2019 College Football National Championship Odds, Picks, Predictions

Now that the calendar has turned to July, we’re just about two months from the first games in the 2018-19 college football season. While many things change each year, one thing that has not is the fact that Alabama is the odds-on favorite to win the national championship again this year. And why not? They have won two of the last three titles, most recently winning in stunning overtime fashion over Georgia. As you consider your sports betting on college football futures, take a look at some of the latest 2019 National Championship odds as well as some thoughts about the contenders.

2019 College Football National Championship Odds, Picks, Predictions

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Top Contender Odds

• Alabama                                                                     +175
• Clemson                                                                     +600
• Ohio State                                                                  +700
• Georgia                                                                      +750
• Michigan                                                                    +1600
• Wisconsin                                                                  +1800
• Washington                                                               +2200
• Oklahoma, Penn State, Auburn                              +2500
• Miami (FL)                                                                  +2800
• Michigan State                                                          +3300
• Notre Dame                                                                +4000
• Florida State, Texas                                                 +4500
• LSU, Stanford                                                            +5000
• USC                                                                            +5500
• Mississippi State                                                      +7500
• West Virginia, Texas A&M                                       +8000

Only one team has won back-to-back national championships since the BCS era, but that was Alabama in 2011 and 2012. Da’Ron Payne left, and the defensive line will need to fill in the gap he leaves, and the secondary will have four new starters. Isaiah Buggs and Raekwon Davis return at the defensive ends, and Mack Wilson, Dylan Moses and Anfernee Jennings key an elite linebacker unit. The offense could be even better than it has in recent years, if the showing that Tua Tagovailoa showed in the national championship game is any indication. He has a better arm than Jalen Hurts, as he showed when he came on in the second half. He has a terrific set of wideouts in DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, and tailbacks Damien Harris and Najee Harris will wreak havoc in opposing defenses. Clemson has run right with Alabama the last three years, although they have lost to the Crimson Tide in two of the last three College Football Playoffs. The Tigers have won at least 10 games each season since 2011, and they should do the same this year. Their defensive line features three starters — Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant and Christian Wilkins — who could have jumped to the NFL but decided to come back for one more season. Kendall Joseph leads the linebacking corps, with Tre Lamar, Jalen Williams, Shaq Smith and Isaiah Simmons all fast and hard hitters. Cornerback Trayvon Mullen leads a talented secondary. Trevor Lawrence, a five-star recruit, will push Kelly Bryant hard for the starting quarterback position, and tailbacks Tavien Feaster and Travis Etienne give this team multiple dimensions when they have the ball. Clemson does have to play at Texas A&M and Florida State, but the Tigers have what it takes to be in that national semifinal once again. Ohio State returns as the defending Big Ten champions after they knocked off undefeated Wisconsin in the national championship game. Dwayne Haskins will be the starting quarterback entering the fall, with Joe Burrow transferring out. Haskins has huge shoes to fill with the departure of J.T. Barrett, and while his arm might be better, he doesn’t have the running ability that Barrett had. J.K. Dobbins returns at tailback after picking up 1,403 yards on the ground as a freshman, and Mike Weber will take some carries as well. K.J. Hill, Parris Campbell and Binjimen Victor return at wide receiver, and all have the speed to torch opposing defenses. On the defensive side, Chase Young, Nick Bosa and Dre’Mont Jones anchor one of the best units in all of college football. The linebacking corps is a question after the Achilles injury to Tuf Borland, and while he is supposed to be back, the Buckeyes will play some young linebackers who will need to learn on the job. With road trips to Penn State and Michigan State, the Buckeyes have their work cut out for them, but they still look like the favorite in the Big Ten and have a great shot at a national semifinal.