The Alabama Crimson Tide finished the 2017 season atop the college football power rankings after celebrating yet another national championship win. It’s no surprise that 2018 is expected to look a lot like this past season with a number of the top contenders from this past year expected to be back in the mix next year. Here is a look at the favorites to win a national championship in 2019.
Favorites
Alabama Crimson Tide
Odds To Win A National Championship: +250
The Tide has been a contender every single year under Nick Saban. That won’t change next season. The defending national champions will once again be absolutely loaded on both sides of the football. Alabama’s defense has enough talent to be one of the best in the country. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts or Tua Tagovailoa will provide stability on offense. Nobody will be surprised if the Crimson Tide wins it all again a year from now.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Odds To Win A National Championship: +700
Ohio State has won at least 11 games in every season since Urban Meyer arrived as head coach. The Big Ten East should be loaded next year, but the Buckeyes have the talent to contend once again. Meyer will need to replace J.T. Barrett at quarterback. If they find a capable option at the position, Ohio State will contend for a national championship next season.
Clemson Tigers
Odds To Win A National Championship: +800
The Tigers were a major letdown in this year’s college football playoff. That doesn’t mean Clemson won’t be back in the mix again next season. Kelly Bryant will improve at quarterback. Brent Venables will be back and so will a loaded Tigers defense. Clemson should be and will be the national title favorite in the ACC looking forward to next season.
In The Mix
Georgia Bulldogs
Odds To Win A National Championship: +1000
The Bulldogs very nearly won a national championship this season. After an impressive year that included upsetting the eventual national champion Alabama, Georgia will have plenty of talented pieces back next season. The Bulldogs are loaded on offense and while there are question marks on the defensive side of the football the reality is that the SEC East projects to be fairly soft once again. Georgia will contend.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Odds To Win A National Championship: +1400
James Franklin has led Penn State to back-to-back 11-win seasons. It’s impossible to overlook the Nittany Lions any longer. Penn State will miss running back Saquon Barkley. However, quarterback Trace McSorley is a potential Heisman candidate and he will be surrounded with capable weapons next season. Penn State will be in the mix right next to Ohio State in the Big Ten.
Sleepers
Michigan Wolverines
Odds To Win A National Championship: +1600
Speaking of the Big Ten, the Wolverines are due for a national championship run. Jim Harbaugh could end up with the best quarterback in the Big Ten is Shea Patterson is available. The Wolverines have consistently underachieved under head coach Jim Harbaugh. It’s about time they took a step forward in the Big Ten.
Auburn Tigers
Odds To Win A National Championship: +2500
Auburn will need to find a running back after losing Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway. That said, the Tigers should return a considerable amount of talent. Gus Malzahn will get his quarterback Jarret Stidham back for another year as well. Auburn could be a dark horse team to watch in the SEC.
Florida State Seminoles
Odds To Win A National Championship: +2800
Florida State was considered a national title contender before their season was turned upside down when Deondre Francois was injured in a season-opening loss to Alabama. However, Francois will be back in the fold for the Seminoles next year with a talented supporting cast. The loss of Jimbo Fisher hurts, but Florida State will be loaded with talent and will have something to prove following this year’s disappointment. They might not be a favorite, but the Seminoles could be a sleeper pick to contend for a national championship next season.
Click here to bet on the college football futures at DSI right now. As we move through the offseason, the odds to win the 2019 National Championship will change, so keep an eye on the lines!
