Indiana begins the 2026 season in unfamiliar territory. A program only known for basketball catapulted its football team to a 16-0 record and captured its first NCAA football national championship. The program was an afterthought; now it’s at the forefront.
However, they’ll be missing a big piece: Heisman quarterback and 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. TCU transfer Josh Hoover takes over an offense carrying bigger expectations, and potentially less star talent.
The season officially begins with “Week 0” on Saturday, August 29, becomes Week 1 on September 5, and ends with the national championship at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on January 25, 2027. With Indiana rebuilding and several established powers preparing another run, the title race looks wide open. And Bovada will have the latest college football betting odds for the season. This preview will give you the NCAA Football betting predictions that’ll help you make informed decisions.
Check the out the latest NCAAF odds on Bovada.
The College Football Playoff: How It Works
The 2026 College Football Playoff retains a 12-team bracket, but the qualification system has changed. Automatic places go to the champions of the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, plus the highest-ranked champion from the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, or Sun Belt. The next seven highest-ranked teams complete the field. Notre Dame only qualifies if it finishes in the top 12 of the final rankings.
The opening round features four games at the higher-ranked teams’ campus stadiums on December 18 and 19. The quarterfinals take place at the Fiesta Bowl on December 30, followed by the Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Rose Bowl on January 1.
The Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl host the semifinals on January 14 and 15. The two winners then meet in Las Vegas on January 25.
Every round generates new moneyline, spread, total, and futures bets. Bettors can also wager on which teams will make the CFP, host first-round games, or win the national championship. That creates opportunities from the preseason through the final game. All these odds are available with Bovada’s college football odds.
NCAA Football Betting Predictions: National Title Contenders
The teams below lead the preseason odds to win the National Championship. Stay tuned for Bovada oddsmaker NCAA football tips and predictions as we get close to the regular season.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Of course the Buckeyes are still on top. Ohio State lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game, but the Buckeyes still possess the talent required to respond immediately.
The betting question is how effectively Ohio State replaces departing contributors while preserving its strength on both lines. If the Buckeyes establish a dependable offense early, they can challenge Indiana and Oregon in the Big Ten before making another CFP run.
Indiana Hoosiers
Though they aren’t the favorite by any stretch, Indiana deserves respect after becoming the first 16-0 national champion in modern college football history. Head coach Curt Cignetti transformed the program from a perennial Big Ten underdog into the country’s top team in only two seasons.
Repeating will be harder. Mendoza accounted for the stability and decisive plays that carried Indiana through its undefeated season. QB transfer Hoover needs to adapt quickly, and the defense has to maintain its physical identity.
Bettors should avoid assuming that last season’s dominance will transfer automatically to a significantly changed roster.
Texas Longhorns
Texas enters the conversation because of Arch Manning and an offense with the potential to challenge any defense in the country. Manning now has the experience and control needed to turn into the dual-threat Peyton Manning everyone hopes he’ll become.
A national championship wager becomes more attractive if the offensive line protects Manning and the portal additions settle quickly. Early games should show whether Texas has a complete title-caliber roster or remains too dependent on its quarterback.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon reached last season’s CFP semifinal before Indiana overwhelmed the Ducks 56-22, exposing a gap between reaching the final four and being ready to win the championship.
The good news is QB Dante Moore is back, the defense returns with important starters, and they’re coming off a deep playoff run.
Their value depends on whether the defense can control elite opponents and Moore can become the Heisman favorite the odds say he is.
Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia remains part of the national title discussion whenever Kirby Smart has a roster capable of surviving the SEC. Returning with starting QB Gunner Stockton gives the Bulldogs an especially strong foundation. The previous two times Smart entered a season with the same starting QB, Georgia reached the CFP.
If the offense becomes more explosive without sacrificing ball control, Georgia could offer good value for the upcoming season.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game, but the Buckeyes still possess the wealth of talent to be favored again.
The betting question is if Ohio State can replace all its wealth of talent once again. If the Buckeyes establish a dependable offense early, they can challenge Indiana and Oregon in the Big Ten before making another CFP run.
