The start of the 2018 NCAA Football season is just over a month and a half away, with games beginning the weekend of September 1st. The 2017 season was another thrilling one, with the Alabama Crimson Tide winning the National Championship in a thrilling game against Georgia. The oddsmakers have spoken, below are the top 5 favorites to win the 2018 NCAA Football Championship.
Alabama 12/5
It comes as no surprise to see the Alabama Crimson Tide as the betting favorite to win the 2018 College Football Championship. The Crimson Tide are the defending champs, and Nick Saban has once again brought in a tremendous recruiting class. Alabama might have a quarterback controversy this season, but it could be a good thing. Saban has two stud quarterbacks on his roster with Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa led the Crimson Tide in last year’s title game, and is on the short list of Heisman Trophy candidates heading into the season. Alabama will open the season with a game against a very good Louisville team, but Saban will have his team ready for the test.
Clemson 6/1
Clemson has been consistently dominant in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and they shouldn’t have any trouble this season either. The Tigers have a great shot of going undefeated and meeting Alabama in the College Football playoffs for the fourth straight season. Clemson has a dominant defense that averaged 3.3 sacks per game in 2017, and is returning their top four defensive players. Dabo Swinney is one of the best recruiters in the country, and his roster is loaded with future NFL stars.
Georgia 15/2
Georgia has been the cream of the crop in the SEC East the last several years, and they are the overwhelming favorite to win the division again. Georgia will have tough tests against both South Carolina and Florida, but the Bulldogs have a ton of talent. Georgia hopes to return to the National Championship game, but finish it off differently this season. Sophomore quarterback, Jake Fromm, will be back to lead the Bulldogs, and has a shot of winning a Heisman Trophy this season. Georgia has a weak non conference schedule, and won’t be tested until SEC play begins.
Ohio State 15/2
The Ohio State Buckeyes will be trying to end the Big Ten’s title game drought this season. The Buckeyes are the most talented team in the Big Ten, but they must navigate through a very good Big Ten East division. Urban Meyer’s team has dominated the rivalry versus Michigan, and they get the Wolverines at home in 2018. If Ohio State can avoid two regular season losses, they should earn a spot into the College Football Playoff.
Michigan 14/1
It is odd seeing Michigan with such great odds considering they won’t even be favored to reach the Big Ten Championship game. Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh, appears to be on the hot seat heading into the season. The Wolverines must find a way to beat the Buckeyes if they want a shot in the Playoffs. Michigan will improve upon their 8-5 record in 2017, but still appear as an underdog to reach the Playoffs in 2018.
