2027 CFB national title odds: Ohio State, Indiana on top

The chaos of college football makes it more difficult to predict champions a year away. Still, dominant programs with the most resources and best coaches are typically playing in January. Curt Cignetti's mantra of production over potential led Indiana to the first national title in program history despite not rostering a single five-star prospect.

Indiana was +10000 to win the title in the preseason, making it the second-largest preseason underdog to win a championship across the six major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA football, and NCAA men's basketball), per Action Network's Evan Abrams. The 1999 Rams had the longest odds at +15000.

Indiana's vast NIL resources contributed significantly to its transformation from the sport's losingest program to a national champion in two seasons. The days of blue-blood programs running the sport are over.

Nobody should be shocked if other power conference programs without much football pedigree rise into contention out of nowhere. Of course, that's predicated on finding the right guy to lead the program. Indiana nailed that part. So, who are the favorites to win the next title?

🏈 Full 2027 national title odds can be found on theScore Bet here

2027 national title odds

🏈 Full 2027 national title odds can be found on theScore Bet here

Ohio State slightly edges out Indiana as the title favorites. The Buckeyes' endless NIL resources signify they'll consistently be one of the most talented teams in the country. Quarterback Julian Sayin is returning to Columbus along with key pieces of the nation's top-ranked defense.

Cignetti has proven to be the best talent evaluator in the sport, and he reloaded for next season in the midst of a championship run. While Fernando Mendoza will enter the NFL draft, experienced TCU quarterback Josh Hoover will become the Hoosiers' signal-caller.

After Indiana embarrassed Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Ducks quarterback Dante Moore announced his return to Eugene. Nebraska transfer quarterback Dylan Raiola committed to Oregon, creating a quarterback factory and a peculiar situation for the Ducks. Regardless of how the quarterback situation plays out, Dan Lanning is one of the best coaches in the country and will have Oregon back in the championship picture.

Arch Manning is returning to Texas along with top-notch defensive talent. While Manning didn't live up to the absurdly high expectations placed upon him last season, he improved as the year went on and should take another leap to put the Longhorns back in the playoff picture. Texas also acquired critical skill position players in the portal to pair with Manning.

Notre Dame, Georgia, and Alabama all have national championship aspirations and are consistently in the playoff mix late in the year. Expectations for Lane Kiffin's first season at LSU are championship or bust, especially after landing prized portal quarterback Sam Leavitt.

The Fighting Irish have garnered over 20% of total bets and nearly 37% of the handle on theScore Bet to win next year's title, by far the most, after returning most of their defense and quarterback CJ Carr. Texas has received the second-most bets, followed by Ohio State and Indiana.

We should note that neither Indiana nor Miami was anywhere near the top of the championship oddsboard this time last year. In this era of college football, the only thing to expect is the unexpected.

US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call (800)-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca.