Betting On The National Championship Contenders Outside The Top 5

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: The Miami Hurricanes celebrate after the game against the Ole Miss Rebels during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. The Hurricanes defeated the Rebels 31-27. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

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There are days until the college season kicks off. As in other sports, every fan base enters certain levels of delusion this time of year. No offense.

“We’re going undefeated and making noise in the playoffs “ says the school that hasn’t won more than three games a season since Reagan was president. You have to love the passion though, and I do. Indiana’s incredible run from irrelevance to the national title (stunning, actually) only emboldens the downtrodden.

here are eight days until the college season kicks off. As in other sports , every fan base enters certain levels of delusion. “We’re going undefeated and making noise in the playoffs “ says the school that hasn’t won more than three games a season since Reagan was president. You have to love the passion though, and I do. Indiana’s incredible run from irrelevance to the national title (stunning actually) only emboldens the downtrodden.

Preseason rankings don’t mean much. They’re an inaccurate baseline from which to promote television, hype and yes, odds. Say what you will but I’d be more apt to place a futures bet on Auburn making the college football playoff if they were somewhere in the conversation (i.e, preseason top 25). Polls were released recently and the top ten is mostly predictable but interesting.

Here’s a look at ten down to six.

Odds to win the national Championship by Caesar’s Sportsbook.

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Brent Venables reacts with John Mateer #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners after their 23-21 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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#10 Oklahoma Sooners +2400 Road to the CFP: at Michigan, at Georgia, Texas

With three ridiculously tough games the first six weeks of the season, Oklahoma is up against it. They may be playing elimination games in October. There’s a lot of faith in John Mateer to deliver the goods for the Sooners. Interesting because faith in Coach Brent Venables has never been that strong. Defense must carry the load and let Mateer direct his offense to score enough points to compete with the heavyweights. Big games at home late in the season against Ole Miss and Texas A&M may not matter if the Sooners have three losses. I don’t see it. Even talented teams lose, Oklahoma may lose a lot early.

Prediction : Too much schedule early. Oklahoma misses the CFP.

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 26: Jarell Stinson #22 of the Mississippi Rebels reacts during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

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#9 Ole Miss Rebels +3000 Road to CFP: LSU, at Texas, Georgia

On paper, this team shows as much talent as anyone in the country. Trinidad Chambliss could be a serious Heisman candidate . Let’s face it though it was a tumultuous off season in Oxford. The drama started before last season ended when Lane Kiffin bolted for Baton Rouge. Transfer portal issues (see Clemson and LSU), lawsuits over NIL things (see LSU again) and the uproar from the fanbase have to be distracting. Pete Golding also has big shoes to fill. Kiffin was and is a presence in Oxford. The preoccupation with him could sabotage the season especially if they lose to LSU on September 19th.

Prediction : CFP bound if and only if they win two of the three games listed.

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - DECEMBER 20: Marcel Reed #10 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws a pass in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Kyle Field on December 20, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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#8 Texas A&M Aggies +2200 Road to CFP: at LSU, at Alabama, Texas

For as long as I’ve been a fan of college football, the Aggies have been what I’d call the consummate B+ student. Either never fully realizing expectations or being just good enough to not be good enough. Head coach Mike Elko is a good one and he has a dynamic playmaker at quarterback in Marcel Reed. The Aggies are coming off an 11-2 record and have sky-high expectations. The schedule is favorable early, LSU awaits on September 26th. Win or lose, the proving ground starts in late October. Throw in games against Tennessee and at Oklahoma late, and we’ll find out then if it’s true contender status or perennial pretender. I’m going with history here, Texas A&M somehow falls short.

Prediction : early exit from the CFP

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 4: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Miami Hurricanes reacts to the fans after beating the Florida State Seminoles 28-22 at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)

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#7 Miami Hurricanes +1000 Road to CFP: at Notre Dame

I’ve been hot on Miami from the beginning for several reasons. This team is talented on both sides of the ball. Mario Christobal is a very, very good head coach. Darian Mensah will state his case for the Heisman . The schedule is easy. Ridiculously easy to be honest. The test comes November 7th in South Bend. As long as they don’t do Miami things (inexplicably lose to say, Duke for example) the Hurricanes should coast into the playoffs with a high seed and plenty of confidence. The preseason ranking undervalues Miami, the sportsbooks don’t. I’m riding with this team into January.

Prediction : National title game

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers hoists the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy after defeati...

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