The college football season is still a month away, but sportsbooks have already released College Football Playoff odds for the 2023-24 season. While perennial contenders like Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, and Michigan are attracting plenty of betting action, one team is seeing some major money despite being lower on the odds board – Notre Dame.
College Football Playoff Odds 2023-24
| Team | Opening Odds |
|---|---|
| Georgia | -250 |
| Michigan | 100 |
| Ohio State | 115 |
| Alabama | 150 |
| USC | 225 |
| Clemson | 300 |
| Florida State | 300 |
| Texas | 325 |
| LSU | 400 |
| Penn State | 450 |
| Oklahoma | 600 |
| Oregon | 650 |
| Washington | 650 |
| Notre Dame | 750 |
| Wisconsin | 1000 |
| Utah | 1000 |
| Tennessee | 1400 |
| Texas A&M | 1600 |
| North Carolina | 2000 |
| Oregon State | 2000 |
| Kansas State | 2000 |
| UCLA | 3000 |
| Iowa | 3000 |
| Texas Tech | 3500 |
| Ole Miss | 3500 |
| Baylor | 3500 |
| TCU | 4000 |
| Miami (FL) | 4000 |
| Louisville | 5000 |
| South Carolina | 5000 |
| Tulane | 5000 |
| Auburn | 6600 |
| Arkansas | 6600 |
| Mississippi State | 8000 |
| NC State | 8000 |
| Minnesota | 10000 |
| Maryland | 10000 |
| Central Florida | 10000 |
| Pittsburgh | 15000 |
| Colorado | 15000 |
Odds via BetMGM as of July 26.
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Notre Dame’s Outsized Share of Betting Handle
The defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs unsurprisingly have the best odds to make the playoff at -250, according to BetMGM. Michigan (+100), Ohio State (+115), and Alabama (+150) round out the top four favorites, implying those teams will grab the four coveted playoff spots.
But bettors are taking a chance on Notre Dame at +750, and the Fighting Irish have accounted for just 6.3% of bets but a whopping 74.6% of the handle (amount wagered). This indicates some large wagers backing Notre Dame to make the playoff. For comparison, 14.6% of bets (the highest percent of tickets) have been on USC but only 5.6% of the handle.
Four-Team Playoff in Final Year
Part of what makes this betting market interesting is that this is the last season of the four-team playoff before expanding to 12 teams in 2024-25. Notre Dame has made the playoff twice before – in 2018 and 2020. But with four spots up for grabs, the Irish will likely need an undefeated or one-loss season to make it again.
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Bouncing Back in 2021
Last season started poorly for Notre Dame with an 0-2 record, including a home upset loss to Marshall. But the Irish rallied to finish 9-4, beating #13 Clemson at home in November and topping #23 South Carolina 45-38 in the Gator Bowl. If you recall, superstar Notre Dame RB Audric Estime — who will return this season — was our Best College Football Prop Bet for that high-scoring game.
Stocked for 2022
Notre Dame brings back what many consider to be a potential top-10 defense with eight returning starters, including star linebacker JD Bertrand. Also, the Irish will welcome former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman to their roster, giving them upside at the position.
Sam Hartman vs Clemson
• 20-29
• 69.0%
• 6 Passing TDsStarting QB for Notre Dame this upcoming season pic.twitter.com/qDr4WoYZSq
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) July 21, 2023
Manageable Schedule
The Irish schedule sets up well to make a playoff push. They host intriguing matchups against Ohio State and USC, while their toughest road test comes at Clemson on November 4. Going undefeated will be difficult, but even one loss could keep Notre Dame in the playoff mix given their strength of schedule.
Bettors All-In on Irish?
Betting trends and Notre Dame’s roster strength suggest the Irish could make noise this season. That’s why bettors are willing to put big money on Notre Dame making the playoff despite its 14th-best odds. The Irish will need to navigate a tough schedule, but their playoff upside is keeping bettors hopeful.