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Ohio State and Notre Dame lead competitive national championship odds

Jan 20, 2026, 1:00 AM20
(Update: Jan 21, 2026, 1:00 AM)
public research university in Columbus, Ohio, United States
Catholic university located in South Bend, Indiana, United States
state of the United States of America

Ohio State and Notre Dame lead competitive national championship odds

  • Ohio State and Notre Dame have been named co-favorites for the national title next season following Indiana's recent national title win.
  • Both Ohio State and Notre Dame have talented players returning, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.
  • With the competitive landscape shifting, fans eagerly await to see which team will rise to the top in 2026.
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Story

In recent college football news, Ohio State and Notre Dame are positioned as co-favorites for the upcoming national championship. This follows Indiana's recent triumph in winning the national title, something that was unexpected as they started the season with 100-to-1 odds. Ohio State, entering the season with strong expectations, has a returning Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback and a talented wide receiver, creating a strong offensive threat despite anticipated losses on defense. Notre Dame, which experienced disappointment after being excluded from this season's College Football Playoff (CFP), is also expecting a solid performance next season under head coach Marcus Freeman. Freeman acknowledged the need to put the past behind and focus on the future, serving to motivate his team to improve for next season. Although Notre Dame faced challenges last season, including a key snub from the CFP, the program has consistently been a contender. The Irish have impressive talent, with quarterbacks and running backs who may be pivotal in their pursuit of a championship next year. Several other programs are in the mix for the national title, including Texas and Oregon, who have shown competitive performances in recent seasons. Texas reached the CFP semifinals last year, while Oregon made playoff appearances in the previous two seasons. Each of these schools boasts key players who can significantly shape their teams' fortunes. The competitive landscape for the upcoming season is packed with teams like Indiana, whose recent achievements may inspire others. With several major programs losing talent to the NFL draft and a transfer portal constantly reshaping rosters, the notion of who might take the national crown is excitingly uncertain. The betting odds suggest that the top five teams, including Indiana and the two frontrunners, all have a legitimate chance at success, making for an intriguing college football season ahead.

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