Big Ten 2024 Football Championship: Best Betting Odds

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FanDuel has just released the 2024 odds for the college football Big Ten Championship. Their preseason analysis includes rankings of the 18 programs and predictions for each team's record. These analyses give bettors a good insight into the season's expectations as the conference undergoes a number of season changes, which includes significant expansion and restructuring. With the inclusion of four former West Coast Pac-12 teams the Big 10 will grow to include 17 teams, setting the stage for exciting and never seen before-match ups.

An image of some football fans celebrating indicates the Big Ten 2024 expansion reshapes football betting odds.

2024-25 Big Ten College Football Championship Winner Betting Odds

For the 2024 Big Ten Conference championship betting odds, Ohio State is the frontrunner with odds of +155. The Oregon Ducks are set to make their Big 10 debut this season after exiting the Pac-12 with odds of +250, indicating a high expectation for their performance in the new conference.

Other notable college football teams from the Pac-12 joining the Big 10 include USC, UCLA, and Washington.

Here are the latest College Football Big 10 team standings and betting lines:

USC: With odds of +2300, USC are in 5th position and can still be considered top contenders to win the championship.
Washington: At +5000 and a rank of 7, Washington has a lower probability compared to USCs.
UCLA: Placed 11th with odds of +9000. UCLA is the least likely of the new teams to claim this college football championship title.

This table displays each team's overall projected record for the 2024 season, their specific projection within the Big 10 Conference, and their total win projections.

Big Ten College Football Conference Expansion

The Big 10 Conference is set to expand in 2023 with the addition of the Oregon Ducks, UCLA Bruins, Southern California Trojans, and Washington Huskies from the Pac-12 conference. This change will create a more competitive environment for the current Big ten teams and pose challenges for teams with winning records such as Wisconsin and Iowa.

Coaching Changes and Championship Contenders: The Michigan Wolverines enter the season without head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has transitioned to the NFL. Despite this change, the Ohio State Buckeyes are the still primary contenders for the Big Ten championship.

College Football Playoffs Expansion: The shift to a 12-team College Football Playoff format changes qualification criteria. Previously it was essential to win a conference championship to reach the playoffs. However, this new format grants automatic bids to Power 4 conference champions and offers opportunities for other highly-ranked teams. This adjustment benefits new Big 10 members, like the Oregon Ducks, by providing them with a chance to compete nationally against teams such as Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and USC.

2024 -2025 Big Ten College Football Betting Predictions:

Ohio State

With an 11-2 record last season and an 8-1 in the Big 10, culminating in a Cotton Bowl Classic loss to Missouri, Ohio State is gearing up for Day's sixth season with a strong resolve to overturn its recent series of defeats against reigning champs Michigan. Despite not winning a conference championship since 2020, the team is determined to return to its previous strong form in which they secured five Big 10 titles under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan Day.

A significant possible departure is standout wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is projected to be the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. However, the team is expected to maintain a formidable offensive line. The defence also looks promising with Tyleik Williams and J.T. Tuimoloau, who recorded 17 tackles for loss in 2023, alongside Mikebacker Cody Simon. The addition of Alabama transfer Caleb Downs at safety and Will Howard has also improved their defence. This improvement was demonstrated by the team's performance in 2023, where they conceded an average of just 11.2 points per game.

Ohio State’s readiness for the 2024 Big Ten is also bolstered by commitments from key players such as Ouinshon Judkins and Will Howard. The coaching staff sees a new addition with Carlos Locklyn taking over as running back coach, a move praised by Day for Locklyn's energy and proven track record.

Oregon

Oregon (+250) is joining the Big 10 College Football conference as a new member in 2024, and are expected to have a strong season following their 12-2 record last year, with losses only to Washington. Oregon's past season offensive prowess has been notable. However, with Bo Nix moving to the NFL, it remains to be seen whether Oklahoma’ Dillon Gabriel can sustain the team's offensive momentum.

Jordan James and Tez Johnson are confirmed to return to the offence in 2024, with Johnson leading in receptions and James in rushing touchdowns the previous season. The team will also face logistical challenges with increased travel outside the Pacific time zone.

Michigan:

Michigan is targeting its fourth straight Big Ten College Football title in Indianapolis, with FanDuel Sportsbook giving them +460 odds for the 2024-25 championship, behind Ohio State and Oregon but ahead of Penn State.

Despite transitions, including losing head coach Jim Harbaugh and key players Blake Corum and J.J. McCarthy won a national title last season, their first in 20 years. Sherrone Moore, who demonstrated, managed to maintain an undefeated record as a temporary coach in 2023, and has stepped up as the new head coach for the team.

Their top-ranked defence, led by Josiah Stewart and Rod Moore, allowed only 10.4 points per game last year. Facing new Big Ten teams USC, Oregon, and Washington, Michigan under Moore aims to continue their strong performance.

Conclusion

The 2024 college football season promises a reshaped Big Ten Conference with expanded membership, intensified competition, and significant player and coaching changes. The anticipation builds as teams prepare to navigate these changes, with the revised College Football Big 10 Playoff format adding an extra layer of excitement and opportunity for contenders.

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Paul Richard is a professional sports betting and casino content writer with over three years of experience. He provides expert tips, strategies, and betting advice to help bettors succeed.