2023-24 College Football Playoff Odds and Predictions

As anticipation grows for the 2023-24 College Football season, it is time to start thinking about the College Football Playoff odds at the best college football betting sites. For the last time ever, there will only be four teams in the College Football Playoff.

Next season, the 12-team College Football Playoff will debut. Before getting ahead of ourselves, we are handicapping and assessing the latest 2023-24 College Football Playoff odds to qualify for the semifinals on New Year’s Day.

On January 1, 2024, the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl will host the semifinal games of the College Football Playoffs. A week later, on January 8, the winners of the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl will clash in the CFP National Championship in Houston at NRG Stadium.

Let’s dive deep into the NCAAF CFP odds and make our predictions for the four-team field.

2023-24 College Football Playoff Odds

The following College Football Playoff odds are courtesy of BetUS:

According to the 2023-24 College Football Playoff odds at football betting sites.

Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and Alabama will go to the CFP in January. Those are the safest picks on the board, but expect a bit of chaos.

Ohio State has the second-best odds to make the CFP at -125, followed by rival Michigan at +105. After Alabama at +135, there are a slew of six squads ranging from +275 to +325 odds at BetUS.

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2023-24 College Football Playoff Predictions

Who do you have in the top four for the College Football Playoff? Our CFP predictions are slightly against the public grain, with a couple of controversial selections. Let’s shake things up in a season sure to have several twists and turns.

#4 Texas Longhorns (+325)

This CFP pick is sure to stir up plenty of debate. Texas has to contend with Alabama in Week 2, and have been known to choke in big spots.

The Longhorns haven’t been on top of college football since Vince Young orchestrated a national championship drive over USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl. Young’s scramble to the pylon is one of the most memorable moments in college football.

Texas had a moment with Colt McCoy at the helm, but regressed significantly following his departure in 2010. Meaning, it has been over ten years since Texas has been a serious football school.

In 2023, anything less than a Big 12 Championship and trip to the College Football Playoff is a disappointment. Heading into his second season as the starter in Austin, all eyes are on quarterback Quinn Ewers. Currently, he has the fifth-best odds to win the Heisman Trophy at +1200.

Ewers Must Have Elite Campaign

Ewers was the highest-rated college football player in two decades coming out of high school. When he committed to Ohio State, Ewers had a perfect composite rating of 1.000. That is just above Trevor Lawrence’s 0.9999 rating out of high school¹.

After transferring to Texas, Ewers had ups and downs in his first season. He finished with 2,177 yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions on 58.1 percent completions². Despite not playing elite football, he showed enough flashes of brilliance to expect more out of him in 2023.

Ewers left early with a sprained clavicle in the first leg of the home-and-home series against Alabama. Before the injury happened, Ewers was playing quality football. There were openings for him to make plays, and he was fitting the ball into tight windows for 134 yards on 9-12 passing in less than a quarter.

Even though with Ewers’ backup, Hudson Card, playing the majority of the game, Alabama needed a last-second field goal for a 20-19 win. If Texas holds on, their 2022 campaign might have played out much differently.

The Longhorns should have a Top 3 wide receiver class in 2023. After suffering an ACL injury last year, look for Isaiah Neyor to breakout for the Longhorns. He should provide Texas with a lot of flexibility alongside Jordan Whittingham, Xavier Worthy, and former Georgia Bulldog AD Mitchell.

Ewers has no excuses. Nevertheless, with experience and depth offensively, we see Ewers firing out of the gates and showing significant improvement from last season.

Quinn Ewers Breakout SZN?🤘

(📸 @Big12Conference) pic.twitter.com/7PQxfBzcDh

— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 15, 2023

Best Defense In The Big 12?

In 2022, Texas ranked No. 54 in total defense. With additions in the transfer portal, the Longhorns should be a No. 1 or No. 2 unit in the Big 12. On paper, this is the best defense that Texas has had at their disposal in years.

In addition to nabbing former Arkansas safety Jalen Catalon and Wake Forest cornerback Gavin Holmes, defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat is returning to Austin after debating entering the 2023 NFL Draft. Sweat’s presence should anchor a well-balanced defense this season.

At linebacker, the Longhorns have an elite presence in Jaylan Ford. After breaking out last year, Ford is ready to take another leap in 2023. If a strong pass rusher off the edge can develop for Texas, they will be the best defense in the Big 12.

Believe in yourself.

Believe in your teammates.

