The 2024 college football season is fast approaching and will be almost unrecognizable when it returns to the field.
New coaches, teams in new conferences, and now a 12-year college football playoff tournament to determine a National Champion.
So who are some of the favorites to take home the new look 12-team event?
Can Georgia make it back and win another National Championship in college football?
The Bulldogs are +320 to win their third title in four years, making them the favorite to win the National Championship, according to most New Jersey sports books including Draft Kings where you can get a 25% profit boost on any college football futures bet.
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs should be right back at the top this season with quarterback Carson Beck Beck leading the offense that added former Florida Gator running back Trevor Etienne, and an elite-level defense that features first-team All-American Malaki Starks and linebacker Mykel Williams.
That makes them the team with the shortest odds this season.
Who might be the biggest challenge to Georgia? The odds say it’s Ohio State, who are +400 at DraftKings sportsbook.
The Buckeye are loaded on offense with former Kansas State QB Will Howard, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running backs Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson. The Ohio State defense is also very deep, especially up front with JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Tyleik Williams.
Dark Horses: Texas and Oregon’s Path to the Championship
After those two, there is some more value, let’s take a look at some strong value plays.
Now a part of the SEC, Texas has odds of +750 to capture this year’s National Championship.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s team returns an experienced offensive line to protect junior quarterback Quinn Ewers along with a pair of talented running backs, sophomore CJ Baxter and junior Jaydon Blue. The Longhorns were also active in the transfer portal, adding a plethora of weapons including Silas Bolden (Oregon State), Matthew Golden (Houston), Isaiah Bond and Amari Niblack (Alabama).
The Longhorns fell against Washington, 37-31 in the National semi-finals last season, and will look to advance further in 2024.
Oregon, no longer in the PAC-12, is a member of the Big 10 and has odds of +850 to win the National Championship this season.
A solid offensive line will protect former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who replaces first-round pick Bo Nix under center for Dan Lanning’s offense. Back this year for the Ducks are single-season receptions leader Tez Johnson, along with Traeshon Holden, Gary Bryant Jr., and transfer former Texas A&M wideout Evan Stewart.
On defense, Defensive end Jordan Burch is the best of a really solid bunch that wads among the best in NCAA last year. Linebackers Jestin Jacobs and Jeffrey Bassa return for the Ducks along with Jahlil Florence and Nikko Reed in the secondary, plus Washington transfer Jabbar Muhammad and Kam Alexander from UTSA.
Betting Insights: Where to Find the Best Value Plays
Rounding out the Top 4 is Alabama (+1400) who has a new coach in former Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer, who replaces the legendary Nick Saban who retired.
The Crimson Tide returns Jalen Milroe at quarterback and sophomore Justice Haynes at wide receiver and keep and eye on Washington transfer Germie Bernard.
As always Alabama lost a ton of talent to the NFL but do return defensive lineman Tim Keenan III, linebackers Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell and safety Malachi Moore to what should be a very different Crimson Tide defense than we are used to seeing under Saban.
Odds and Top 12 Teams to Watch in the 2024 College Football Playoff
With 12 teams making the playoffs this year, let’s look at the Top 12 teams from DraftKings sportsbook.
Georgia +320
Ohio State +400
Texas +750
Oregon +850
Ole Miss +1500
LSU + 1600
Florida State +2200
Penn State +2200
Notre Dame +2500
Michigan +2500
Missouri +3000
Tennessee +3500
Value play: I like the value of Texas at +750 with a solid core of returning players and the possibility of Arch Manning getting an opportunity to supplant Ewers.
The Pick and Our Predictions
If you want a decent return, take the favorite here, Georgia at +320. They have plenty of firepower returning and after a disappointing ayoff loss, seemed posted to return to the top of the college football food chain.
Betting Summary for 2024 College Football Season
- Key Favorites: Georgia Bulldogs (+320) are the favorites to win their third title in four years. Ohio State Buckeyes (+400) are seen as the primary challengers with a strong offense and defense.
- Betting Tips: Georgia at +320 is a solid pick due to their returning firepower and strong performance history. Texas at +750 provides good value with a solid core of returning players and potential quarterback Arch Manning.
- Best Bookie to Bet on the 2024 College Football Season: Borgata sportsbook is highlighted for offering a 25% profit boost on any college football futures bet.
Can you bet on NJ college football teams in NJ?
In New Jersey, there are specific regulations regarding betting on college sports. According to New Jersey state law, betting on college teams based in New Jersey or on any collegiate events taking place within the state is prohibited. This means that you cannot place bets on New Jersey college teams or any college sporting events happening in New Jersey through state-regulated sportsbooks.
For example, if Rutgers University, a New Jersey-based college team, is playing, you cannot place a wager on their games via New Jersey sportsbook apps, like bet365 NJ and Betrivers. This rule is intended to protect the integrity of college sports within the state.
However, you can still bet on college football games involving teams from other states through New Jersey sportsbooks like DraftKings NJ, as long as these games do not take place in New Jersey.
