Oregon fell to No. 9 in the Associated Press’ Week 4 college football poll. Since then, the Ducks have remained undefeated, beat former No. 2 Ohio State and have a +107 scoring differential.

Eugene hosts the top team in the AP poll for the first time since 2012. But sports betting sites don’t view Oregon the same way AP voters do.

Oregon’s chances of winning the national title have them as a contender, but bettors are more confident they’ll shower confetti on several other teams when the season ends.

2024-25 CFB national championship favorite betting odds

Odds BetMGM (As of October 31):

• Georgia: +325
• Oregon: +450
• Ohio State: +450
• Texas: +550
• Penn State: +1400

Below is my prediction for Oregon’s odds of winning the national championship. As the second half of the college football season continues, two more teams deserve your attention.

Oregon national championship win odds (+450)

Unlike years past, there doesn’t seem to be a clear powerhouse labeled as the team to beat. Every team in national championship contention has shown signs of weakness at some point this season.

Unlike other teams, Oregon’s questionable moments came early in the season. The Ducks are peaking at the right time and have a clear path to a Big Ten title.

None of Oregon’s last four opponents are unranked and only two have records above .500. The toughest matchup remaining will be Saturday against Michigan at “The Big House.”

The Wolverines are defending champions, but intense offseason departures have led Michigan to a 5-3 record. UM’s offense is one of the worst in the Big Ten, and its defense has taken a step back from the dominance we saw in 2023.

Oregon should be favored in all remaining regular-season games, and a Big Ten championship victory will give the Ducks a bye in the College Football Playoff.

Oregon is pretty balanced, thanks in part to an effective offense. Heisman Trophy candidate QB Dillon Gabriel. The Ducks have four pass catchers with 300-plus yards, and RB Jordan James ranks 14th nationally in rushing yards.

The defense is allowing just 16 points per game and a strong passing rush is crucial. DEs Matayo Uiagalelei and Jordan Burch lead them with 10.5 total sacks.

Oregon doesn’t just have College Football Playoff experience. The Ducks haven’t been to the CFP since the format was introduced in 2015.

UO won’t be alone in this regard, as the CFP expands from four teams to 12 teams for the first time this postseason. The Ducks should definitely be in the running if you want to place national championship futures bets, especially at odds of +450 or better offered at BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel.

Texas national championship win odds (+550)

Texas was considered the best team in the country until head coach Kirby Smart and Georgia arrived in Austin on October 19. The Bulldogs’ defense was brutal against the Longhorns, recording four turnovers, seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

UGA took a 23-0 lead at halftime and the Longhorns were unable to recover, losing 30-15 as 4.5-point favorites.

Texas responded by knocking off Vanderbilt on the road last week. Turnovers were a problem for QB Quinn Ewers, but the Longhorns’ defense was sharp and helped UT win the turnover battle.

While Georgia isn’t as dominant as past Bulldogs teams, UGA still has a loaded roster and one of the best coaching staffs in the country. Texas deserves to be downgraded after the loss, and I’m taking the opportunity to bet on the Longhorns when their national championship odds are worth more.

Texas’ defense has allowed the second-fewest points in the FBS, while the offense has two QBs likely to start in the NFL in the coming years. The Longhorns have multiple quarterbacks at WR and RB, so you shouldn’t overlook UT.

One concern is the four-way tie between one-loss SEC teams in the conference standings. Texas A&M, on the other hand, is the only team undefeated in SEC play, and the Longhorns will have a chance to finish that off in the final week of the season.

Miami national championship win odds (+1800)

If you’re looking for a long-term team to bet on in the national championship betting market, I recommend Miami. The Hurricanes are ranked No. 5 in the AP poll but don’t receive similar treatment from bettors.

There’s no doubt that Miami’s offense has what it takes to win it all. The unit relies on QB Cam Ward, who is in the middle of the Heisman race.

The ‘Canes lead the FBS in points per game and Ward ranks second in passing yards and touchdowns. He threw for over 300 yards in all but one game and led Miami to two comeback wins during a period in which it was doomed.

Oregon State transfer RB Damien Martinez has been effective. WR Xavier Restrepo has the second-most receiving yards in the ACC.

Miami is missing a crucial element. The defense has given up 30-plus points in three of four conference games, and that weakness could cost the Hurricanes a +1800 odds to win the national title.

If the defense starts to improve, Miami’s chances will diminish. Things should get better thanks to the return of star DL Rueben Bain Jr.

The four-star receiver led the team with 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a freshman last season. He did not play in the first five games this season, but played in the last three games, collecting 2.5 sacks.

If Bain gets better with more time on the field, Miami could have a valuable national championship future.