College football national championship odds got whittled down significantly Sunday, when the final College Football Playoff ranks came out. The field is down to four teams with hopes of hoisting the trophy on Jan. 10 at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium.
Alabama was the preseason favorite to win a second straight national title at TwinSpires Sportsbook, and the Crimson Tide are atop the college football futures market heading into the CFP semifinals.
TwinSpires trading analyst Zachary Lucas helps Props.com dive into College Football Playoff national championship odds and current action.
2021-22 College Football National Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
| Alabama | +110 |
| Georgia | +125 |
| Michigan | +600 |
| Cincinnati | +1,800 |
CFP Championship Odds: How They Got Here
Prior to this season, Alabama was the +260 chalk to repeat as champion, while Georgia was at +575. Now, the SEC rivals are neck and neck, with the Crimson Tide a +110 favorite and the Bulldogs right on their heels at +125 in TwinSpires’ college football championship odds market.
The two teams traded places during the season. After Alabama’s loss at Texas A&M in early October, the Crimson Tide slipped from +160 to +225, while Georgia took the favorite’s role at +125.
Then Alabama trucked Georgia 41-24 as a 6-point underdog in the SEC championship game. So the Crimson Tide ascended to the favorite and Georgia dipped to second. And bettors have been on ‘Bama throughout.
“Alabama is the most-bet-on team to win it,” Lucas said, noting Alabama is No. 1 in ticket count and money, even at the short price all season. “We’re a loser to Alabama and Cincy. Georgia is our best outcome.”
Cincinnati and Michigan were both preseason long shots, with the Bearcats +9,600 and the Wolverines +8,800. By midseason, Cincinnati moved to +2,700 after a high-profile victory at Notre Dame, while Michigan was +3,500. Now, Michigan is the +600 third choice, while Cincy is the long shot at +1,800.
Georgia is second in tickets at TwinSpires, followed by Cincinnati and Michigan. After Alabama, the Bearcats are No. 2 in money, then Georgia and Michigan.
No. 1 Alabama faces No. 4 Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl, while No. 2 Michigan battles No. 3 Georgia in the Orange Bowl. Both matchups are on New Year’s Eve.
CFP Championship Odds: Liabilities Left Behind
Of course, there were several teams sportsbooks were rooting against that have already paid off behind the counter. Lucas pointed to five programs that TwinSpires was happy to see relegated to lesser bowl games, outside the CFP.
“Teams that didn’t make it that we had large liability on were Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Iowa,” Lucas said. “All five were bigger liabilities than Alabama.”