After winning their second national championship in three years, the now, perennially-powerful Clemson Tigers have been installed as prohibitive favorites to win the 2020 national championship – and for good reason! 2018 national champ, and this year’s runner-ups, the Alabama Crimson Tide will also be right back in the mix to win it all next season, but the No. 3 favorite might surprise everyone.
Here’s a look at the top, half-dozen odds favorites to win the 2020 National Championship.
Early 2020 National Championship Odds – Analyzing the Favorites
“We back on top, ya dig?”
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION VLOG!#ALLIN pic.twitter.com/pBRbhdfSND — Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) 8 de enero de 2019
Clemson Tigers
- 2020 National Championship Odds: (9-5)
The Tigers have an unadulterated superstar on their hands in true quarterback Trevor Lawrence. All the gifted signal-caller did as a true freshman in Monday’s championship game against Alabama was throw for 347 yards and three touchdowns. With Lawrence back for at least two more seasons, along with now, star fellow freshman wide receiver Justyn Ross and gifted running back Travis Etienne you had best believe the Tigers are going to contend – of not repeat!
Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2020 National Championship Odds: (5-2)
Despite coming up short in their quest to repeat as national champs, Alabama will most definitely be right back in the mix for a national championship come next season. The Tide will still be led by star quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting as a sophomore this season. Plus, Alabama returns nearly all of its skill position players, not to mention the Tide get a boatload of elite 5-star high schoolers every year.
Ohio State Buckeyes
- 2020 National Championship Odds: (12-1)
With Urban Meyer riding off into the sunset and super gifted starting quarterback Dwayne Haskins taking his talents to the NFL, I’m completely stunned that Ohio State is this high up on the board of favorites. I know the Buckeyes get a lot of talent every year, but I’m thinking some of the recruits that would potentially think about going to Ohio State will now consider going elsewhere because of Meyer’s departure. By all accounts, new head coach Ryan Day is more than capable of replacing Meyer, but I’m certainly not expecting next season to be a great one for the Buckeyes and neither should you.
Georgia Bulldogs
- 2020 National Championship Odds: (12-1)
Despite losing to Texas in the Peach Bowl, I genuinely expect Georgia to be back among the nation’s top title contenders for three very good reasons. First, they have an outstanding head coach in Kirby Smart that has turned the program into ‘Alabama Lite’.
Next, the Bulldogs have a talented signal-caller in Jake Fromm and last but not least, Smart can coach defense and he’ll have more experience on that side of the ball next season.
Michigan Wolverines
- 2020 National Championship Odds: (14-1)
The Wolverines return a bulk of their personnel in 2019, including starting quarterback Shea Patterson, but I’m thinking Jim Harbaugh should bolt for the richer pastures of the NFL – and specifically – into the arms of Miami Dolphins billionaire owner and admirer Stephen Ross.
Oklahoma Sooners
- 2020 National Championship Odds: (15-1)
After losing consecutive Heisman Trophy winners in Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, it’s going to be quite interesting to see if Lincoln Riley’s offensive genius will help keep the Sooners in national championship title contention.
My best guess though is that elite quarterbacks don’t just grow on trees and that Oklahoma will struggle next season until they identify – and nurture their next starting signal-caller.
Last 10 National Champions
- 2018: Clemson Tigers
- 2017: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2016: Clemson Tigers
- 2015: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2014: Ohio State Buckeyes
- 2013: Florida State Seminoles
- 2012: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2011: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2010: Auburn Tigers
- 2009: Alabama Crimson Tide
