As the 2023 NCAAF season edges closer to the post-season campaign, the favorites to be crowned national champions are becoming clearer and clearer.
The usual candidates are once again in the mix to earn the title of national champion for the current season, with Georgia Bulldogs looking to make it three consecutive titles but facing competition from the likes of Michigan Wolverines, Oregon Ducks, Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes.
But who are the real favorites to enter the playoffs when the committee make their picks and then go all the way to the title? We'll take a look at the teams and provide you with our best free NCAAF betting picks to try and earn you some extra cash while you enjoy the action on the field.
| NCAAF Futures 2024 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Wolverines | +270 | +250 | +210 |
| Georgia Bulldogs | +300 | +250 | +240 |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | +500 | +600 | +650 |
| Ohio State Buckeyes | +775 | +800 | +800 |
| Oregon Ducks | +800 | +800 | +850 |
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NCAAF Championship 2023favorites
Below you'll find a list of favorites to win the NCAAF Championship in 2023.
Michigan Wolverines - (+270)
The Wolverines are again the favorites to win the national title after another thorough Big Ten beatdown, this time 41-13 over the Purdue Boilermakers. They then followed that up with a dominant 24-15 win over Penn State Nittany Lions.
Michigan has dominated inferior opponents all season to earn a perfect 10-0 record and are now preparing for the huge game on November 25 against the Ohio State Buckeyes which comes after they face off with Maryland this weekend.
At this rate, the national title looks like the Wolverines’ to lose. Even with the added potential distraction of an in-program scandal, Michigan to win it all remains the likeliest outcome and that's why they're our pick to earn a first title since 1997.
Check out our review for BetOnline sports betting here.
Georgia Bulldogs - (+300)
The two-time defending champs warded off a challenge from the upstart Missouri Tigers, 30-21 before a lopsided 52-17 win over Mississippi Ole Miss Rebels to make it an incredible 27 consecutive victories for the team.
UGA had a huge test this weekend when they went to one-loss Mississippi, which had won five straight and still had an outside chance of reaching the SEC Championship Game. But they absolutely thrashed them and that has seen their odds come in once again this week to claim a third-straight championship.
A third straight national title is still unlikely since no team has done it in almost 90 years, but that's the only reason why people aren't so confident. If you're simply going by displays and performances on the field of play, then +300 is solid value for the best team in the country to win another championship.
Alabama Crimson Tide - (+650)
The shock loss against the Texas Longhorns back in September has put a lot of people off backing Alabama to get the job done, but they're a top side and The Tide rolled rival LSU 42-28, led by Jalen Milroe‘s 374 all-purpose yards and four rushing touchdowns before thrashing the Kentucky Wildcats to take their season record to 9-1.
That win clinched their spot in the SEC Divisional Championship game, and their focus is now on getting back into the playoffs for the national title.
There’s no margin for error, and they have to beat Georgia, but the Crimson Tide are back where they belong in the thick of the national-title race. That final game on December 2nd will be absolutely huge for their chances and on current form it looks unlikely, but if anyone can do it then it's Nick Saban.
Check out our review for MyBookie sports betting here.
Ohio State Buckeyes - (+800)
The Buckeyes were the surprising No. 1 team when the College Football Playoff rankings were unveiled, and they didn’t look like the best team in the country in their 31-16 win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, although they were much more convincing in their most recent outing when they thrashed Michigan State Spartans to move to 10-0 for the season.
Ohio State wouldn’t necessarily be eliminated with a loss to Michigan on November 25, which makes it a compelling team to consider at the fourth-shortest odds. It seems like they have a lot of hurdles ahead of them though to get the nod as national champions so despite the great value, this seems like a smarter bet to avoid for now.
Oregon Ducks - (+850)
The Ducks put up almost 600 yards of total offense and scored 49 of the final 55 points in their 63-19 win over the Cal Golden Bears. before a closer 36-27 win over USC in their most recent outing.
The Ducks are looking like the Pac-12’s most dangerous team, even though they still likely need help to get to the playoff due to their 36-33 loss to the Washington Huskies on Oct. 14 in Seattle.
Oregon has an exceptional quarterback in Bo Nix and has arguably the conference’s best defense, allowing just 16 points per game on average. If the Ducks win out and get revenge over U-Dub in the Pac-12 championship, the committee will have a hard time keeping them out of the playoff. That makes +850 good value, but realistically it's a super longshot and you're better off putting your money elsewhere.
