As the College Football Playoff gets underway, the Ohio State Buckeyes enter the postseason with a 32% implied probability to win the national championship, according to +210 futures odds at DraftKings.
Ohio State Enters The CFP As The Overall Betting Favorite
That puts them as the overall favorite in what has become a wide-open championship picture, even after a painful loss in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Ohio State’s season began with dominance. The Buckeyes steam rolled through their early schedule, and finished the regular season undefeated at 12-0, stamped by a signature win over rival Michigan late in November. Their offense, powered by dynamic playmakers and a stout defensive unit, looked every bit like a title contender all season.
However, that momentum came to a halt in Indianapolis back on Dec. 6. In the Big Ten Championship Game, the Buckeyes were upset by the also-undefeated Indiana Hoosiers, who were led by the eventual Heisman Trophy winner in Fernando Mendoza. Indiana claimed its first outright Big Ten title in decades and secured the No. 1 seed in the CFP bracket, ending Ohio State’s hopes of an unblemished season.
BREAKING: Ohio State has three unanimous All-Americans in the 2025 season — the first time in program history this has ever happened.
🌰Jeremiah Smith
🌰Kayden McDonald
🌰Caleb DownsCongratulations!! pic.twitter.com/3IEy9ulIZC
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) December 18, 2025
Despite the loss, Ohio State’s reputation and resume remain strong enough to keep them in the national title conversation. The Buckeyes still secured the second overall seed, and will be on a bye for the first round. Oddsmakers still see them as elite title contenders, with DraftKings’ +210 odds translating to roughly a 32% chance to bring home the championship.
Ohio State’s combination of offensive firepower and experience in big-game situations as major reasons they remain one of the top bets for this year’s College Football Playoff. Their ability to score quickly and adapt defensively gives them the tools to make a deep playoff run, even if they must overcome the psychological blow of losing a conference title.
Of course, a 32% preseason title probability also reflects the competitive landscape. Teams like Georgia, Oregon, or even Miami could present capable threats, looking to make some noise of their own by dethroning the favorites. Their path won’t be easy, but history shows that elite teams can rebound, especially ones as nationally relevant and talented as Ohio State.
