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.
Updated Championship Odds
Texas Longhorns (+340)
The Texas Longhorns have emerged as the odds-on favorite to clinch the national championship after their impressive 38-24 victory against the Clemson Tigers in the first round. As the SEC runner-up, Texas boasts a formidable roster that made it to the College Football Playoff last season. Their upcoming quarterfinal matchup against Arizona State will be a critical test, and fans are eager to see if they can maintain their momentum.
Ohio State Buckeyes (+380)
The Ohio State Buckeyes are hungry for a national championship, and they are riding high after a dominant 42-17 win over the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round. As the lowest seed remaining, they will face the Oregon Ducks in a rematch of their regular-season encounter. Can Ohio State pull off another victory and continue their championship run?
Oregon Ducks (+400)
Sitting at +400 to win the national championship, the Oregon Ducks are the only undefeated team in the College Football Playoff. They enjoyed a bye this week and are now preparing for a crucial rematch against the Ohio State Buckeyes. With quarterback Dillon Gabriel leading the charge, Oregon’s offensive firepower makes them a formidable contender. Will they live up to their high expectations?
Penn State Nittany Lions (+475)
The Penn State Nittany Lions are riding a wave of confidence after their 38-10 victory over the SMU Mustangs in the first round. 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 head coach James Franklin performs in high-pressure situations. Can Penn State capitalize on their momentum and secure a spot in the semifinals?
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+550)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish made a statement with their 27-17 win over the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round. Now, they are gearing up for a challenging quarterfinal matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. With both teams sharing the same odds, this game promises to be a thrilling contest. However, the inconsistency of quarterback Riley Leonard could pose challenges for the Fighting Irish. Will their strong running game be enough to carry them through?
Georgia Bulldogs (+550)
The Georgia Bulldogs find themselves in an unusual position, sitting close to the bottom of the odds after a season filled with high expectations. A significant factor in their odds is the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Carson Beck, who is dealing with an elbow injury and is expected to miss the quarterfinal game against Notre Dame. Despite this setback, Georgia remains the second-ranked program in the College Football Playoff. Can their renowned defense and SEC championship pedigree help them overcome this hurdle?
Boise State Broncos (+7000)
The Boise State Broncos are tied for the longest odds to win the national championship this season, facing a daunting challenge ahead. Their quarterfinal matchup against the Penn State Nittany Lions will be a true test of their mettle. If they manage to pull off an upset, they will then face the winner of the Notre Dame versus Georgia game. Relying heavily on the production of running back Ashton Jeanty, Boise State will need to elevate their game against elite Power conference teams. Can they defy the odds?
Arizona State Sun Devils (+7000)
Also tied for the longest odds, the Arizona State Sun Devils will take on the Texas Longhorns in the quarterfinals. As the Big 12 Champions, they have a quality team, but they are not expected to dominate in this matchup. Ranked as the lowest team in the College Football Playoff bracket, Arizona State faces a challenging road ahead. If they can pull off a surprise victory, they will then have to contend with the winner of the Ohio State versus Oregon game. Will they rise to the occasion?
As the quarterfinals approach, the excitement in college football is palpable. Each team has a unique path to the national championship, and the stakes have never been higher. Who will emerge victorious and continue their journey toward glory? Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this thrilling playoff saga.
