2024-25 College Football Futures: Georgia a clear favorite to win CFP Playoff

With the College Football season all over, the focus shifts to next season. While Michigan is the defending champions, they’re not exactly a favorite to repeat after head coach Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers job. At the moment, the Georgia Bulldogs are the frontrunners with +350 odds at Bodog. But, Ohio State is also considered a contender out of the Big Ten. Elsewhere, Alabama, Texas, Oregon, and LSU are in the mix, too. Below, we’ll analyze a few of these programs and what the rosters could look like when Week 1 rolls around.

Georgia

The Bulldogs might’ve fell to Alabama in the SEC Championship, but they should be a force next season. The Crimson Tide just lost Nick Saban to retirement while Kirby Smart’s group has a talented roster to work with. Although Georgia lost Dylan Raiola to Nebraska as he decided to flip his commitment, we have to remember the Bulldogs secured the signing of transfer Trevor Etienne. Sound familiar? He’s the brother of Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne. The former Florida standout is a stud who ran for nearly 1,500 yards across the last two years. QB Carson Beck is also back and Georgia has the best recruiting class in the country. That has to be a recipe for success. The Bulldogs are the favorite at most football betting sites.

Ohio State

The Buckeyes fell short again in 2024-25, losing to Michigan in the final game of the season and ultimately settling for a Cotton Bowl appearance, which resulted in a loss to Missouri. QB1 Kyle McCord shockingly decided to transfer to Syracuse, but Ryan Day and Co. do have some great options for the starting job in Devin Brown, Air Noland, and Lincoln Kienholz. OSU was also given a boost with the returns of TreVeyon Henderson and JT Tuimoloau, two key players who could’ve very well made the jump to the NFL right now. On top of that, Ohio State brought in more top recruits than any other program in the country. Michigan will have a different look, so perhaps the Buckeyes can conquer the Big Ten and make the expanded CFP.

Texas

There was a lot of hype around Texas last season because of their loaded QB room. Quinn Ewers won the starting gig and proved why he is legit throughout the campaign, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns against only six picks. Arch Manning happens to be his backup, who will be ready to shine if given the opportunity. The Longhorns have big expectations to live up to after making the CFP and given that it’s expanded now, they should be back in it again.

Oregon

The Ducks didn’t get to the CFP Playoff with Bo Nix under center, but with him going to the NFL, they have two fantastic options to replace the QB. Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore have taken their talents to Eugene and head coach Dan Lanning decided to stay put despite heavy interest from Alabama. Although Gabriel is the most experienced signal-caller, Moore has massive potential, too. Oregon has the sixth-best recruiting class with 21 four-star players coming to the Ducks.

Michigan

We have to mention the defending champions. However, this Michigan program will have a very different look. As previously mentioned, Harbaugh is back in the NFL while JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum declared for the NFL Draft. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore has replaced Harbaugh as the next head coach. Michigan’s recruiting class isn’t great, though. We may see the Wolverines in the CFP Playoff, but it feels unlikely they repeat as national champions.