Brad Powers’ Early 2026 National Championship Picks and Best Bets

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Despite losing 11 players to the 2026 NFL Draft (the most in the country), Ohio State is the current favorite in the 2026 college football National Championship odds. It makes sense considering the Buckeyes have been the most consistent program in the college football the last 25 years.

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However, my early National Championship picks for 2026 are looking west for my best bet in this market. Plus, I’ll tell you what 100-1 long shot you should have in your portfolio.

Early 2026 National Championship picks

Early 2026 National Championship best bets

Best Bet: Oregon Ducks

+800 at FanDuel

The Oregon Ducks return 14 starters from last year, led by QB Dante Moore, a Top 5 overall prospect in next year’s NFL Draft. Oregon also has two great RBs in Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill, two great WRs in Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore, and arguably the best defensive line in college football.

While it is just a small piece to the puzzle, I’ve watched about 20 spring games, including Indiana, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, and Notre Dame. I thought Oregon showcased the best combination of talent and depth.

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I expect Oregon to be favored in 11 of their 12 games (exception being at Ohio State). Oregon has gotten a little better each year under head coach Dan Lanning, and the next step is the National Championship.

Longshot: Penn State Nittany Lions

+10000 at FanDuel

I would be shocked if any team outside the Top 7 won the National Championship in 2026. However, if you’re looking for a small bet to make on a long shot, I don’t mind this price on the Penn State Nittany Lions.

They have a similar makeup as Indiana did in 2024. Matt Campbell brings 13 starters with him from Iowa State, not unlike what Curt Cignetti had with James Madison transfers.

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The Nittany Lions also have an advantageous schedule that sees them avoid the three best teams in the Big Ten in Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon. Penn State could be favored in as many as 10 games.

Keep an eye on…

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+700)

I almost made the Notre Dame Fighting Irish the best bet, and I have them at +1000 to win it all from earlier this offseason.

Notre Dame could have the best combination of experience, talent, and schedule in 2026. They also have the added motivation of missing out on last year’s playoffs.

Texas Tech Red Raiders (+2000)

Obviously, we need to continue to monitor news on QB Brendan Sorsby, who has entered a gambling addiction program. Currently, I am expecting him NOT to play college football again, which is very unfortunate for him as well as my Heisman best bet.

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However, I still think the Texas Tech Red Raiders are the clear favorite in the Big 12 and should be favored in all 12 games.

Alabama Crimson Tide (+2200)

These are the longest preseason odds for the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the National Title since 2008.

There’s still plenty of talent in Tuscaloosa, and Keelon Russell could provide more upside at QB than Ty Simpson.

A favorable early schedule should have the Crimson Tide 5-0 hosting Georgia on October 10. Alabama hasn’t lost a regular season game to Georgia since 2007.

Using power ratings to make National Championship picks

While not in the same order as the FanDuel odds, I do have the same seven schools at the top of my power ratings. That doesn’t leave much wiggle room for value at the top of the board, although I am a little bit higher on Oregon and lower on Texas.

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My current power ratings:

A couple of weeks ago, I showed you how to use power ratings to project season win totals.

Notre Dame has my highest win total projection, and I project the Irish to be favored in all 12 games this season, including 10 by double-digits.

Despite the recent Sorsby news, Texas Tech will still be favored in all 12 games with a backup QB. That’s how much Texas Tech is ahead of the Big 12.

Oregon, not Indiana or Ohio State, has the highest projected win total in the Big Ten. Finally, Miami is the clear favorite in the ACC.

Current highest win total projections (using my power ratings):

National Championship odds

Odds as of 4-28 via FanDuel, one of our best betting sites. Sign up with our FanDuel promo code, or get one of our other sportsbook promos.

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