CFB betting: Who will make, miss College Football Playoff?

Before the College Football Playoff expands even further, this season marks the second consecutive year of the 12-team format. Let's dive into our four favorite picks to make the CFP before the campaign officially kicks off Saturday.

Odds to make College Football Playoff

🏈 Check out the full CFP odds on ESPNBET and theScore Bet here

LSU to make the CFP (+110)

Brian Kelly has yet to lead LSU to the CFP in his first three seasons, but this year is his best chance. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returned to the Tigers after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. He must limit the turnovers, but another year under center should lead to better decision-making.

A Heisman-contending quarterback is one reason to be optimistic, but LSU had the most productive offseason in the country, landing the top transfer class. Although the offensive line is unproven, Nussmeier has enough playmakers on the outside to deliver the ball early.

While an easy SEC schedule doesn't exist, the Tigers do avoid Texas and Georgia. However, they play Ole Miss and Alabama on the road. LSU needs to win a couple of games as underdogs to avoid inching into three-loss territory, beginning with an opening matchup against Clemson.

LSU has lost five straight openers, and it's a 4-point underdog against Clemson in Week 1. Bucking their opening week trend will be crucial if the Tigers want to set the tone for a solid season.

Florida to make the CFP (+380)

With Texas, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M on the schedule, it's probably hard to imagine a path for Florida to make the playoff. Oddsmakers have set the Gators' win total at 7.5, and eight wins certainly aren't enough to qualify for the playoffs. Still, this group is too talented to ignore. As a sleeper team in the SEC, +380 is good value on the Gators to make the CFP.

Quarterback DJ Lagway emerged as one of the nation's best arms last season. He went 6-1 as a starter and threw for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns as a true freshman. Florida will go as far as Lagway takes them, especially with four starting offensive linemen returning and a solid receiving core. Health could hold Lagway and the Gators back as their signal-caller has dealt with various injuries leading up to the opener. If he stays healthy throughout the campaign, Lagway will have a Heisman claim, and Florida's offense will be prolific.

Defensively, the Gators return seven starters to a unit that allowed just 19.1 points per game over its final nine contests. Head coach Billy Napier saved his job with how Florida closed the season. If the program contends in the SEC, Napier might stick around Gainesville even longer.

Arizona State to make the CFP (+400)

After winning the Big 12 and earning a playoff bid last year, Arizona State is a respected conference contender. While the Big 12 will likely be a one-bid conference with a few teams capable of winning the conference title, the Sun Devils are best equipped due to their star quarterback.

Sam Leavitt has Heisman potential after throwing for over 2,800 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions last season. He'll pair up again with top weapon Jordyn Tyson, who had 1,101 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Replacing Cam Skattebo's rushing production is Arizona State's hardest challenge, but Leavitt is ready to emerge as a high-volume passer. Defensively, nine starters return to a group that was atop the conference in 2024.

Oregon to miss the CFP (+170)

Dan Lanning has built a tremendous culture and program in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks' only truly challenging test will be a road matchup against Penn State. Though it isn't easy to fade a great coach and an easy schedule, this is a bet against an inexperienced group.

With Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel now gone, second-year quarterback Dante Moore takes over under center despite having just five career starts. The Ducks also lost key receivers and running backs, as well as important defensive personnel.

Oregon has recruited extremely well recently, but it'll rely on its younger, inexperienced players to contribute without many meaningful reps. That could lead to them dropping a game as favorites and bouncing them out of the playoff picture.

Sam Oshtry is a sports writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.

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