Come January and the turn of the New Year, we normally see a few familiar faces contending for college football’s national title.
For example, there’s Alabama, Nick Saban, and his latest loaded recruiting class playing like a well-oiled machine. Then you have Georgia, Kirby Smart, and a new upper-echelon program that beat Saban’s crew for the title last year and seems to have staying power. You can’t forget those pesky Buckeyes in Columbus, who seem to be churning out top quarterbacks and receivers on the regular of late.
Yes, in the context of college football and its greatest trophy, the usual suspects don’t change much. But in a weird year like 2022, it seems like there are a few up-and-comers — such as in Southern California — who could make this conversation a bit more interesting this season.
Here’s a breakdown of the preseason National Championship favorites for the 2022 college football season. All odds and ends are courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook as of Week 0.
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8
Michigan Wolverines (+4000)
A year after winning the Big Ten for the first time in almost two decades, Jim Harbaugh’s crew is hungry for more. Though, it might be tough sledding to even get back to the Playoff this season.
7
Oklahoma Sooners (+3000)
Oklahoma’s got a fun squad with a talented young quarterback in Dillon Gabriel and will probably put up points in bunches. Similarly, a tough Big 12 probably throws a wrench into any national title plans.
6
Texas A&M Aggies (+2000)
Jimbo Fisher’s a good coach. Is he as good as his “friendly” peer Nick Saban? Is his Aggies roster even as good as Alabama’s? In a word: No.
Another fun team — this one built around defense — though!
5
USC Trojans (+2000)
Lincoln Riley brought over his former recruit Caleb Williams and a whole host of electric transfers led by star receiver Jordan Addison to Southern California. The Trojans might be back. Watch this space for the odds to improve as the year goes on.
4
Clemson Tigers (+1200)
Clemson and Dabo Swinney once again have a quality team and a potential Heisman sneaky pick at the helm. Led by a future Sunday stalwart in Bryan Bresee on defense, the Tigers could lay claim to another awesome January performance.
3
Ohio State Buckeyes (+320)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and C.J. Stroud are both in the conversation for best player in college football. As long as this dynamic duo is around, the Buckeyes are a surefire bet to at least push for the Playoff.
2
Georgia Bulldogs (+300)
The defending national champs, Georgia might not have as stacked of a squad that basically dominated the first few rounds of the 2022 NFL draft. But with All-SEC players like Jalen Carter Jr. and Brock Bowers — this team isn’t going anywhere.
1
Alabama Crimson Tide (+190)
Nick Saban. Bryce Young. Will Anderson. Jordan Battle. Henry To’o To’o. Eli Ricks. Jahmyr Gibbs. I’m basically naming off a roster of legends and college All-Stars. Alabama lost a painful Championship Game last winter. Look for them to ascend to the top of the mountain in redemption.
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