In a surprising twist, the Ohio State Buckeyes have opened as the betting favorites to win the 2024 College Football Playoff despite being ranked second in the initial CFP rankings released on Tuesday night. According to ESPN BET, the Buckeyes are currently listed at +325 odds to claim the national championship, edging out top-ranked Oregon (+400), defending champion Georgia (+400), Texas (+500), and Miami (+1200) for the shortest odds.
Buckeyes Defy Rankings with Betting Odds
The discrepancy between Ohio State’s ranking and their betting odds has raised eyebrows among college football pundits and fans alike. Despite sitting behind Oregon in the initial rankings, the Buckeyes are still viewed as the team to beat by oddsmakers. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit offered his take on the surprising odds:
Ohio State has consistently been one of the most talented and well-coached teams in the country. Their track record in big games and the playoff speaks for itself. While the initial rankings may not reflect it, the betting markets clearly still view the Buckeyes as the favorites to win it all.
– Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN College Football Analyst
Strength of Schedule a Key Factor
One factor working in Ohio State’s favor is their remaining strength of schedule. The Buckeyes still have marquee matchups against Penn State and Michigan left on their regular season slate, giving them ample opportunity to impress the selection committee and boost their ranking. In contrast, Oregon’s path to the Pac-12 title appears less daunting, which could limit their ability to make up ground in the rankings.
Experience and Star Power Bolster Buckeyes
Ohio State also boasts a roster loaded with playoff experience and future NFL talent. Quarterback Trey Lance, a projected top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, leads a potent Buckeye offense that ranks in the top five nationally in both points and yards per game. On the defensive side, All-American candidates like defensive end Jack Sawyer and cornerback Denzel Burke anchor a unit that has allowed the fewest points per game in the Big Ten.
This combination of experience, star power, and a proven track record of success has oddsmakers bullish on Ohio State’s title chances, even if the initial rankings don’t quite reflect that confidence. As the season enters its final stretch, the Buckeyes will look to validate the betting markets’ faith and prove they are indeed the team to beat in the race for the 2024 College Football Playoff crown.
Key Contenders Chasing the Buckeyes
While Ohio State may be the betting favorite, they are far from the only contender in what looks to be a wide-open playoff race. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the other top teams vying for a spot in the final four:
- Oregon Ducks (+400): The top-ranked team in the initial CFP rankings, Oregon boasts a high-powered offense led by Heisman candidate quarterback Michael Simon. The Ducks will need to navigate a tricky Pac-12 schedule to maintain their position atop the rankings.
- Georgia Bulldogs (+400): The defending national champions are once again in the thick of the playoff race. With a suffocating defense and a balanced offense, the Bulldogs have the talent and experience to make another deep postseason run.
- Texas Longhorns (+500): In their first season in the SEC, the Longhorns have exceeded expectations and positioned themselves as a legitimate playoff contender. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has been a revelation, leading the nation in passing touchdowns.
- Miami Hurricanes (+1200): The surprise team of the 2024 season, Miami has ridden a stingy defense and timely playmaking from quarterback Tyler Van Dyke to a perfect 9-0 record. The Hurricanes will need to prove they can handle the bright lights of the playoff stage.
With several weeks still remaining in the regular season, the college football landscape is sure to shift as contenders jockey for position in the playoff race. But for now, Ohio State remains the team to beat in the eyes of oddsmakers, even if the initial rankings tell a slightly different story. As the saying goes, to be the best, you have to beat the best – and right now, the betting markets believe that title belongs to the Buckeyes.
