Oregon is leading in money bet for the upcoming 2026 Big Ten football season, a wild twist that nobody saw coming. Seriously, after the Ducks took flight for the conference back in 2024, bettors didn’t exactly follow. But things are changing, and fast, as we get ready for kickoff in just a month.
The Green & Gold Rush That Nobody Expected
Joey Feazel, the head of football trading at Caesars Sports, put it perfectly: “One thing that seems different from previous years is that usually there are no Oregon believers. But right now, Oregon is leading in money bet for this season. That’s the big takeaway at the moment. There’s more Oregon love.” This isn’t just a few bucks here and there, folks. It’s a full-on lovefest for the Ducks, pushing them right into the conversation for the Big Ten title. They’re sitting at +260 in Big Ten futures odds, right behind the defending national champs. It’s clear the old narrative about Oregon in the Big Ten market is dead, and this new energy is buzzing.
Ohio State Leads The Pack, But Indiana Proved Everyone Wrong
Even with all that Oregon love, the oddsmakers still see Ohio State as the team to beat. The Buckeyes are the +575 favorites to win the College Football Playoff, and Caesars has them leading the Big Ten futures at +175. They’re also leading in tickets, with Oregon hot on their heels. Feazel didn’t mince words, saying, “Ohio State in the past five years has just been dominant. From that aspect and coaching and talent aspects, they’re clearly the team to beat.” But hold up, let’s not forget Indiana. Coach Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers are the reigning Big Ten and national champions, which is a monster resume to carry into 2025-26. Feazel was a Cignetti doubter, but he’s a convert now, stating, “He has clearly proven everybody wrong.” Indiana is the second choice in Big Ten futures at +240, and Feazel expects them to be the second-best team in the conference. Still, bettors aren’t fully sold on the Hoosiers yet, with Indiana trailing Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, and USC in tickets. Talk about an uphill battle to earn respect!
The Big Ten’s Top-Heavy Showdown Is Set
Beyond those top three, the field drops off. USC and Michigan are co-fourth choices at +1200, but Feazel doesn’t think anyone else is breaking through. “The thing with the Big Ten is it’s just so top-heavy,” he said. “It’s hard to see any other team pushing through. I think you’re gonna see one of those top-five schools win it.” This means the race for the Big Ten title is going to be a brutal slugfest between a few elite programs. And speaking of slugfests, Ohio State has a massive early test in Week 2 on September 12. They’re heading to Austin for a huge prime-time showdown against Texas. Feazel predicts it will be “one of the biggest-bet games of the year.” While that game won’t change Big Ten standings, you better believe it could shake up the Big Ten futures odds depending on how the Buckeyes perform. This season is going to be a wild ride, and every snap will matter.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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