College Football Playoff Matchups and Odds

At the onset of the College Football Betting week, anger was unleashed. On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the College Football Playoff teams and matchups were announced. Notre Dame was the first program left out, as it was bypassed by Miami-FL and the two Group of Six teams (Tulane and James Madison). As a result of being bypassed, the Fighting Irish took their ball and went home. Notre Dame announced that it will not participate in a bowl game this year. Meanwhile, other quality teams, such as Texas and Vanderbilt, were also left behind for the College Football Playoff.

Odds to win 2025-26 National Championship

2025-26 College Football Playoff Overview

The great lesson of the 2025 College Football Playoff is that no matter how many teams will comprise it, the first few teams not included will rage about it. Additionally, the Group of Six sports betting question must be asked. Since Tulane and James Madison can’t realistically compete for a national championship, perhaps the G6 should have its own playoff and championship.

Initially, the first round of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff shall begin on Friday, December 19, with further College Football Betting action taking place on Saturday, December 20. On Friday, December 19, the Oklahoma Sooners will host the Alabama Crimson Tide. And then on Saturday, December 20, the Texas A&M Aggies host the Miami-FL Hurricanes, the Ole Miss Rebels host the Tulane Green Wave, and the Oregon Ducks host the James Madison Dukes. Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech earned first-round byes.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Despite losing the Big Ten Championship game to the Indiana Hoosiers, the Ohio State Buckeyes remain the top seed and betting favorite to win the national championship. Although it has immense popularity among casual bettors, the Buckeyes maintained their betting value this season. Ohio State finished 12-1 straight up and 10-2-1 against the spread. The strength of Ohio State is its defense, ranked 1st overall and for fewest points allowed.

However, in its 13-10 loss to Indiana for the Big Ten title, the Ohio State offense was exposed as far less than elite. The Buckeyes rank 50th for total offense, 41st for passing, and 73rd for rushing. Too much of the burden for Ohio State this season has been on its defense, and Indiana proved that may not be enough.

Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana Hoosiers are the Big Ten champions for the first time since 1967. The Hoosiers are for real, ending all doubts, after beating Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. Indiana enters the CFP with some of the most impressive metrics in the land. Overall, Indiana is 13-0 straight up and 8-5 against the spread. Indiana ranks 6th in the nation for scoring offense and 2nd for fewest points allowed. Google it, head coach Curt Cignetti is a big-time winner.

Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs are likely the most physical team in the CFP. Georgia is coming off a 28-7 decimation of the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game. Georgia is not an offensive juggernaut, ranking 69th overall and 49th in scoring—the Bulldogs rank 89th in passing offense. However, UGA ranks 9th for total defense and 9th for fewest points allowed.

Head coach Kirby Smart is certainly an asset with two national championships in his pocket. Smart has built one of the most fundamentally sound and toughest programs in college football.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Head coach Joey McGuire and his Red Raiders epitomize the modern era of college football. To show, Texas Tech won its first Big 12 championship in a 34-7 blowout of the BYU Cougars. Why did the Red Raiders win their first league title in 30 years? Texas Tech is bought and paid for with one of the largest NIL budgets in the sport.

Accordingly, Texas Tech made gamblers quite happy this season with a record of 12-1 straight up and 11-2 against the spread. The Red Raiders are a complete team, ranking 5th for scoring offense and 3rd for fewest points allowed.

Indeed, money can buy happiness.