Caesars Sports is actually rooting for powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and LSU to win the national championship this year, which is flat-out wild because that’s usually the exact opposite of what the books want. Just days before the college football season kicks off, Caesars’ head of football trading, Joey Feazel, flat-out said, “That’s not usually what we see, especially with LSU.” This shift tells you everything you need to know about where the smart money and public masses are heading for the College Football Playoff futures odds.
The Big Money Is Rolling On Notre Dame and Texas
Forget what the books want, the public and the sharp bettors are absolutely smashing the odds for Notre Dame and Texas. The Fighting Irish are currently No. 1 in both ticket count and total money wagered to win the national title at Caesars. Texas is right behind them, snagging the No. 2 spot in both measures. Notre Dame is the +600 second choice for the championship, sitting just behind favorite Ohio State (+575), while Texas is the +700 third choice. Feazel made it clear, “The obvious teams that have been bet all year long will continue to get bet, and that’s Notre Dame and Texas.” He even mentioned Notre Dame’s “crazy easy schedule,” predicting they’ll be double-digit favorites in every game except one, a Nov. 7 home game against Miami where they are still favored by 6.5 points. Texas, on the other hand, has a top-five strength of schedule, but that isn’t scaring anyone off. It’s all about the “anticipation of Arch Manning getting in his groove and this team living up to its potential” for Longhorns backers.
Buckeyes Are the Favorite, Hoosiers Are Champs
Despite Caesars wanting them to win, Ohio State is still drawing massive attention, currently third in ticket count and fourth in money for the CFP futures. Feazel understands why, saying, “Year after year, the Buckeyes are a powerhouse.” He’s particularly excited about quarterback Julian Sayin, who he feels isn’t getting enough buzz, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who he sees as the top wideout in next year’s NFL Draft. Don’t forget, Ohio State dominated the 2024-25 CFP championship, beating Notre Dame 34-23, though they bowed out in the quarterfinals last year with a 24-14 loss to Miami. The Buckeyes are currently the AP preseason poll’s No. 1 team, expected to win the Big Ten and get revenge on Indiana. We’ll find out how good they truly are early on, especially with a massive Week 2 road game at Texas. Oh, and about Indiana? They’re the defending national champions, having beaten Miami 27-21 in the title game, and are the +750 co-fourth choice in CFP futures alongside Oregon.
Oregon’s Uncharacteristic Buzz
Speaking of the Ducks, Oregon is suddenly getting a ton of action too, which Feazel noted is “unusual.” Following their 2024 exit from the Pac-12, Oregon has been far more popular in Big Ten futures this season than in the past two years. Now, Dan Lanning’s squad is fourth in ticket count and third in money for the national championship, holding that +750 co-fourth choice spot. It looks like the Ducks are definitely getting a little more attention than usual this season, making them a fascinating team to watch as college football kicks off.
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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