College football national championship odds after Week 9

Week 9 wasn't as chaotic as the past few weeks, but the National Championship odds shifted significantly. Georgia and Notre Dame both saw their odds increase after dominant victories. Miami's odds remained about the same after narrowly escaping against North Carolina.

However, the biggest shift was with Ohio State. In their first game without quarterback Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes' offense struggled against USC, and they fell to the Trojans 30-18. With the loss, their odds plummeted, though they remain in the top eight. Indiana also saw its chances decrease after a narrow overtime win against an unranked team in a low-scoring game.

The Big 12 is still looking for a team to crack the top eight in betting odds for the national championship, despite

having two teams in the top eight in the AP Poll. However, Utah and BYU face off this coming Saturday, which could significantly impact the odds next week.

Here is where the title contenders stand after nine weeks, courtesy of FanDuel.

Georgia (+350)

Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Braylon Conley (24) celebrates after an interception during the third quarter against the Florida Gators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

This makes complete sense. Despite Miami being the No. 1 team in the AP poll, Georgia appears to be the best overall team. They have a solid defense and a solid offense, something no other team in college football can say. Their only loss of the season was in a rivalry game against Auburn, but they have conquered any other challenge they have faced. At this point, it would be a shock if Georgia was not in the National Championship game.

Notre Dame (+490)

Oct 31, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) scores a touchdown against Navy Midshipmen safety Giuseppe Sessi (16) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

It makes sense that their odds are increasing. Besides their loss to BYU, where they should have been given a chance to win, Notre Dame has been dominant all season. The Fighting Irish are a really good team, but they do not seem to have the star power other college teams do, which makes me question their chances. Their game against Miami will be a real test of whether this team can truly win a championship. The Hurricanes certainly do on offense.

Miami (Florida) (+600)

Oct 31, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (1) scores a touchdpwn as North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Jaiden Patterson (18) defends in the fourth quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Between quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Malachi Toney, Miami has the offensive firepower to win it all. Their problem is on defense. They allowed 35 points to a struggling North Carolina team in their second game in the past three weeks, giving up over 30 points and narrowly winning. Notre Dame will be their first big test of the season, and given how they have struggled against unranked teams, it would not be surprising for the Hurricanes to lose.

LSU (+800)

Oct 24, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers edge Da'shawn Womack (15) attempts to tackle LSU Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

Consistency has not been LSU's strong suit this season. They lost to Ole Miss, then turned around a dominated Texas A&M. They lost to Kentucky, which isn't looking like a bad loss right now, then defeated Mississippi State and Auburn. If the Tigers could be consistent, they could win it all. But at 6-2, they need a win against Alabama if they still want a shot at the SEC championship game.

Indiana (+1000)

Oct 31, 2026; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Charlie Becker (80) catches a pass in overtime for the game-winning touchdown against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Aydan West (5) at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

They are not repeating as National Champions. Their lack of an offense over the past two weeks proved that. The Hoosiers could easily have lost to Michigan and Minnesota; without a miracle 60-yard field goal against Minnesota, they would have lost. This offense is not good enough to win the championship. Quite frankly, I do not want to see them in the playoffs. They are not an enjoyable team to watch.

Ohio State (+1100)

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Bo Jackson (25) reacts to a dropped pass during the NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Oct. 31, 2026.

The Buckeyes won't win the championship without Sayin, and he probably won't be back this season. Their offense looked like a shell of itself against the Trojans, even with Jeremiah Smith, who had 83 receiving yards and a touchdown. It is a shame to see an injury derail such a promising season, but that is the reality for Ohio State this year.

Texas (+1100)

Oct 31, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Emmett Mosley V (3) reacts after scoring a touchdown after making a reception during the second half against the Mississippi State Cougars at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Quarterback play can determine the National Championship; it did for Indiana against Miami last season. If it comes down to that with Texas, it is unclear whether they will actually win. Arch Manning may be the most inconsistent quarterback in college football right now. When he is on, he is one of the best. But when he is not, he looks like he should be on the bench. For Manning to be consistent long enough for the Longhorns to win the championship seems like a stretch.

Alabama (+1100)

Oct 24, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) looks for a receiver during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Sitting at 6-2, they are desperate for a win against LSU. This is a talented team, but something about them doesn't seem like the championship-level teams Nick Saban coached. Their loss to Tennessee was not a good look either, especially right after their loss to Georgia. If Alabama ends up playing an SEC team in the playoffs, that could end their championship run since they seem to have the most trouble with conference opponents.

Contact/Follow us@BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebook for ongoing coverage ofColorado news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: College football national championship odds after Week 9

Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.

Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.