Believe 🤘

🎙️ @TheSamAcho pic.twitter.com/aktxbXZ3Nc

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) August 12, 2023

Texas Football 2023 Season Prediction

Pundits aren’t giving Texas much of a chance at Alabama in Week 2. While Alabama will likely be fine this season, they have quarterback issues to work out early in the year.

Bryce Young left for the NFL, and Notre Dame transfer QB Tyler Buchner doesn’t inspire much confidence. Nick Saban has not announced a starter, with Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Buchner battling it out for the QB1 job. None of these options are a suitable replacement for Young.

Going on the road to Tuscaloosa will be tough, but the Crimson Tide are unlikely to be running on full cylinders offensively this year. Texas can hang around, and as long as they keep it competitive, they’re going to earn points in the eyes of the CFP committee.

The Big 12 schedule isn’t daunting, as Oklahoma is still a year or two off from getting back to form. Kansas State might be their toughest assignment in conference play.

If Texas is competitive in Week 2 and controls the Big 12, they should be in the thick of the discussion. Head coach Steve Sarkisian needs it badly, or this could be his last year in Austin.

This is far from a lock scenario. However, there is some value on the Longhorns to make the College Football Playoff at +325 odds. As one of the biggest moneymakers in college football, the CFP committee will fight tooth and nail to get them in if they’re on the bubble.

Ohio State is a realistic option for the final spot in the CFP, but Texas is the better value play at +325.

#3 Florida State Seminoles (+325)

Texas and Florida State might sound like longshots, but there might be just enough chaos to send them to the College Football Playoffs. With two +325 bets, you only need one for a nice return on your wager.

Penn State needs more respect than the national media is giving them. They could be worth a look at +300 odds. However, the CFP committee might find a way to keep them out. As far as Florida State is concerned, they have one of the easiest roads to the College Football Playoff.

Clemson and Florida State should both clear the rest of the conference in the ACC. There isn’t much competition otherwise.

The most concerning game for Florida State has to be their season opener against LSU. Currently, they are 2.5-point underdogs to the Tigers at BetUS. This matchup carries strong CFP implications.

Jordan Travis to Johnny Wilson will be unfair this season🫡

pic.twitter.com/ljlqI16qqF

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 9, 2023

Plethora of Talent Returning For Seminoles

Florida State is in a terrific position to light the scoreboard up in 2023. The ‘Noles are coming off a quality campaign, offensively. They finished tenth in the nation, with 484.2 yards per game. Additionally, Florida State scored 36.1 points per game for 16th in college football³.

Now, Florida State returns eight starters and plenty of firepower. Jordan Travis returns to Tallahassee following a stellar breakout campaign last season. The native of West Palm Beach passed for 3,214 yards, 24 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 64 percent passing.

Also, the sixth-year senior ran for 417 yards and seven touchdowns to lead Florida State to a 10-3 season. Travis will have a talented weapon in Johnny Wilson to connect with this season. The 6-foot-7 former Sun Devil stood out for the Seminoles, as he caught 43 passes, 897 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns⁴.

Running back Trey Benson should be in for a big season, as well. In his first season at FSU, Benson gained 990 yards and nine touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry⁵. Benson and Wilson should be tough for any defense in college football to contain.

On defense, Florida State is equipped with talent and depth, too. Four starters are back in the secondary, along with two starting linebackers.

Former Albany transfer Jared Verse came out of nowhere to be a major contributor on the edge for the Seminoles. Last year, he compiled 22 solo tackles, 25 assists, and nine sacks⁶.

Top 5 Edge Rushers in the 2024 NFL Draft⭐️

(Via: @ConnorJRogers) pic.twitter.com/UpTigi5t5y

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 9, 2023

LSU and Clemson Circled On The Calendar

The Seminoles play LSU and Clemson in two of their first four games. Heisman hopeful Jayden Daniels and the Tigers will be a tough opening test. If they get past here unscathed, Florida State’s CFP odds at the top sports betting sites will skyrocket.

Although, even if Florida State loses in Week 1, they’re not out of the playoff picture yet. By running the table in the ACC, Florida State will be in contention.

Clemson has the same odds to make the CFP at +325. Cade Klubnik is expected to have a fine campaign for the Tigers, though Travis should have a better season with the weapons surrounding him.

Depth and experience should put Florida State ahead of the Tigers in the ACC Atlantic. The ACC Coastal looks weak this season. So, whoever wins the ACC Atlantic will be heavily favored in the ACC Championship Game.

