2026 National Championship Odds: Indiana Early Favorites to Defend Title, Ohio State & Texas in Mix
The Indiana Hoosiers ran the table in 2025, winning the National Title on Monday night. Now the question that everyone wants to know, can Curt Cignetti and co. repeat as champions without Fernando Mendoza? Peter Alexis takes a look at the 2026 National Championship odds after Indiana's victory over Miami.
Peter Alexis - January 20, 2026, 3:50 AM EST
5 Minute Read2026 National Championship Odds: Can Josh Hoover Replicate Indiana's Magic When He Replaces Fernando Mendoza Next Year?
Indiana enters the 2026 season in a position the program has never experienced before. The Hoosiers just completed a perfect 16-0 run and captured the national championship behind Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, who delivered one of the most impressive single‑season performances in recent memory. Their 27-21 win over Miami sealed a historic year that transformed Indiana from an overlooked Big Ten program into the sport’s newest powerhouse. Mendoza’s rise from unlisted preseason Heisman longshot to national champion became the defining story of the season.
With Mendoza now heading to the NFL as the projected number one pick, Indiana begins its title defense with a new quarterback and a new set of expectations. The Hoosiers sit at the top of the early odds board, but several blue bloods are right behind them, each returning enough talent to make a legitimate run at the 2026 National Championship. The field is deep, the quarterback play is elite, and the race to replace Indiana at the top begins immediately.
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2026 National Championship Odds
2026 National Championship Odds Breakdown
Indiana Hoosiers (+700) Check out the best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook
Indiana begins its title defense with a new quarterback, as Josh Hoover transfers in from TCU to replace Mendoza. The Hoosiers return a strong core from the championship roster and remain in Curt Cignetti’s proven system, which turned Mendoza from an unranked preseason Heisman name into a national champion.
Hoover will not be asked to replicate Mendoza’s magic, but if he provides steady play and the defense stays elite, Indiana has every reason to believe it can make another deep run.
Ohio State Buckeyes (+700) Check out the best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook
Ohio State fell short of its championship goals, but the Buckeyes return one of the most explosive offensive duos in the country. Quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith were both Heisman contenders late in the season, and their chemistry should only improve.
The defense was one of the best units in the nation and will again be the backbone of the team. If the offense takes even a small step forward, Ohio State will be right back in the playoff mix.
Texas Longhorns (+750) Check out the best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook
Texas enters 2026 hoping to finally see a full season of realized potential from Arch Manning, who returns for his senior year after an uneven junior campaign. The Longhorns struggled in the middle of the season but finished strong, giving the program optimism that a breakthrough is coming.
With Manning’s talent and a roster loaded with experience, Texas has the pieces to make a serious push if it can avoid the midseason lapses that derailed last year.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+850) Check out the best odds on Caesars Sportsbook
Notre Dame was one of the biggest snubs of the playoff field, but the Irish return a rising star in quarterback CJ Carr. He enters his sophomore season with momentum and a top recruiting class behind him, even with the loss of running back Jeremiyah Love.
Marcus Freeman has built a roster capable of competing with anyone, and if Carr takes the expected leap, Notre Dame will be a major threat to break through in 2026.
Oregon Ducks (+900) Check out the best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook
Oregon gets a massive boost with Dante Moore returning for another season after deciding not to enter the NFL Draft. The Ducks were overwhelmed by Indiana in the semifinal, but the roster remains strong and Dan Lanning has consistently fielded playoff caliber teams.
Moore’s decision gives Oregon stability at quarterback and a chance to correct the mistakes that cost them late in the year.
Georgia Bulldogs (+1100) Check out the best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook
Georgia aims to rebound from a disappointing playoff loss to Ole Miss. Quarterback Gunnar Stockton returns, but the rest of the roster is in flux with transfers and NFL departures creating uncertainty.
Even so, Georgia’s talent pipeline remains one of the deepest in the country. If the Bulldogs can retool quickly, they will once again be a factor in the national title race.
LSU Tigers (+1400) Check out the best odds on FanDuel Sportsbook
LSU is the most intriguing team in the top group. The Tigers landed quarterback Sam Leavitt from Arizona State and made the headline grabbing move to bring in Lane Kiffin as head coach.
Expectations in Baton Rouge are sky high, and LSU will be one of the most watched teams in the country next season. If Kiffin’s offense clicks early and Leavitt adapts quickly, LSU has the upside to outperform its odds and crash the playoff picture.
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