2024 NCAAF National Championship picks

The 2024-25 college football season is already shaping up to be one for the ages, with a wide array of contenders vying for the coveted National Championship. With the introduction of the 12-team playoff format, this season will bring even more drama and excitement. Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon are leading the pack, but the field is deep, with teams like Texas, Ole Miss and LSU also in the mix.

As we set the stage for the upcoming season, let’s dive into the top National Championship picks and key predictions for the 2024-25 campaign.

2024-25 NCAAF National Championship Odds

• Georgia (+280)
• Ohio State (+400)
• Oregon (+650)
• Texas (+850)
• Alabama (+1400)
• Ole Miss (+1400)
• LSU (+1800)
• Notre Dame (+1800)
• Penn State (+2000)
• Florida State (+3000)

2024 NCAAF National Championship picks

Ohio State National Champion Best Bet (+400)

Tennessee National Champion Longshot (+3500)

Alabama To Make the College Football Playoff - No (-120)

2024 NCAAF National Championship picks: Ohio State (+400)

When making a National Championship best bet, Ohio State and Georgia are in a league of their own. Both programs are loaded with NFL-caliber talent, and fans often draw comparisons between these squads and professional teams. With the new 12-team playoff format, Ohio State can afford a loss in their challenging 18-team Big Ten Conference and still make the playoffs.

The Buckeyes’ offense is bolstered by transfer quarterback Will Howard, who left Kansas State after a fierce QB battle. Howard doesn’t need to be a superstar for Ohio State to win it all. With Chip Kelly as the new offensive coordinator, the Buckeyes have the best running back room in the nation, featuring Treyveon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. The receiver corps, led by Emeka Egbuka, is elite, and the defense, guided by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and anchored by Alabama safety transfer Caleb Downs, is among the best in the country.

Howard’s ability to make plays with his feet, combined with a strong supporting cast, means Ohio State is well-positioned for success. With Michigan dealing with the absence of Jim Harbaugh, questions at quarterback and off-field distractions, Ryan Day’s Buckeyes should finally overcome their rivals and capture the National Championship in what feels like a championship-or-bust season.

2024 NCAAF National Championship picks: Tennessee (+3500)

While Tennessee isn’t a complete longshot with the 12th-best odds, they still represent significant value at +3500. The Volunteers boast two future No. 1 overall NFL Draft picks in defensive end James Pearce Jr. and redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Lamaleava. Lamaleava made his college debut in last year's bowl game for Tennessee, accounting for four touchdowns against an elite Iowa defense in a 35-0 rout.

With playmakers like Squirrel White and Bru McCoy catching passes and Cooper Mays anchoring the offensive line, Tennessee’s offense has the potential to light up the scoreboard. The Volunteers will face a tough SEC schedule, but if they can navigate it, their talent could shine in the playoff, making them a legitimate dark horse for the National Championship.

2024 NCAAF National Championship picks: Alabama To Make the College Football Playoff - No (-120)

This prediction isn’t directly related to the National Championship winner, but it’s worth considering. While Jalen Milroe’s development last season was impressive, and Nick Saban guided Alabama to the playoffs, the absence of Saban will be felt in the first couple of years under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Alabama’s offensive line is stacked, and they have talent across multiple position groups. However, the question remains: How will Milroe and the unproven skill players respond when playing from behind? Alabama’s schedule is brutal, with road games at Wisconsin, Tennessee, LSU and Oklahoma, along with home matchups against Georgia and Missouri. Alabama could end the season with 8-9 wins, which would likely keep them out of the playoffs. As a result, betting on Alabama to miss the College Football Playoff at -120 offers solid value.