Conference Races: SEC, Big Ten and the Dark Horses
Conference championship odds can offer better value than national title futures. A team only needs to win its league, not survive the entire CFP, and knowledgeable fans may recognize a contender before the broader market does.
The SEC starts with Texas and Georgia among its leading teams. Texas offers offensive upside, while Georgia brings continuity and a proven championship structure. The conference’s depth makes schedule analysis essential for anyone looking for value here.
The Big Ten features the defending national and conference champion. Indiana must prove that its success can continue without Mendoza, while Oregon and Ohio State have clear routes back into the title game. Bettors should watch how quickly each team’s new starters settle into major roles.
The Big 12 appears less predictable, which can produce longer prices and several realistic contenders. Instead of choosing a team on reputation alone, consider QB experience, returning offensive-line starters, and conference schedules.
The ACC and the leading champions outside the four largest conferences also matter because the new CFP system guarantees a place for the highest-ranked champion from a group that includes the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12 and Sun Belt. Visit Bovada to explore college football conference odds.
Heisman Trophy and Player Markets
The Heisman odds often begins with quarterbacks from national contenders, and the 2026 field offers several strong storylines.
Josh Hoover inherits the most intriguing role. The senior from TCU replaces the reigning Heisman winner on the national champion Hoosiers. If his transition is successful, he’ll be visible throughout the season, especially if Indiana remains near the top of the rankings.
Then there’s Arch Manning, someone who was so hyped last year he came in as a favorite before he took a starter snap. His Heisman case becomes stronger if Texas wins the SEC and he finally has performances that live up to his pedigree.
Dante Moore also enters the discussion after leading Oregon to last season’s CFP semifinal. His familiarity with the Ducks’ system could give him an early advantage over candidates adjusting to new offenses.
Heisman wagers are settled in December, so team success, individual statistics and high-profile moments all influence the result.
What Is College Football?
College football is American football played by student-athletes at American universities and organized by the NCAA. Its highest level, the 138-team FBS, plays mostly on Saturdays from late August all the way until late January. Teams compete within conferences and for national rankings before the College Football Playoff determines the champion.
New bettors can explore the available odds and info through our college football hub.
College Football FAQ
When does college football start?
Week 0 of the 2026 college football season begins Saturday, August 29, with a handful of early games. The full national schedule starts over Labor Day weekend, with most Week 1 games played Saturday, September 5.
Who won the college football championship?
Indiana won the 2025-26 national championship. The Hoosiers defeated Miami 27-21 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on January 19, 2026, completing a perfect 16-0 season.
How many college football teams are there?
There are 138 teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, commonly called the FBS. It is the highest level of college football, and its teams can qualify for the College Football Playoff and major bowl games.
What is the College Football Playoff?
The CFP is the 12-team postseason tournament that determines the national champion. It begins with four first-round games at campus stadiums in December and continues through the bowl-based quarterfinals and semifinals before the late January championship game.
How to bet on college football?
Go to Bovada’s college football page and select your odds. Options available now include national champion futures, conference winners, Heisman Trophy and CFP qualification. Odds for the Week 0 and Week 1 include moneylines, point spreads, totals and player props for nearly every matchup.
Last Season’s CFP: 2025-26 Results
Indiana’s championship completed one of the fastest turnarounds in college football history. The Hoosiers earned the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye before defeating Alabama, Oregon and Miami. They won those three playoff games by a combined 76 points.
| ROUND | WINNER | LOSER | FINAL SCORE |
| First Round | Alabama | Oklahoma | 34-24 |
| First Round | Miami | Texas A&M | 10-3 |
| First Round | Ole Miss | Tulane | 41-10 |
| First Round | Oregon | James Madison | 51-34 |
| Quarterfinal | Miami | Ohio State | 24-14 |
| Quarterfinal | Oregon | Texas Tech | 23-0 |
| Quarterfinal | Indiana | Alabama | 38-3 |
| Quarterfinal | Ole Miss | Georgia | 39-34 |
| Semifinal | Miami | Ole Miss | 31-27 |
| Semifinal | Indiana | Oregon | 56-22 |
| National Championship | Indiana | Miami | 27-21 |