Steve Starr
- BetOnline opened Clemson (+225) as the favorites to win the 2021 National Championship just days after the Tigers’ loss to LSU
- Alabama (+400) will look to make their fifth national title game in the past six years
- Ohio State (+450) returns Justin Fields but will be missing two stars on defense.
With the return of Heisman-favorite Trevor Lawrence and the nation’s number-one recruiting class, it’s no surprise to see Clemson as the chalk to win a third national championship in five years.
The Tigers are a borderline lock to play in their fifth-straight College Football Playoff, but let’s look at the opening odds at BetOnline to uncover some potential values among college football’s contenders.
2021 CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS
| Team | Odds |
| Clemson | +225 |
| Alabama | +400 |
| Ohio State | +450 |
| LSU | +600 |
| Georgia | +800 |
| Florida | +1400 |
| Auburn | +2000 |
| Oklahoma | +2200 |
| Notre Dame | +2500 |
| Texas | +2500 |
| Texas A&M | +2800 |
| Michigan | +3300 |
| Oregon | +3300 |
| Penn State | +3300 |
| Florida State | +5000 |
| USC | +5000 |
| Wisconsin | +5000 |
NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDERS
Alabama (+400) is always a good bet. Before suffering through an injury-riddled 2019, Nick Saban’s club made it to four-straight national title games, winning two of them. Whether it’s Mac Jones or five-star freshman Bryce Young at quarterback, you know the Crimson Tide are going to be in the mix.
Ohio State (+450) is losing defensive end Chase Young and cornerback Jeff Okudah, both who are expected to go in the top-five in this year’s NFL Draft. On the bright side, Heisman-finalist Justin Fields and coach Ryan Day should have no trouble moving the ball, even without leading-rusher J.K. Dobbins.
Nick Saban is in hell pic.twitter.com/TbkFCCK8l3
— The Ringer (@ringer) January 14, 2020
LSU (+600) seems overvalued given all the talent going out the doors: running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, receiver Justin Jefferson, cornerback Kristian Fulton, safety Grant Delpit and Joe Burrow are all heading to the NFL. Passing-game coordinator Joe Brady also took the OC gig in Carolina, so even with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase back in the fold, there’s no telling how productive the Tigers’ offense will be.
OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE RACE
Georgia (+800) should once again have one of the best defenses in the country, but their hopes will live and die with Wake Forest quarterback transfer Jamie Newman, who will be stepping in for Jake Fromm.
Florida (+1400) is already picking up sleeper buzz thanks to the inspired play of QB Kyle Trask, who threw for 2,941 yards and 25 touchdowns after taking over for the injured Feleipe Franks last year. After going 10-3 and 11-2 in coach Dan Mullen’s first two seasons, the Gators could be ready to take the next step.
Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler’s athleticism is unfair ? @SpencerRattler @OU_Football
(via theqbplug/TikTok) pic.twitter.com/XEOJWU0LWe
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 17, 2020
Oklahoma (+2200) will turn the keys over to former five-star recruit Spencer Rattler. While the sophomore QB should put up big numbers in Lincoln Riley’s offense (even without receiver CeeDee Lamb), it’s hard to get too excited for the Sooners after seeing them get destroyed in the Peach Bowl.
Both Oregon (+3300) and Penn State (+3300) are enticing longshots. Even without Justin Herbert, the Ducks are apparently loaded on both sides of the ball after a couple of nice recruiting classes from coach Mario Cristobal. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions have the best linebacker in the country in Micah Parsons, and return all their skill-position talent from 2019.
