College Football Futures 2025: Best Bets for Playoff, Heisman and National Title

With the arrival of Week 1 comes clean slates and unbridled optimism all throughout college football. No shortage of championship dreams will be dashed before autumn even officially arrives, but for at least one Saturday, nearly every program can dream of reaching the apex.

The same applies to those playing along with the action on the field. This season can be marked with big wins and moments of celebration. And, even if Saturdays are rocky, the right futures bets can salvage an otherwise forgettable fall.

Think of futures as the bowl games of the bettor’s season, only played before Week 1 kicks off instead of in December.

Group of Five Playoff Qualifier

Safe Play: Boise State, +184 (FanDuel)

For Boise State, last year’s entry into the Playoff was a long time coming. The Broncos have been the standard-bearer for outsiders since the early 2000s, but repeatedly ran into the glass ceiling that prevented those conferences from competing for national championships.

Boise State has weathered countless departures in that time. None had the impact of Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty — and, really, no running back since Barry Sanders had the impact of Jeanty — but the Broncos should reload effectively.

The big question is how well they can navigate a treacherous non-conference schedule. A loss in Week 1 to USF raises the stakes for the Oct. 4 visit to 2024 national runner-up Notre Dame, and removes the margin for error in the Mountain West.

Longshot: James Madison, +980 (FanDuel)

James Madison has transitioned effectively from FCS to FBS and just might have the goods to crash the College Football Playoff.

The Dukes endured the departure of coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana, as well as the loss of key transfers, but still rallied to finish 9-4 in Bob Chesney’s first season as head coach.

Chesney’s Holy Cross teams thrived with a potent offense that leaned on two-way quarterback production. James Madison found similar success, with Alonza Barnett throwing for 2,598 yards, 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions while also rushing for more than 400 yards.

With Barnett and running back George Pettaway, JMU should put up points in bunches. If the Dukes are more consistent than a season ago, they’ll be at the forefront of the Sun Belt championship race and in the Playoff conversation.

National Champions

Safe Play: Ohio State, +650 (Bet365)

Other teams have shorter odds — most notably the Buckeyes’ Week 1 opponent, Texas. But as Ric Flair once said, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man.”

Ohio State is the defending national champion and, until further notice, the team to beat in 2025. Much depends on Alabama transfer Julian Sayin stepping in at quarterback, but he’ll have the benefit of throwing to perhaps the best wide receiving corps in the country.

Last year’s defense powered the Buckeyes to the title, and that remains the strength. Standouts Caleb Downs and Davison Igbinosun in the secondary, Sonny Styles at linebacker and Caden Curry up front provide a veteran foundation for another championship run.

Longshot: Florida, +4500 (Bally, FanDuel)

A year ago, suggesting Florida for Playoff contention would have drawn eyerolls. Coach Billy Napier seemed destined to be fired.

Instead, the Gators staged one of 2024’s biggest turnarounds. They closed the season 4-0, including a win over Ole Miss that knocked the Rebels from Playoff contention.

Now, Florida enters 2025 with momentum, a potential breakout star in quarterback DJ Lagway, and a more manageable schedule. It’s a longshot, but the Gators are trending in the right direction.

Heisman Trophy

Safe Play: Texas QB Arch Manning, +700 (FanDuel)

All preseason Heisman picks are gambles, even the favorite. Manning has never started a college game, making his status as frontrunner risky.

But Manning has had time to develop, boasts elite pedigree, and steps into an offense loaded with talent. The hype machine around his name doesn’t hurt, either.

Longshot: Navy QB Blake Horvath, +5000 (BetMGM)

Ashton Jeanty’s Heisman campaign last season showed voters may be willing to reward Group of Five stars. Navy’s Blake Horvath is this year’s candidate.

Horvath thrives in Navy’s option offense but also has the passing ability to keep defenses honest. He finished last year with a record-breaking touchdown run in the Midshipmen’s bowl win over Oklahoma and torched a Top 25 Army team for 196 yards and two scores.