Ahead of the college football season, the Buckeyes have the best odds to go undefeated this year at +260. But, Ohio State hasn't seen a perfect season since 2012.
It's not easy, but it's possible for the best in college football to shine with a perfect record. Which team's odds to go undefeated should we be considering?
college football Odds to go undefeated
Odds as of July 31, 2024
Only one team finished last season with a spotless record, the Michigan Wolverines (15-0), who went on to win the national championship. The Wolverines run marked the 64th time since 1936 that a group went undefeated on route to winning a national championship.
Ohio state buckeyes, best odds to go undefeated
Don't get it twisted, the Buckeyes still have a tough schedule to work through this season. With visits to Oregon and Penn State while hosting the annual Michigan vs Ohio State rivalry, there's plenty a handful of tests that puts a undefeated record at risk.
Plenty of confidence is being instilled in Ohio State even though there's a looming uncertainty in the quarterback department. Kansas State transfer, Will Howard, is expected to be named the starting signal caller. The senior recorded his best season last year, collecting 24 touchdowns and over 2,600 for a 61.3 completion percentage.
However, some may argue that Howard's skill level cannot compete and compliment the overflowing talent in from the receiving and rushing corps at Ohio State.
The move from the Big 12 to Big Ten will be an adjustment for Howard. But, regardless who gets the starting position, oddsmakers trust the rest of Ryan Day's roster to make a promising campaign.
georgia bulldogs, know undefeated territory well
A more probable plus-money option would be leaning on the Georgia Bulldogs, who have incredibly lost just two games over the last three seasons.
Plenty of the 'Dawgs top defense, which allowed the fifth-fewest 15.6 PPG, is returning to the field. Offensively, they're carrying a Heisman Trophy favored quarterback, Carson Beck. The senior barely missed eclipsing the 4,000 passing yard mark while hitting the endzone 24 times.
Road meetings scheduled with Alabama and Texas, two fellow national championship contenders, could threaten a perfect record. According to our college football database, the Bulldogs have dropped just three road meetings dating back to 2017 and the last being October 2020.
It seems Georgia has proven to handle any adversity thrown its way. Kirby Smart's recent success and leadership makes an undefeated campaign not too far fetched.
notre dame, great value to go undefeated
At +425 odds to go undefeated, Notre Dame is easily my value pick this season. As I mention in my college football playoff odds, the Fighting Irish benefit most from the 12-team bracket and conference realignment. With the core conferences getting buffer, nobody wants to schedule the Irish as a non-conference opponent. For other programs, Notre Dame is a notably strong team and ultimately not worth the risk of a potential loss.
Entering his third season as head coach, Marcus Freeman has accomplished a fair 19-7 SU record under his brief tenure. But, three of those losses came against Ohio State and Clemson — teams that aren't on Notre Dame's upcoming schedule.