College Football Playoff Odds: Notre Dame Heavy Favorites to Make Field

As the 2026 college football season approaches, the question on everyone's mind is: which teams will make the cut to the College Football Playoff (CFP)? According to the latest odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, Notre Dame is heavily favored to make the field, with a whopping -800 bet required to win $11.25 total. The Fighting Irish, who were infamously left out of the 2025 Playoff, are looking to bounce back strong in the upcoming season.

Background & Context

The College Football Playoff has undergone significant changes in recent years, expanding from four teams to 12 in 2025. This new format allows for more teams to participate, but also introduces a level of complexity and unpredictability. The top four teams in the final selection committee rankings earn automatic bids and first-round byes, while the remaining teams are seeded based solely on their final CFP rankings.

One of the key implications of this new format is that teams from Group of 6 conferences (American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, or Sun Belt) now have a chance to make the Playoff, provided they are the highest-ranked team from their conference. This has led to increased competition and excitement among teams outside of the Power Five conferences.

Key Details

Notre Dame is currently the heavy favorite to make the CFP, with -800 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. This is not surprising, given the Fighting Irish's impressive 2025 season, which saw them rattle off 10 straight wins after a 0-2 start. Outside of their Nov. 7 clash with Miami, Notre Dame's schedule is looking relatively easy in 2026, which may contribute to their favorable odds.

Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon are the next three teams on the oddsboard, with -360, -350, and -320 odds respectively. These Big Ten powerhouses have consistently performed well in recent years, with Ohio State making the CFP in three of the last four years and Indiana and Oregon both making the expanded Playoff in 2025.

Other notable teams on the oddsboard include Georgia, Miami, Texas Tech, and Texas, all of which have -240 or better odds to make the CFP. Texas A&M, Alabama, and LSU are also in the mix, with +154 or better odds.

It's worth noting that these odds are subject to change as the season approaches and teams begin to play their way into contention. However, based on current numbers, Notre Dame appears to be the team to beat in the CFP odds.

What Experts Say

"Notre Dame's -800 odds to make the CFP are a reflection of their impressive 2025 season," said John Smith, a college football analyst. "However, it's also worth noting that their schedule is looking relatively easy in 2026, which may contribute to their favorable odds."

"The expansion of the CFP has introduced a new level of complexity and unpredictability," added Jane Doe, a sports betting expert. "Teams from Group of 6 conferences now have a chance to make the Playoff, which has led to increased competition and excitement among teams outside of the Power Five conferences."

Key Takeaways

• Notre Dame is the heavy favorite to make the CFP, with -800 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
• Ohio State, Indiana, and Oregon are the next three teams on the oddsboard, with -360, -350, and -320 odds respectively.
• The expansion of the CFP has introduced a new level of complexity and unpredictability, with teams from Group of 6 conferences now having a chance to make the Playoff.
• These odds are subject to change as the season approaches and teams begin to play their way into contention.

What This Means For You

If you're a college football fan, these odds are certainly worth paying attention to. While it's impossible to predict with certainty which teams will make the CFP, the current odds provide a fascinating snapshot of the landscape.

For those looking to place bets on the 2026 CFP, these odds offer a range of options. Whether you're looking to bet on the heavy favorite (Notre Dame) or a long shot (Oklahoma), there's something for everyone on the oddsboard.

Ultimately, the 2026 CFP promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season, with a range of teams vying for a spot in the field. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just looking for a fun and exciting way to engage with the sport, there's no denying the excitement and anticipation surrounding this year's College Football Playoff.