The only school in the state of Florida, the only ACC program and one of eight nationally with multiple players on this year’s Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List!

🔗: https://t.co/ELZhgsX5w8#NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/CuNqujEU4b

— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 11, 2023

Florida State Football 2023 Prediction

The Seminoles bring a wealth of talent to the table this season. As long as head coach Mike Norvell has this team prepared to play, the results should follow on the scoreboard. If not, Norvell will have a lot of questions to answer.

There is more than enough talent for Norvell to make this season work in 2023. Florida State is No. 8 in the preseason coach’s poll. We do not agree. They should be higher than No. 8.

With roughly 85% of the team returning from their 10-3 season in 2022, expect Florida State to be in contention. The ‘Noles might need some luck along the way, but at +325 odds, they are worth considering to make the CFP.

#2 Michigan Wolverines (+105)

Michigan is coming off a disappointing loss against the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff. As 7.5-point favorites, TCU throttled the Wolverines for 51 points in a 51-45 victory.

Michigan’s defense, which had been so dominant all season, was only getting off the field after giving up touchdowns. The loss represented their first defeat of the season.

The Wolverines rolled the Buckeyes at the Horseshoe in a shocking final score of 45-23. It was an even more impressive victory than Michigan’s win in 2021 at the Big House. Now, Michigan is back home for the 2023 showdown.

Penn State plays both Ohio State and Michigan before this important showdown. There is a viable chance that the Nittany Lions walk into Columbus and knock off the Buckeyes on October 21.

The same goes for Michigan a few weeks later. Michigan’s defense should match up better against Penn State than Ohio State. Nevertheless, it should be interesting between these three programs in the Big Ten East.

Donovan Edwards on he & Blake Corum being on the field at the same time: “You gotta pick and choose the matchup you wanna lose at.” 〽️ #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/RRTqWtZ8G6

— Michigan Football on UMGoBlue (@UMGoBlog) August 11, 2023

Blake Corum Back In Maize N Blue

The Wolverines received huge news this offseason courtesy of Blake Corum. The star running back bypassed the NFL for one more season after announcing his return to Ann Arbor.

Due to a knee injury suffered against Illinois, Corum was unable to play versus TCU in the College Football Playoffs last year. Corum played two snaps against Ohio State and then left the contest. He finished the year with 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns on 5.9 yards per carry⁷.

Corum returning to the backfield gives the Wolverines a terrific 1-2 combo with Donovan Edwards. Michigan’s No. 2 running back has the talent to take on a lead role in the backfield. He would be the starting running back on most teams in the Big Ten.

In 2022, Edwards churned up 991 yards and seven touchdowns on 7.1 yards per attempt⁸. Michigan has Corum, Edwards, and a beefy offensive line to pave holes on the ground. The Wolverines should put big points up on the board without having to pass against some opponents.

That being said, Michigan has an underrated passing game with J.J. McCarthy at the controls. The third-year QB passed for 2,719 yards, 22 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 64.6 percent completions. Also, he was underrated with his legs, having compiled 306 yards and five touchdowns on the ground⁹.

With a balanced offensive attack, the Wolverines will be in good shape. Head coach Jim Harbaugh (who could be suspended to start the season due to alleged violations over recruiting) has figured out what it takes to beat Ohio State’s defense. The onus is on Buckeyes’ counterpart Ryan Day to make adjustments.

Top 3 Defense

Overall, Michigan finished sixth in total defense. They allowed 292.1 yards per game and could improve on that mark this season. With Mason Graham and Kris Jenkins filling the interior, running backs will find it incredibly difficult to move the ball.

Graham and Jenkins showed flashes of greatness last season. Expect both defensive linemen to reach the next phase of their development. Linebacker Junior Colson should be present to fill gaps at the line, too. Colson is also dependable in pass coverage.

The secondary doesn’t have any visible concerns. There is starting experience and depth at cornerback and safety for the Wolverines. Expect Michigan’s No. 1 recruit from the 2022 class, cornerback Will Johnson, to have a big coming out party in 2023.

Watching @blake_corum and @jjmccarthy09 👀

They’re on the Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List for the best player in the nation.#GoBlue | https://t.co/PaeCXeCT05 pic.twitter.com/7prb3sEqLo

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) August 11, 2023

Michigan Football 2023 Prediction

The Big Ten East might be the most competitive division in football. Three teams have a chance of going to the College Football Playoff. Penn State can’t be written off in the Big Ten race. They have a decent chance of stealing a spot in the CFP.

