LSU Tops Odds to Miss 2026-27 College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff will field 12 teams in the 2026-27 season despite talks of expansion to 16 or 24 teams. LSU opened as the favorite at -190 odds to miss the field in Lane Kiffin's first year with the program. Alabama follows closely at -185 under Kalen DeBoer in his third season.
The "To Miss the College Football Playoff" market at FanDuel Sportsbook, as of May 6, lists additional favorites: USC at -360, Michigan at -350, Oklahoma at -300 and Ole Miss at -220. Texas A&M sits at -160. Alabama must replace Ty Simpson, who entered the NFL, and improve a rushing attack that ranked 126th in yards per carry last season. Michigan returns quarterback Bryce Underwood under a new coaching staff that includes offensive coordinator Jason Becht.
Oddsmakers project Big Ten strength, with Indiana, Ohio State and Oregon holding plus-money odds to miss the playoff. Indiana reloaded via the transfer portal with former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover replacing Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza after its national championship. Ohio State returns quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith; Oregon brings back quarterback Dante Moore.
Notre Dame carries the shortest odds to reach the playoff at +470 to miss. The Fighting Irish return Heisman Trophy favorite CJ Carr, four offensive line starters and a defense projected among the nation's best despite losing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the NFL.
Full FanDuel odds to miss the 2026-27 CFP: USC -360, Michigan -350, Oklahoma -300, Ole Miss -220, LSU -190, Alabama -185, Texas A&M -160, Texas Tech +130, Texas +150, Georgia +180, Ohio State +200, Oregon +220, Miami (FL) +230, Indiana +260, Notre Dame +470.
