College football national championship odds (UPDATED): Boise State play underdogs while Georgia, Texas look scary
After the first round of the College Football Playoff has concluded, the odds for the 2024-25 college football national championship have shifted, and we have a new favorite. With the quarterfinals officially set, let's take a closer look at the updated odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and discuss the path for each of the eight teams to win the national championship.
College Football National Championship Odds
Texas Longhorns (+340)
The Texas Longhorns are considered the odds-on favorite to win the national championship after their 38-24 victory in the first round over the Clemson Tigers. The SEC-runner-up has a stout roster that made the College Football Playoff last season and should be in a prime position to roll. They face Arizona State in the quarterfinals, so that will be an interesting test.
Ohio State Buckeyes (+380)
The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking for a national championship run, and they are coming off a dominant 42-17 win in the first round of the College Football Playoff over the Tennessee Volunteers. They are the lowest seed remaining and will have a rematch of a regular season matchup against the Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals.
Oregon Ducks (+400)
The team with the best overall ranking, as well as the only undefeated program in the CFP, is +400 to win the national championship. They had a bye this week but are preparing for a rematch against the Ohio State Buckeyes from during the regular season. With the offensive firepower that quarterback Dillon Gabriel brings, it makes sense as to why they are such high favorites.
Penn State Nittany Lions (+475)
The Penn State Nittany Lions are next and are riding high after their 38-10 win over the SMU Mustangs in the first round of the CFP. They are set to take on the Boise State Broncos in the quarterfinals, and while they should have the advantage, it will be interesting to see how coach James Franklin does in "big" games.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+550)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish dominated the Indiana Hoosiers 27-17 in the first round of the CFP and are now slated to take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the quarterfinals. The team has the same odds as Georgia, and they are a talented program. However, the inconsistencies of quarterback Riley Leonard could make things a bit difficult. The Fighting Irish can run the football extremely well, but it will depend on the passing game.
Georgia Bulldogs (+550)
The Georgia Bulldogs are close to the bottom of the odds, and we are not used to seeing them here. A big reason could be the uncertainty of quarterback Carson Beck, as he is dealing with an elbow injury and is now expected to miss the quarterfinal game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. However, they are the second-ranked program in the College Football Playoff, so you could get some excellent value if you believe in the defense and the SEC champions.
Boise State Broncos (+7000)
The Boise State Broncos are tied for the longest odds to win the national championship this season, and they have a grueling road to make it to the championship game. Their quarterfinal game will be against the Penn State Nittany Lions, and if they win, they will face the winner of the Notre Dame/Georgia quarterfinal game.
They have been depending on the production of running back Ashton Jeanty, and it will be intriguing to see how this program works against elite Power conference teams.
Arizona State Sun Devils (+7000)
The Arizona State Sun Devils are tied with the Boise State Broncos for the longest odds to win the national championship. They will be facing the Texas Longhorns in the quarterfinals and then will play the winner of the Ohio State/Oregon game in the semifinals. They are going to have a tough battle as they were ranked as the worst team in the CFP bracket.
They have a quality team as the Big 12 Champions, but are not expected to dominate and win three more games this season.