Texas Longhorns Emerge as Favorites to Win College Football Playoff National Championship
In a shocking turn of events, the Texas Longhorns have jumped to the top spot as favorites to win the College Football Playoff National Championship. Despite being the No. 5 seed, Texas has surpassed No. 1-seed Oregon in the odds to win the national title, according to FanDuel.
The Longhorns’ impressive 38-24 victory over the Atlantic Coast Conference Champion Clemson has significantly boosted their chances. Their odds to win the national championship have improved from +360 to +310, placing them at the top of the remaining playoff teams.
ESPN’s FPI power index, which takes into account strength of schedule, team statistics, and win probability, also reflects Texas’s newfound status as favorites. The index gives Texas a 27.5% chance of winning the title, the highest among all teams. In contrast, Oregon ranks sixth with a 7.7% chance of winning the championship.
The current odds to win the national championship are:
Texas (+310)
Ohio State (+330)
Oregon (+480)
Georgia (+480)
Penn State (+500)
Notre Dame (+700)
Arizona State (+6,500)
Boise State (+8,500)
Oregon’s prolonged break, having received a first-round bye, may have contributed to their decline in odds. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s convincing 42-17 win over Tennessee has kept them in contention.
Texas’s path to the championship appears relatively easier, with a 13.5-point favorite matchup against Big 12 Champion Arizona State (11-2) in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1. In contrast, Oregon will face a formidable Ohio State team in the Rose Bowl, a team they narrowly defeated 32-31 earlier in the season.
The Longhorns’ emergence as favorites has sent shockwaves through the college football world. As the playoffs unfold, it will be exciting to see if Texas can maintain their momentum and bring home the national championship.
