Ohio State Big Ten Favorite With Howard at QB
NCAAF Big Ten Conference Odds Have Michigan Outside Top 3
Heisman Trophy Favorite Gabriel Leads Oregon into Big Ten
The 2023 college football season ended with a pair of teams now in the Big Ten playing for the national title. However, neither is in the top three of the NCAAF Big Ten Conference odds.
Reigning national champion Michigan received notice of the punishment for its various indiscretions, though it did not include a bowl ban. Thus, the Wolverines will chase a second consecutive national title alongside 2023 CFP finalist Washington, one of four former Pac-12 programs joining the Big Ten.
Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State are the Big Ten teams projected to have the best chance of winning the 2024 college football national championship.
Oregon and Ohio State are second and third behind Georgia in both the Associated Press and American Football Coaches Association preseason polls, with Penn State and Michigan also making it into the top 10 in both.
Three of the top 11 picks in April’s NFL Draft came from the Big Ten, with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh bolting to the NFL as well.
Ohio State is a +145 favorite to win the conference, followed by Oregon (+200), Penn State (+500), and Michigan (+700). The Buckeyes also have the second-best NCAA title odds, with Oregon (+650), Penn State (+2000), Michigan (+3000), and USC (+8000) next in line.
Ohio State Looks to Climb to the Top
The biggest question surrounding Ohio State — the favorite in the NCAAF Big Ten Conference odds — following last season was who would play quarterback. The answer is now clear: Kansas State transfer Will Howard.
Ohio State also added former Alabama safety Caleb Downs and Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins in the transfer portal, along with many others.
Downs and Judkins join cornerback Denzel Burke, receiver Emeka Egbuka, and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams on the Walter Camp preseason All-American team.
It’s hardly a surprise that the college football betting line has Ohio State as one of the national title front-runners.
Ohio State has officially named Will Howard as their starting QB, Ryan Day announced pic.twitter.com/LKI8swmx3z
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 15, 2024
Can The Ducks Make a Splash?
Dan Lanning knows what it’s like to be a part of a championship team thanks to his run as defensive coordinator at Georgia. He is now trying to do the same at Oregon, which has incredibly deep pockets thanks to Nike-founder Phil Knight.
With quarterback Bo Nix off to the NFL, there are holes to fill. Former Texas A&M receiver Evan Stewart is among the top incoming transfers along with quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has soared to the top of the Heisman Trophy odds.
Gabriel is also priced at +125 to lead the Big Ten in passing yards, with Evan Stewart and Tez Johnson among the top contenders to lead the conference in receiving yards.
Oregon will be at home against Ohio State on Oct. 12 with the Ducks currently a 1-point favorite in one of more anticipated college football results this season. The Ducks do head to Ann Arbor to face Michigan on Nov. 2. There is no matchup with Penn State.
More love for 8️⃣ @_dillongabriel_ 🤝 @daveyobrien #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/KsfpoSCiir
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) August 14, 2024
Nittany Lions Looking to Roar
Penn State could be the big winner in the revamped Big Ten. In recent years, the top three Big Ten teams were in the East Division. Penn State generally ranked third behind Michigan and Ohio State.
The two-division format is gone; now, the best two teams meet in the Big Ten title game.
Drew Allar is as talented as any Big Ten quarterback. Will Penn State allow him to air it out?
Will the Sequel Top the Original?
Michigan’s offense will look much different without J.J. McCarthy at quarterback and Blake Corum at running back. Running back Donovan Edwards is just one of the key returnees for Michigan. Overlook the Wolverines in the NCAAF Big Ten Conference odds at your own peril.
The Wolverines will be among the most physical teams in the country again. A Sept. 7 matchup with Texas will attract plenty of attention. The NCAA football lines have Texas as a 3.5-point favorite. Winning at Ohio State is never easy.
Michigan has +150 odds to be among the 12 teams in the expanded CFP.
USC and Iowa Among Other Contenders
Former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams leads the USC players heading to the NFL as the Trojans jump from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten. Miller Moss had a huge bowl game when Williams opted out and could put up big numbers as the full-time starter.
There is a bit of a gap in the 2024 Big Ten Conference championship odds from the top four teams to No. 5 favorite USC at +2000.
Iowa (+3500 to win the Big Ten) has a great defense but more questions than answers on offense. Perhaps a change at offensive coordinator will help.
Washington defied the odds by playing for a national title in 2023. Can the Huskies do it again?
Even without quarterback Michael Penix Jr., three drafted receivers, and head coach Kalen DeBoer, who replaced Nick Saban at Alabama, some might still bet on Washington to win the Big Ten.
Can Anybody Else Join the Party?
Washington is joined at +5000 in the Big Ten title odds by Nebraska. Wisconsin and Maryland are both +6000.
Wisconsin could be worth a bet as Luke Fickell transitions the Badgers from a run-first offense to a more balanced approach.
If front-runners stumble, other teams could rise in the revamped 2024 Big Ten.
For NCAAF matchups, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
Can’t get enough? Here’s more!
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- 2024 NCAAF Cheat Sheet: Florida Gators Stats & Odds
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