NCAAF · 1 hour ago

Ranking the Top 5 Contenders for the 2026-27 National Championship

Grant White

Host · Writer

5. Arizona Wildcats
2026-27 National Championship Odds: +22500

We're not starting any football season without a true underdog pick in our National Championship portfolio. Enter, the Arizona Wildcats. In case you missed it over the past few seasons, the Big 12 is a carousel of top teams. With the new playoff format awarding a spot to each Power Four champ, the Wildcats can secure a playoff berth with a conference championship. Noah Fifita has committed to playing out his senior year with Arizona. If he lives up to his potential, we could see the Wildcats as the biggest movers up the futures board next season. We're twirling the baton at the front of that parade, betting on the Arizona Wildcats to do big things in 2026-27.

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1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2026-27 National Championship Odds: +650

"There's always next year," must be the refrain running through Marcus Freeman's head. Arguably the biggest snub from this year's College Football Playoff, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will have no problem running it back next season. The Independents finished in the top 16 in total offense and defense, while facing a daunting schedule from start to finish. Undoubtedly, they are losing a few pieces this offseason. Still, with CJ Carr back under center and a loaded defense, the Fighting Irish are the deserving co-favorites in the 2026-27 National Championship race.

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2. Ohio State Buckeyes
2026-27 National Championship Odds: +650

Not surprisingly, the Ohio State Buckeyes are cozied up next to Notre Dame atop the futures board. The once-removed National Champions are running it back with one of the most imposing offensive units in the country. Former Heisman Trophy frontrunner Jeremiah Smith will be back for his junior campaign, building on this year's chemistry with quarterback Julian Sayin. With Bo Jackson operating out of the backfield and Riley Pettijohn anchoring the defense, there's an argument to be made that the Buckeyes should be priced higher than they are.
3. Texas Longhorns
2026-27 National Championship Odds: +750

This was supposed to be Arch Manning's year. At the start of the season, the Hall of Fame progeny was a top Heisman Trophy candidate and was expected to help the Texas Longhorns build on last season's success. Things didn't go to plan, but the Longhorns were still a playoff-caliber team. With a full year of experience under his belt, we're predicting that Manning lives up to the hype in 2026-27. More importantly, we're betting he brings the entire program with him as he ascends the college football ranks.
4. Oregon Ducks
2026-27 National Championship Odds: +900

Always the bridesmaid, the Oregon Ducks are perpetually inching closer to their first National Championship in school history. They were bested by the eventual champions this season, but the Ducks are running out of space on their mantle for third-place trophies. Thankfully, the outlook heading into the 2026-27 is promising. Barring any unforeseen moves in the transfer portal, Oregon is returning most of its core players for next season. This could finally be the Ducks' year.
5. Arizona Wildcats
2026-27 National Championship Odds: +22500

We're not starting any football season without a true underdog pick in our National Championship portfolio. Enter, the Arizona Wildcats. In case you missed it over the past few seasons, the Big 12 is a carousel of top teams. With the new playoff format awarding a spot to each Power Four champ, the Wildcats can secure a playoff berth with a conference championship. Noah Fifita has committed to playing out his senior year with Arizona. If he lives up to his potential, we could see the Wildcats as the biggest movers up the futures board next season. We're twirling the baton at the front of that parade, betting on the Arizona Wildcats to do big things in 2026-27.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2026-27 National Championship Odds: +650

"There's always next year," must be the refrain running through Marcus Freeman's head. Arguably the biggest snub from this year's College Football Playoff, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will have no problem running it back next season. The Independents finished in the top 16 in total offense and defense, while facing a daunting schedule from start to finish. Undoubtedly, they are losing a few pieces this offseason. Still, with CJ Carr back under center and a loaded defense, the Fighting Irish are the deserving co-favorites in the 2026-27 National Championship race.

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