a familiar trio of contenders. Ohio State tops the list at +550 on FanDuel and +600 on BetMGM, while Notre Dame shares the same +600 price on DraftKings and Kalshi. Texas follows closely at +650 on both DraftKings and BetMGM, positioning the Longhorns as the third most likely champion according to the current market.
Ohio State’s appeal rests not only on its recent dominance but also on a loaded roster that returns Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, All‑American wideout Jeremiah Smith and the explosive running back Bo Jackson, who amassed over 1,000 yards last season. The Buckeyes’ offensive firepower creates a compelling case for bettors who anticipate a repeat of their 2025 breakthrough.
Key Returning Stars Shape the Outlook
Notre Dame, meanwhile, brings preseason Heisman favorite CJ Carr into the fold after a rocky 0‑2 start that gave way to a ten‑game winning streak. The Fighting Irish’s resurgence, bolstered by a strong defensive scheme and a revamped recruiting class, keeps them perched among the top odds despite the departure of several key seniors.
Texas longhorns will rely on quarterback Arch Manning, who struggled in 2025 but is expected to command the offense once again. Around him, the team will lean on playmakers such as Raleek Brown, Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman, while also navigating the loss of defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. and the transition at quarterback after Carson Beck’s departure.
Miami Hurricanes, the previous CFP runner‑up, are also in the conversation after swapping Carson Beck for Duke transfer Darian Mensah. The Hurricanes face the challenge of replacing Bain’s pass‑rush presence, but early indicators suggest they could remain a factor in the title race.
The current top six in the odds board mirrors preseason polls, with Oregon at No. 2 and Georgia at No. 3, yet history reminds us that preseason favorites often underperform. Last year, Texas entered as the preseason No. 1 but missed the College Football Playoff, while the eventual champion began the season unranked and at 100‑to‑1 odds. That pattern underscores the volatility of early betting markets.