Michigan’s defense is likely the deciding factor in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes’ secondary should show improvement, but Michigan has a chance to be the best defense in the nation. As strong as the Michigan defenses have been in the Harbaugh era, this could be the most dangerous unit.

McCarthy isn’t regarded amongst the top quarterbacks in the country. However, he can be sneaky good, and Michigan doesn’t need him to be a Heisman caliber quarterback for the team to have lots of success.

#1 Georgia Bulldogs (-250)

The Georgia Bulldogs have the best odds to make the 2023-24 College Football Playoff at -250. They are the only team that we are comfortable laying juice on as one of the final four teams standing.

In fact, given their schedule, Georgia is underpriced at -250 odds. Georgia’s toughest game is at Tennessee on November 18. They should go untested before then.

Georgia opens the season against Tennessee-Martin, Ball State, South Carolina, UAB, and Auburn. Florida might catch the Bulldogs sleeping for a half in Jacksonville in late October. But the Bulldogs should ultimately run away with a win in that rivalry matchup.

Realistically, Georgia should have a perfect record going into Knoxville. They’re in a good position to run the conference going into the SEC Championship Game. Even if Georgia loses, it’s highly likely they’ve already booked their ticket to the College Football Playoff.

Brock Bowers has been named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award watch list. The award is presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding player.#GoDawgs | @brockbowers17 pic.twitter.com/GLM9w4rE4T

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 11, 2023

QB Battle To Replace Stetson Bennett

Similar to Alabama, Georgia has question marks at quarterback. Kirby Smart is working out three quarterbacks in camp: Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff, and Gunner Stockton. From rumblings in Athens, it doesn’t appear that any quarterback has separated themselves.

Nevertheless, Smart will have a long time to figure it out. Again, look at their schedule to open the season. Georgia could run the ball 95 percent of the game and go undefeated through October.

Georgia returns a strong offensive line, with four starters and multiple backups who could step in to contribute. Whoever wins the QB1 spot will have the luxury of throwing to elite tight end Brock Bowers.

Bowers can make plays and catch for any quarterback in the nation. In addition to Bowers, Ladd McConkey figures to be a major contributor. Newcomers Rara Thomas and Dominic Lovett should instantly find a role with the Bulldogs. The offense will be fine without Bennett under center.

Defense Leads To Offense

That is going to be the story of this season for Georgia. The Bulldogs will be in prime field position often because of the defense. There isn’t much firepower that they’ll have to contend with in the regular season.

Overall, in 2022, Georgia was tenth in college football with 296.8 yards allowed per game¹⁰. With this weak schedule, there is a good chance of the Bulldogs improving on that number. Additionally, there is a lot to like about the personnel on Georgia’s defense.

The Bulldogs are deep and experienced up front. Mykel Williams is a name that you will likely hear about in 2023. The 6-foot-5 edge rushing sophomore is likely to appear high on the list of several NFL scouts.

Zion Logue, Tramel Walthour, Warren Brinson, and Nazir Stackhouse will also contribute. On the back end in the secondary, most of Georgia’s secondary is intact. Javon Bullard is back after winning the CFP National Championship Defensive MVP award.

The #6 overall pick in the NFL Draft versus true freshman Mykel Williams pic.twitter.com/5Zff1R77Bo

— Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) April 28, 2023

Georgia Football 2023 Prediction

The Bulldogs catch a huge break with their schedule. Unlike Alabama, who has Texas in Week 2, the Bulldogs have no competition or marquee matchup. Alabama doesn’t have as much time to settle on a starting quarterback.

By the time Georgia’s schedule heats up, the quarterback battle should be shored up. With an array of potent offensive weapons, there will be a quarterback who emerges out of the group. We are not concerned with the Georgia offense, especially with their offensive line.

Other teams have to go through a gauntlet to get to the College Football Playoff. Georgia should put things on cruise control until late in the season. As long as Smart has this team focused and not overlooking inferior opponents, the Bulldogs are expected to be perfect going into the SEC Championship Game.

-250 is a pricey bet, but Georgia’s true CFP odds are closer to -325 to -350. If you don’t care for our longshot bets with Texas and Florida State, play it safer with the Bulldogs to at least finish fourth.