NCAAF · 2 months ago

The Top 10 College Football National Championship Dark Horses

John Canady

Host · Writer

10) USC Trojans
The USC Trojans have struggled in each of the last couple of seasons, but with Lincoln Riley leading the ship, it's only a matter of time before the Trojans get back in the mix. USC has the talent on offense and defense to compete in a loaded Big Ten conference this season. After adding playmakers on both sides of the ball to address glaring weaknesses from last season, the Trojans could finally put their struggles in the past and return to contention.

Odds to Win National Championship: +6500
1) Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss enters the 2025 season as arguably the best team flying under the radar. Despite losing starting quarterback Jaxson Dart to the NFL Draft, Lane Kiffin has put the Rebels in position to hit the ground running with a high-upside quarterback in Austin Simmons taking the reins. Not to mention the talent that Ole Miss added in both the transfer portal and recruiting class this offseason. The Rebels could be getting slept on, and it could work in their favor as the regular season unfolds.

Odds to Win National Championship: +4500

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2) Michigan Wolverines
In year one of the Sherrone Moore era, the Michigan Wolverines finished 8-5 after a bit of an up-and-down season. However, between the roster turnover and underwhelming play at quarterback, it's actually impressive that the Wolverines finished three games above the .500 mark. Now, heading into 2025, Michigan is set to unroll a dynamic offense, led by reigning No. 1 overall recruit and top quarterback Bryce Underwood. If the Wolverines' offense can match their dominant defensive play, Moore's squad could find themselves back on top sooner rather than later.

Odds to Win National Championship: +3300
3) South Carolina Gamecocks
The South Carolina Gamecocks came on strong down the stretch of last season, and after a dominant end to last season, Shane Beamer's squad found itself in the mix for one of the final spots in the College Football Playoffs. Obviously, the Gamecocks fell short of that goal. Still, heading into next season with Heisman candidate LaNorris Sellers under center, there's plenty to like about South Carolina's chances to potentially run the table. Not to mention, the team's defense has proven to be no joke, and with multiple returning players on that side of the ball, keep an eye on the Gamecocks.

Odds to Win National Championship: +7000
4) Miami Hurricanes
Miami missed out on the College Football Playoffs last season after faltering down the stretch, primarily due to the team's secondary's inept play. Between the need for defensive help and the departure of Cam Ward to the NFL Draft, the Hurricanes were forced to turn to the transfer portal this offseason. Landing several top players on both sides of the ball, headlined by the addition of star quarterback Carson Beck from Georgia, Miami has the talent on both sides of the ball to be in the mix when it's all said and done in 2025-26.

Odds to Win National Championship: +3500
5) Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee looked poised to finally get over the hump last season. Still, the Volunteers' inefficient play at quarterback and lack of execution led to them being routed in the first round of the College Football Playoffs by the eventual National Champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Heading into the offseason, the Vols were forced to deal with roster turnover, which included the late departure of quarterback Nico Iamaleava from the program. Despite that, Josh Heupel managed to act quickly and found a quarterback in Joey Aguilar, whom he feels can execute the offense, giving his squad a chance to contend again this season. Considering the talent on defense, if the offense improves, Tennessee could be a team to watch.

Odds to Win National Championship: +7500
6) Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma disappointed last season, there's no doubt about it, but that disappointment was primarily linked to the lackluster play at quarterback. Brent Venables made it a point of emphasis to avoid a repeat disaster this season, which led him to open the checkbook to land one of the top available quarterbacks in the transfer portal, snagging John Mateer to lead the Sooners into battle next season. There's a real chance that Oklahoma will be back on the rise this season and could be in the mix down the stretch.

Odds to Win National Championship: +4000
7) Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech is a program on the rise, which was before the Red Raiders opened up the checkbook this offseason to land several top talents in the transfer portal. Joey McGuire is devoted to building a contending program with the offseason additions to the program. This season could be the year they break through to contend. That said, keep an eye on Texas Tech heading into next season.

Odds to Win National Championship: +10000
8) Baylor Bears
Baylor has everything it needs to be a top team in not only the Big 12 next season, but the entire nation. The Bears have a reliable quarterback in Sawyer Robertson, explosive weapons on offense, and the coaching to stay in any matchup. It won’t be shocking to see Baylor making a case to be in the postseason conversation this season.

Odds to Win National Championship: +20000
9) Florida Gators
It's easy to understand the hype surrounding the Florida Gators as they head into the season. The upside with DJ Lagway as the full-time starter, mixed with the offseason additions by Billy Napier and his staff, makes it seem like a realistic possibility that the Gators could be in the conversation down the stretch of the season. If Florida can put it all together offensively and defensively, they will undoubtedly be a team to watch.

Odds to Win National Championship: +3300
10) USC Trojans
The USC Trojans have struggled in each of the last couple of seasons, but with Lincoln Riley leading the ship, it's only a matter of time before the Trojans get back in the mix. USC has the talent on offense and defense to compete in a loaded Big Ten conference this season. After adding playmakers on both sides of the ball to address glaring weaknesses from last season, the Trojans could finally put their struggles in the past and return to contention.

Odds to Win National Championship: +6500
1) Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss enters the 2025 season as arguably the best team flying under the radar. Despite losing starting quarterback Jaxson Dart to the NFL Draft, Lane Kiffin has put the Rebels in position to hit the ground running with a high-upside quarterback in Austin Simmons taking the reins. Not to mention the talent that Ole Miss added in both the transfer portal and recruiting class this offseason. The Rebels could be getting slept on, and it could work in their favor as the regular season unfolds.

Odds to Win National Championship: +4500

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The Top 10 College Football National Championship Dark Horses

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