
Brad Powers shares his early picks and best bets for the 2026 National Championship. His insights aim to guide bettors in making informed decisions ahead of the event.
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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.
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.
| Best bets | |
|---|---|
| Oregon Ducks | +800 |
| Penn State Nittany Lions | +10000 |
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | +700 |
| Texas Tech Red Raiders | +2000 |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | +2200 |
+800 at FanDuel
The Oregon Ducks return 14 starters from last year, led by QB Dante Moore, a Top 5 overall prospect in next yearâs 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, Iâve 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.
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.
+10000 at FanDuel
I would be shocked if any team outside the Top 7 won the National Championship in 2026. However, if youâre looking for a small bet to make on a long shot, I donât 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.
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.
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 yearâs playoffs.
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.
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.
These are the longest preseason odds for the Alabama Crimson Tide to win the National Title since 2008.
Thereâs 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 hasnât lost a regular season game to Georgia since 2007.
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 doesnât 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.
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. Thatâs 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):
| Team | |
|---|---|
| Ohio State Buckeyes | +550 |
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | +700 |
| Texas Longhorns | +750 |
| Indiana Hoosiers | +800 |
| Oregon Ducks | +800 |
| Georgia Bulldogs | +850 |
| Miami Hurricanes | +1200 |
| Texas A&M Aggies | +1900 |
| Texas Tech Red Raiders | +2000 |
| LSU Tigers | +2000 |
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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Brad Powers has identified several teams as his top picks for the 2026 National Championship, focusing on their potential performance.
Brad Powers suggests specific betting strategies tailored to the teams he believes will perform well in the 2026 National Championship.
You can place bets on the 2026 National Championship through various online sportsbooks and betting platforms that offer college football betting.
The 2026 National Championship is scheduled for January 2026, with the exact date to be confirmed closer to the event.

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