College Football Futures: Analyzing the Top CFP Contenders and Betting Value for 2024

As the 2024 college football season progresses, some of the top programs are asserting themselves as serious contenders for the national championship. With sportsbooks releasing updated College Football futures odds, bettors have plenty of opportunities to evaluate potential value. From championship frontrunners to potential under-the-radar picks, the betting landscape is rich with options. Here’s a breakdown of the leading contenders and where the CFB best bets might lie.

Ohio State Buckeyes (+400, 19.5%)

The Ohio State Buckeyes are once again a key player in the national title race, boasting an undefeated 4-0 start to the season. With +400 odds, Ohio State is tied for the top spot in the futures market, with a 19.5% chance of winning the championship according to our CFB predictions. Known for their well-rounded gameplay, the Buckeyes have dominated early and face key matchups later in the season that will determine their fate. For those looking for a consistent contender, Ohio State presents one of the most reliable futures bets.

Alabama Crimson Tide (+380, 19.4%)

Alabama is right alongside Ohio State in terms of championship odds, coming in at +380 with a 19.4% chance of winning. Alabama is also undefeated at 4-0, and its defense has been crucial in maintaining their status as a top program. The team’s biggest tests will come in conference play against some of the toughest competition in the country. However, their championship pedigree and ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations make them a top-tier futures option.

Texas Longhorns (+500, 15.9%)

The Texas Longhorns have captured attention this season with a 5-0 record and +500 odds, with Dimers giving them a 15.9% chance of winning it all. The team has been impressive on both sides of the ball and has displayed strong performances against quality opponents. Texas has the potential to build on this momentum, but they still face a difficult schedule in conference play. Bettors willing to wager on Texas now may find value before their odds potentially shorten, especially if they continue their current winning ways.

Georgia Bulldogs (+650, 13.8%)

Despite an early-season loss, the Georgia Bulldogs remain a strong contender at 3-1 with +650 odds, and a 13.8% chance of winning the championship. Georgia’s defense continues to be a cornerstone of their success, and the team’s ability to bounce back after a loss keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot. As the season progresses, Georgia’s remaining games will provide opportunities for them to reassert their dominance. Bettors looking for a proven program with a bit more value than the favorites may find Georgia an appealing option.

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Oregon Ducks (+1000, 8.7%)

The Oregon Ducks, sitting at 4-0, offer intriguing value with +1000 odds, equating to an 8.7% chance of winning the national championship. Oregon has quietly built a strong resume this season, and while they haven’t garnered as much attention as some of the other top programs, their performances suggest they could be a legitimate playoff contender. Oregon will need to prove themselves against tougher conference opponents as the season goes on, but for those seeking a team with longer odds and plenty of upside, Oregon could be an attractive choice.

Tennessee Volunteers (+1100, 7.6%)

The Tennessee Volunteers, with a 4-0 record, have emerged as another viable contender, holding +1100 odds and a 7.6% chance to win it all. Tennessee has shown they can compete with top-tier teams and could make a run for the title if they navigate their challenging schedule successfully. Their odds reflect both their potential and the difficulty of the remaining season. For those interested in a pick outside of the favorites, Tennessee offers a combination of decent odds and solid early-season form.

Other Notable Teams to Watch

• Penn State Nittany Lions (+2000, 4.9%): Undefeated at 4-0, Penn State’s odds suggest they’re more of a long shot, but they have the tools to surprise as the season wears on. At +2000, they represent value for bettors seeking a more aggressive play.
• Miami Hurricanes (+1800, 4.0%): Also unbeaten at 5-0, Miami offers a strong mid-tier futures option. With +1800 odds and a 4.0% chance of winning, their potential path through the season could provide value to those willing to back them.
• Ole Miss Rebels (+2000, 3.5%): With a 4-1 record, Ole Miss comes in at +2000 odds. Their solid start and ability to compete in a tough conference make them an intriguing bet for those seeking a longer shot.
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+5000, 2.6%): Notre Dame, despite an early loss, still has a path to make noise down the stretch. With +5000 odds, they offer one of the highest potential returns, albeit with significant risk.

College Football Playoff: Betting Takeaways

The college football futures market is dominated by teams with a proven track record of success, such as Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia. These teams offer the lowest odds, meaning they are viewed as the safest bets to make a deep playoff run. Texas, Tennessee, and Oregon offer solid value, with the potential to increase their championship odds as the season progresses.

For bettors looking for a higher risk-reward proposition, teams like Penn State, Miami, and Ole Miss offer longer odds but have the capability to disrupt the current order. As the 2024 season continues to unfold, it’s clear that multiple programs remain in the hunt for a national championship, giving bettors a wide range of futures options based on risk tolerance and confidence in these contenders.