The NFL Draft is right around the corner, which means the college football landscape is almost ready to move its focus to the 2022-23 schedule. Georgia fans finally saw the curse broken as the Dawgs claimed their first national title since 1980.

However, Georgia’s major exodus of defensive talent means a repeat is even more unlikely than normal. DraftKings has posted its latest odds with the Alabama Crimson Tide standing as the usual favorite.

DraftKings College Football National Championship Odds:

Alabama +200
Georgia +300
Ohio State +500
Clemson +1200
Texas A&M +2500
USC +2500
Michigan +3000
Oklahoma +3000

A Brief Look at Alabama’s 2022 Squad

Alabama stands as the current favorite for good reason. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young returns with a potentially improved offense. Despite the loss of John Metchie, Jameson Williams, and Evan Neal, the Tide will see Ja’Corey Brooks and JoJo Earle step into larger roles.

The backfield is loaded with talent, as transfer RB Jahmyr Gibbs and a healthy Jase McClellan will form a dynamic duo. On the defensive side of the ball, a very young and injured unit from a year ago is more experienced and deeper on the depth chart. Watch for Dallas Turner and Will Anderson to thrive as the best pass rush in the country against a Western division facing a lot of turnover this year.

Will Ohio State and USC Contend in 2022?

Ohio State and USC stand as the likely next best options and arguably better bets as title contenders in 2022. The Buckeyes will take a step back on offense, but more consistent defensive play and an early-season resume booster against Notre Dame should result in a return to the CFB playoff.

USC made waves with the hiring of Lincoln Riley and a subsequent surge of talent through new recruits and transfers. Caleb Williams will stand at the helm of a high-powered offense in one of the weaker conferences in football. Expectations are high following a 4-8 season, but the Trojans just pieced together one of the most dramatic single offseason shifts in college football history.

As a final note to the G5 lovers – this is not the season for a small school upset. There will be too much star power across the nation to warrant a G5 team making the cut. Stay tuned for more college football news in the coming weeks.