2025 College Football Title Tiers: Best Bets, Long Shots, and Contenders

At this point in the college football season, the top 10 have separated themselves into three tiers: playoff teams, actual contenders, and the top tier of Ohio State and Indiana. There wasn’t much shake-up towards the top of the polls, so rankings this week will be a little different.

I’ll go through the national champion odds of each team in my top 10 and say if I think any of those picks have any juice. Let’s get into the tiers.

Tier 1: Ohio State (+250) and Indiana (+600)
If you told me I could bet on Ohio State or the rest of the field, I would take the Buckeyes. Their defense is playing at a historic level, and with an easy schedule, they’re going to cruise into the playoffs. If you wanted to bet on Ohio State to make the title, you should’ve done it months ago.

Indiana is not a bad bet to win the title; however, if you don’t think they will beat Ohio State in the Big 10 championship, wait until after that game occurs, because you will most likely get a better number. If you believe in Mendoza and Cignetti, I’d bet on them now. These are the two best teams in the sport, and neither is a “bad” bet.

Tier 2: Texas A&M (+900), Alabama (+700), Oregon (+1100), Miami (+1800), Georgia (+1200), and Ole Miss (+1700)

There are three teams in this tier I would bet on, and four I think can win the title. Alabama is probably the best team here, but they play with their food too much for me to bet on them. Also, outside of Ty Simpson, there isn’t anything on this Alabama team I have faith in during a do-or-die game.

Oregon is my favorite bet out of this tier. Their defensive line could be the best in the country. Outside of the entirety of Ohio State’s defense, there isn’t a part of a team I trust more than their defensive front. Also, I know they lost at home to Indiana, but looking back at that game, I think the Ducks easily have the guns to beat them in a rematch.

Speaking of units that I trust, despite their recent struggles, Miami can beat good teams in the trenches. I wouldn’t pick them to win the title, but they can win multiple playoff games and turn a positive cashout. Miami’s loss wasn’t bad enough for the hate they’ve been receiving; they’re far too talented to be counted out.

The last team I would bet on this tier is Ole Miss. If Lane Kiffin doesn’t forget how to play call late into games, Trinidad Chambliss can win games for the Rebels on his own. Similar to Miami, I wouldn’t bet on them to win the whole thing, but when they get rolling, their offense can overwhelm teams enough to win a few playoff games.

For Texas A&M and Georgia, I’d stay away from these two teams. There's no juice in the Aggies at the moment, and assuming they lose a game or two to close out the season, you could probably bet them at a far better number. Then, for Georgia, I just don’t think they’re any good. They keep finding ways to win, but I think they will get exposed in the playoffs.

Tier 3: Georgia Tech (+9000) and BYU (+12000)

Let’s be honest with ourselves. Neither of these teams has much of a chance to win the title. 

If you’re going to take a super long shot on a team winning it all, I would bet on BYU. I’ve had my doubts in them all season, but I think BYU and Texas Tech are a bit underrated in the Big 12. I think either of those teams could win at least one playoff game, and if they do, it will probably give you a cashout with a future at 120/1.