Best Bets and Longshots to Make College Football’s 12 Team Playoff

  • College football introduced a new 12-team playoff format for the 2024-25 season 
  • Five of the highest-ranked conference champions receive automatic bids and the next seven highest-ranked teams round out the bracket
  • The CFP National Championship Game will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025 in Atlanta

Which 12 schools will compete in the new 12-team College Football Playoff? While some blue blood programs are virtual locks, lots of spots are up for grabs after a wild start to the season that’s already seen six AP Top 25 teams lose to unranked opponents. None bigger than Northern Illinois’ 16-14 shocking win over No. 5 Notre Dame last Saturday.

With more upsets likely on the way, let’s look at the 12-team CFP Playoff odds before Week 3. You can also check out our 2024-25 College Football Betting Resources and get the best National Championship Future Odds.

To Make 12 Team Playoff

SchoolBovadaBetOnline ReviewMyBookie Review
Ohio State-850-850-850
Georgia-750-750-750
Texas-650-650-650
Oregon-350-350-350
Penn State-225-225-225
Alabama-200-200-200
Ole Miss-200-200-200
Miami-150-150-150
Tennessee-110-110-110
Missouri+150+150+150
Utah+150+150+150
USC+160+160+160
Clemson+200+200+200
LSU+250+250+250
Kansas State+275+275+275
Boise State+300+300+300
Notre Dame+300+300+300
Liberty+400+400+400
Louisville+400+400+400
Oklahoma+400+400+400
Memphis+450+450+450
Texas A&M+450+450+450
Oklahoma State+475+475+475
Michigan+550+550+550
Iowa State+600+600+600
Nebraska+600+600+600
UCF+650+650+650
Texas State+700+700+700
Arizona+1000+1000+1000
Iowa+1000+1000+1000
Kansas+1200+1200+1200
NC State+1200+1200+1200
UNLV+1400+1400+1400
Virginia Tech+1400+1400+1400
SMU+1600+1600+1600
Syracuse+1600+1600+1600
Washington+1600+1600+1600
Wisconsin+1600+1600+1600
TCU+1800+1800+1800
Auburn+2000+2000+2000
South Carolina+2000+2000+2000
South Florida+2000+2000+2000
UTSA+2200+2200+2200
Appalachian State+2500+2500+2500
Georgia Tech+2500+2500+2500
Colorado+4000+4000+4000
Florida State+4000+4000+4000
Kentucky+4000+4000+4000

Tournament locks

Ohio State (-850), Georgia (-750), Texas (-650) and Oregon (-350) are heavy favorites to reach the inaugural 12-team playoff. The Buckeyes are coming off a 56-0 victory over Western Michigan and look like a Big Ten championship lock after Michigan was clobbered by the Longhorns 31-12 in the Big House.

Kirby Smart’s club crushed Clemson 34-3 in Week 1 before levelling a 48-3 beatdown on Tennessee Tech for their 41st consecutive regular season victory. Meanwhile, the Ducks narrowly survived its Week 2 meeting with Boise State, winning 37-34 on a walk-off field goal.

Bets to beware

Tennessee (-110) looks like easy money after winning its first two contests by over 100 combined points. However, the Volunteers face No. 15 Oklahoma next Saturday in addition to No. 4 Alabama and the No. 1 Bulldogs later this season. With two losses almost guaranteed, Josh Heupel’s squad can’t afford to slip up in its other eight games.

Ole Miss (-200) looks like a shoo-in with 1,437 total yards and 128 points in its first two contests. But starting in mid-October, the No. 5 Rebels will play No. 16 LSU, the No. 15 Sooners and Georgia, all in the span of a month.

LSUTo Make 12 Team Playoff
★★★★★
+250
Bet now

UtahTo Make 12 Team Playoff
★★★★★
+150
Bet now

Wagers we like

Utah (+150) outlasted Baylor on Saturday to pick up a 23-12 win without Cam Rising, who left in the second quarter with a hand injury that’s being described as “not real serious”. With their QB back in the fold, Kyle Whittingham’s club should take down No. 13 Oklahoma State and No. 20 Arizona over the next month. If they do, the only other ranked opponent in the Utes’ path to the postseason is No. 21 Iowa State.

LSU (+250) dropped its opener against USC, but Brian Kelly’s club also suffered early-season losses to Florida Sate and Ole Miss in 2024 before heating up. If the Tigers top the Rebels at home in October, they’ll be back on track for a top-12 spot.

Best Longshot

Nebraska (+600) is ranked No. 23 heading into Week 3 following an easy 28-10 victory over Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes. While they could be trounced by Ohio State in October, the program seems to be back on the path to relevance in Matt Rhule’s second season. With talented freshman quarterback, Dylan Raiola, and a defense that’s allowed 24 points or less in nine straight games, the Cornhuskers might just secure a place in the CFP playoffs.

NebraskaTo Make 12 Team Playoff
★★★★★
+600
Bet now
 

See below the Best Offshore Sportsbooks for US Customers 2024 where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:

Badge ranking partner

1

★★★★★

Bonus

50% up to $1,000

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

2

★★★★★

Bonus

125% Sports Bonus - up to $2,500

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

3

★★★★☆

Bonus

100% up to $1,000

Bet Now
Steve Starr

Highly analytical and results-driven Sports Betting Expert with over 20 years of experience in sports analytics, betting strategy development, and risk management. Proven track record of leveraging statistical models and market analysis to achieve consistent profitability in sports betting. Adept at using data-driven insights to forecast outcomes, identify value bets, and optimize betting strategies. Strong communication skills with a demonstrated ability to present complex data in an understandable manner. Skills -Advanced Statistical Analysis -Predictive Modeling & Forecasting -Sports Analytics & Data Interpretation -Risk Management & Stake Allocation -Market Research & Trend Analysis -Strategic Betting Strategies -Proficiency with Betting Software (e.g., Betfair, Pinnacle) -Strong Excel & Data Visualization Skills -Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills