There's been some movement on the college football national championship odds leaderboard, but nothing has changed at the top.
The latest: While the Clemson Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish have both taken massive hits, the preseason favourite Ohio State Buckeyes haven't gone anywhere. Following closely behind the Buckeyes are the Penn State Nittany Lions, the Georgia Bulldogs (fresh off a massive win) and the Oregon Ducks.
Entering Week 4, here are the latest college football national championship odds for the 2025-26 NCAA Division I season.
BET FINDER: Search & Bet!
College football national championship odds
Best CFP title odds
The favourites: Ohio State Buckeyes (+500)
Despite losing to the rival Michigan Wolverines and failing to reach their conference championship game, the Buckeyes ripped through four CFP opponents to claim the first national title of the 12-team era.
As you might expect, Ohio State (3-0) lost a bunch of key contributors from the championship squad. A whopping 14 players were plucked at the NFL draft, including quarterback Will Howard, both 1,000-yard running backs and the team's top three sack leaders.
Oh, and both primary coordinators, Chip Kelly (offence) and Jim Knowles (defence) left for other jobs in the offseason.
Still, the Buckeyes boast arguably the best receiver (Jeremiah Smith) and safety (Caleb Downs) in the country. That's a good place to start.
Their 14-7 win over then-No. 1 Texas was a showcase for the Buckeyes' Matt Patricia-led defence more than anything else. Ohio State nabbed the game's lone turnover and stopped Texas four times on fourth down.
On paper, the Buckeyes' next big test isn't until Oct. 11 (at No. 9 Illinois). And everyone should have their calendars circled for when No. 2 Penn State comes to town on Nov. 1.
Betting notes
- Whether or not you think quarterback Drew Allar is an NFL prospect, his veteran presence raises the floor for Penn State (+600). And with Knowles coaching what is typically a very stout defence, the Nittany Lions should be strong both ways. There are two massive conference games on Penn State's schedule, starting with a home date vs. No. 6 Oregon on Sept. 27.
- Texas (+700) held 6-to-1 odds before its underwhelming season opener, and I'm nowhere near ready to write this team off. But I sure would like to see something better than what quarterback Arch Manning put forth against unranked UTEP last week (11 for 25, 114 yards, one TD, one INT).
The Longhorns have a manageable schedule by SEC standards, but there are still plenty of tough matchups to come. A better showing from Manning and No. 8 Texas next week vs. Sam Houston would calm some nerves ahead of conference play.
- With a little luck, No. 5 Georgia (+600) took down No. 15 Tennessee on the road in Week 3, 44-41. The Bulldogs allowed more than 500 yards of offence, which is atypical and concerning, but their offence followed suit. Kirby Smart is a two-time champion head coach whose program is accustomed to being in the hunt.
- LSU (+1,200) slid from 8-to-1 odds after a 20-10 win over Florida in Week 3, which is a bit strange. But in fairness, the Tigers' offence really hasn't looked like a championship-calibre outfit. The defence, meanwhile, has been ferocious. LSU picked off D.J. Lagway five times and has only allowed 27 points through three games.
