The 2016 NCAA college football season may still be months away from getting started, but there are a bevy of legitimate title contenders that all appear to have nearly identical chances of winning the 2016 national championship. This expert look at the online college football odds for the top contenders to win the 2017 national championship will give you some early insight into which national championship hopeful programs have the best chances to actually bring home the bacon by cashing in on their value-packed NCAAF Futures Odds.
Now, let’s get stated.
An Inside Report on the Early Look at the 2016 NCAA Football Betting Odds Favorites
100 days until college football season kicks off. Can’t. Wait.https://t.co/bqjKxSVzcA
— NCAA Football (@NCAAFootball) May 19, 2016
Trio of Favorites!
- Alabama 8/1
- Clemson 8/1
- Ohio State 8/1
Alabama
The Crimson Tide suffered key losses on both sides of the ball, but this team reloads as well as any in the nation, mostly because they get a ton of blue chip talent every recruiting season. Expect Nick Saban’s team to feature the rushing attack and some overpowering defense as they break in a new starting quarterback and Derrick Henry’s replacement. Still, I think the Tide are going to suffer at least two losses this coming season.Ohio State
If you didn’t know before, you should know that Ohio State has the fewest returning starters (six) of any Power 5 team. The Buckeyes will need to find replacements for several players that went in the 2016 NFL Draft, starting with running back Ezekiel Elliott first and foremost. The good news is that the Buckeyes still have an experienced quarterback in J.T. Barrett they can lean on.Clemson
The Tigers also lost some important players to the NFL Draft, mostly on defense, but hey, when you have a play-making quarterback like Deshaun Watson that is arguably the best player in the country, the future looks pretty damned bright. Maybe it’s me, but I can definitely see the Tigers getting back to the national championship game this coming season, making tem the best 8-1 pick of the trio of national championship favorites.Next Six
- Michigan 10/1
- LSU 12/1
- Oklahoma 14/1
- Tennessee 14/1
- Florida State 15/1
- Notre Dame 18/1
Michigan
The Wolverines have to find a quarterback to replace Jake Rudock, but the fact of the matter is that had coach Jim Harbaugh has quickly turned his program into a legitimate national title contender. Despite the lack of many ‘big name’ players, I love the value the Wolverines are offering at 10-1.LSU
After nearly parting ways with longtime head coach Les Miles at the end of 2015, LSU is primed for a run at a four-team playoff berth in 2016 – or are they? Sure, Leonard Fournette will almost assuredly have another monster campaign, but I say the Tigers will go only as far as quarterback Brandon Harris and the passing attack takes them. At a value-packed 14-1 I believe LSU could either really contend – or unfurl an eight-win campaign.Oklahoma
With gifted quarterback Baker Mayfield under center, the Sooners should have a legitimate shot to reach the CFP. However, questions on both lines could keep Oklahoma from making consecutive playoff appearances. Still, at a value-packed 14-1, I like the value Sooners are offering.Tennessee
The Volunteers had an impressive nine-win season a year ago and could be even better this coming season with a whopping 18 returning starters, including athletically-gifted quarterback Joshua Dobbs.Florida State
The Seminoles managed to win 10 games in 2015 in what was supposed to be a rebuilding campaign, but they could be hard-pressed to repeat that success even though they have a gifted running backing Dalvin Cook that will be one of the top contenders to win the Heisman this coming season. Florida State needs to find a new starting quarterback and a replacement for elite cornerback Jalen Ramsey.Notre Dame
Brian Kelly’s team lost a handful of players on both sides of the ball from last year’s 10-3 squad. Still, Notre Dame has two proven quarterbacks in Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer and should have a chance to win 10 games.The Best of the Rest
- Baylor 20/1
- Michigan State 28/1
- Stanford 28/1
- Ole Miss 30/1
- Georgia 33/1
- UCLA 33/1Auburn 35/1
- TCU 35/1
- Washington 45/1
- Oregon 50/1
- Florida 55/1
- Oklahoma State 60/1
- USC 60/1
- Houston 80/1
- Louisville 85/1
- Miami, Fl. 85/1
