College football national championship picks: Predicting 1 favorite and 1 sleeper for the 2026 title

After an offseason filled with legal battles and political debate, the college football season has commenced, culminating in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on January 25 at Las Vegas. As the third year of the 12-team CFP era unfolds, the Big Ten has maintained its dominance, with Ohio State claiming the championship title in 2024 and returning to the field with a strong roster led by star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

Indiana, after a remarkable two-year turnaround, is another team to watch, boasting a perfect 16-0 record and a roster stocked with talented players. Oregon, with Heisman hopeful Dante Moore set to return at quarterback, could be the program's first national champion.

While the Big Ten's title streak has sparked some concern in the SEC conference, a few teams in the South are capable of challenging the region's supremacy. Georgia looks poised for another successful season, having lost in last year's quarterfinals, while Texas is counting on rising star Arch Manning to lead their team to victory.

LSU, the focal point of the offseason, will undoubtedly be watched closely as Lane Kiffin's squad competes throughout the season. Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Texas A&M aim to capitalize on their playoff appearances from the previous year.

However, the title race is not limited to the powerhouse conferences, as a number of teams on the outside have the potential to make a run for the championship. Teams like Notre Dame, Miami, Texas Tech, and others are all hoping to make their mark in the upcoming season. The CFP National Championship odds, as listed by FanDuel Sportsbook, show Ohio State as the favorite at +550, with Notre Dame at +600, Georgia at +700, Oregon at +750, Texas at +800, Indiana at +850, Miami at +1200, and Texas Tech at +2200.