CFP National Championship 2025-26 Odds: Hook ‘em Horns?

Ohio State Buckeyes – Dynasty in Progress?

• • Head Coach: Ryan Day
  • 2024-25 Record: 14-2 (National Champions)
  • National Titles: 9
  • Key Players: Julian Sayin (QB), Jeremiah Smith (WR), Carnell Tate (WR), Caleb Downs (S), Sonny Styles (LB)

After sitting on the hot seat for a couple of years, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day finally finished the job and led the Buckeyes to a national title. Entering the eight-team College Football Playoff as a No. 8 seed, Ohio State defeated Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame in the championship.

QB Will Howard was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That leaves a new quarterback to fill the void in Columbus. Fortunately, the Buckeyes appear to have a good one in QB Julian Sayin. It should be plug-and-play with him at the controls.

The former 5-star Alabama commit has sky-high expectations heading into his first year as the Buckeyes’ QB1. Fortunately, for Sayin, he has a wealth of talent to work with.

Star WR Jeremiah Smith is back after a standout freshman campaign.

Jeremiah Smith is the most physically gifted WR I’ve ever watched.

Garnering Julio Jones comparisons at 18 years old is no small feat… future top 5 pick 🔜 pic.twitter.com/TfqtA2gRgZ

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) May 28, 2025

Smith caught 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. He’s on pace to be one of the best wide receivers in college football this season. Paired with Carnell Tate, it’s going to be hard for Sayin to have a bad season.

On the downside, RB TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Jenkins are off to the NFL, so there is a need in the backfield.Nevertheless, James Peoples and CJ Donaldson are likely to develop into a formidable tandem. The offensive line should be stout in the interior with Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, and Tegra Tshabola. Overall, Ohio State was 14th in the NCAA, with 35.7 points per game. Expect a similar figure in 2025-26.

Likewise, Ohio State’s defense is expected to be talented at all levels on the field. Safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles are worth keeping a close look at this season. The Buckeyes’ defense was stout en route to their national title. They led the nation by conceding 254.6 yards per game and 12.8 points per game.

If Sayin doesn’t have any major hiccups, the Buckeyes are going to be flying again this season. With elite targets at his disposal, the QB is in the perfect situation and is essentially getting the keys to a Ferrari. He should put up numbers while Ohio State competes for another national title.

Texas Longhorns – Has Arch’s Time Arrived?

• • Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian
  • 2024-25 Record: 13-3 (Loss CFP to Ohio State)
  • National Titles: 9
  • Key Players: Arch Manning (QB), CJ Baxter (RB), Ryan Wingo (WR), Anthony Hill Jr. (LB), Colin Simmons (LB)

The Arch Manning era finally begins in Austin, as the Texas Longhorns embark on a new season with unbelievably high expectations. There hasn’t been this much pressure on the Texas football program since Colt McCoy was in college.

There is always pressure on Texas, but I can’t remember a year where there was so much buzz in the air. It’s largely due to Manning getting his first opportunity in the Texas’ offense. Quinn Ewers is in the NFL now, so the QB1 job is all Manning’s in 2025-26.

When Manning had the chance in relief duties last year, he looked fantastic in the pocket. Manning passed for nine touchdowns and two interceptions on 67.8% passing. It was a good chance for him to get his feet wet, and his numbers will explode in his first year as a starter. And, oh yeah, unlike Peyton and Eli, Arch can run.

ARCH MANNING TAKES IT 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE WITH HIS LEGS 😱

It's the longest rush by a Texas QB since Vince Young in 2005. pic.twitter.com/AjU9uSli2c

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2024

The 6’4”, 225-pound quarterback should instantly find chemistry with WR Ryan Wingo. Wingo saw limited action last year as a freshman but looked outstanding when he was on the field. He and DeAndre Moore Jr. will cause havoc in the secondary against defenses this season.

Defensively, Texas is well-equipped with a strong linebacker core. All-American Anthony Hill Jr. is back alongside Liona Lefau and Trey Moore. Edge rusher Colin Simmons gives Texas a strong presence in the sacks department, and he’s capable of running down runners and dropping back in coverage. This has a solid chance to be the best defense up front in the nation.

Texas’ NIL budget is the largest in the country, with a roughly $35 to $40 million available! There is no shortage of donor money to go around in Austin, and it will ultimately help propel the Longhorns into a powerhouse this season. Expect them to build on a solid year and into the upper echelon of college football in 2025-26.

Penn State Nittany Lions – Allar to Take the Next Step?

• • Head Coach: James Franklin
  • 2024-25 Record: 13-3 (Loss CFP to Notre Dame)
  • National Titles: 2
  • Key Players: Drew Allar (QB), Kaytron Allen (RB), Devonte Ross (WR), Dani Dennis-Sutton (DE), Zuriah Fisher (DE)

The Penn State Nittany Lions return a solid squad from the team that went down to the wire against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. Notre Dame ultimately advanced to the CFP National Championship after edging out Penn State by a score of 27-24.

It could have gone in either direction, but I’m optimistic that Penn State will return to the later stages of the CFP in 2025-26. As the meat and potatoes of their offense come back, expect the chemistry to be there from Week 1. QB Drew Allar goes into his final collegiate season with high hopes.

Allar is on the heels of a strong campaign, posting 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions on 66.5% completions. The Medina, OH, native is the most experienced quarterback among the top contending programs with two full seasons in a starting role.

He’ll have a bevy of talent available, including RB Kaytron Allen. The 22-year-old running back is prepared for a monster season after gaining 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns on five yards per carry.

Knock. Knock. 🚪💥#WeAre x @Kaytron_Allen pic.twitter.com/S8pNzqN190

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) June 20, 2025

Ultra-talented RB Nicholas Singleton joins Allen to make for one of the most explosive backfields in college football. And, when you factor in elite WR Devonte Ross, this is a talented and experienced unit in Happy Valley.

On defense, the rush and pass rush are going to be relentless with Dani Dennis-Sutton back on the field. Abdul Carter went off the board as No. 3 to the New York Giants, though Dennis-Sutton and Zuriah Fisher on the edge still make this a fearsome defense in the box.

The battle for the Big Ten between Ohio State and Penn State is one of the most intriguing storylines in college football. Given the immense talent, they may very well meet for the national title as well.