Could a team outside the preseason top 10 win the national title? The odds of someone coming out of (relative) obscurity to win the College Football Playoff are pretty low, but the 12-team playoff gives more teams the opportunity for a dream season.
Here are five teams that can’t be considered favorites for the national championship but have a small chance of making a title run.
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Illinois
Odds to win national championship: 200-1
College Football Playoff odds: +500
The path to the Big Ten title game and potential playoff magic is a lot more plausible than you think for Illinois. The Illini got a good schedule draw by avoiding Penn State, Oregon and Michigan and hosting Ohio State on Oct. 11. Games against USC, at Indiana and at Washington aren’t exactly easy, but Illinois shouldn’t be overmatched in any of them.
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The Illini are one of the most experienced teams in college football after a 10-3 season in 2024. The defense’s top five tacklers are back, including edge rusher Gabe Jacas. He had eight sacks. That side of the ball gave up eight points fewer per game than it did in 2024.
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If Luke Altmyer takes another step forward as a passer, Illinois could be cooking with gas. Altmyer completed 61% of his passes for 2,717 yards and 22 TDs in 2024. The Illini do have to replace their top two receivers, but transfer Hudson Clement could step in and play a big role.
Illinois’ odds reflect that they’re a long shot to win the title. But the Illini would have been in playoff contention a year ago with just one more regular-season win.
Miami
Odds to win national championship: 30-1
College Football Playoff odds: +200
A win over Notre Dame in Week 1 could be the jumpstart Miami needs for a special season. The Hurricanes are still looking…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/5-dark-horse-college-football-teams-that-could-sneak-their-way-into-the-national-championship-conversation-131401677.html
Author : Nick Bromberg
Publish date : 2025-08-12 13:14:00
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