By Larry Rupp
The 2021 NCAA football season came to an end when the Georgia Bulldogs took care of business and defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide for their first National Championship since 1980. College fan bases will now have to wait over seven months until their favorite squad is back on the field.
Recruiting classes are almost complete and players across the sport are declaring for the NFL Draft, though. That means it’s never too early to place some future wagers. With that in mind, let’s take an early look at the 2022 Championship odds (according to DraftKings Sportsbook).
Alabama (+225)
There’s a very simple reason as to why Alabama has the best odds to take home the title in 2022. The Crimson Tide have made it to the big game in each of the last two seasons and have shown no signs of slowing down under head coach Nick Saban. Keep in mind this team also brings back two of its best players in quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson.
Young led an offense that ranked No. 6 in the country in points scored per game (39.6) and No. 7 in total yards per game (338.2) this past fall. If Alabama’s recruiting class can step up in the receiving game, this potent passing attack should have no trouble tearing opposing defenses apart. On the other side of the ball, the Crimson Tide brings back nine of their 11 defensive starters. They may be the team to beat next season.
Could we see an Alabama-Georgia title game rematch in 2023?@RJ_Writes breaks down the college football future odds and offers analysis ⬇️https://t.co/2KJDVb9uEB
— SI Betting (@SI_Betting) January 15, 2022
Georgia (+275)
Of course, the reigning National Champions come in right behind Alabama. Yes, the Georgia Bulldogs are set to lose a number of studs to the NFL including linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive tackle Jordan Davis. However, young talent on the team remains. Tight end Brock Bowers will be the No. 1 option in the passing attack for expected starting quarterback JT Daniels after a breakout freshman season.
Head coach Kirby Smart’s track record has shown that his defense is going to be one of the best in the nation each and every year. In fact, the Bulldogs have finished amongst the top two teams in points allowed per game in two of the last three seasons. This team is going to need some time to gel after replacing Stetson Bennett, but they should not be underestimated. Georgia has a legitimate shot to repeat in 2022.
For 𝐆-𝐄-𝐎-𝐑-𝐆-𝐈-𝐀#GoDawgs #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/lKQaxTcEBw
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) January 11, 2022
The Rest of the Pack
One team that sticks out in the rest of the odds has to be the Ohio State Buckeyes (+550). Heisman runner-up CJ Stroud returns to run an offense filled with talented playmakers such as wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Ngiba and running back TreVeyon Henderson. It’s worthy to point out that The Buckeyes have never finished with more than two losses in a season under head coach Ryan Day.
Meanwhile, finding success in college football has long been about recruiting and Texas A&M owns the No. 1 2022 recruiting class in the NCAA. It’s a class that features a whopping seven five-star recruits that are sure to make an impact on a team that has won at least 8 games in each of the last four years. Don’t sleep on head coach Jimbo Fisher’s team at +2500 odds.
The Clemson Tigers (+1200), USC Trojans (+2500), Oklahoma Sooners (+3000), and Michigan Wolverines (+3000) fill out the rest of the top eight.
Updated 2022 Team Recruiting Rankings:
— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 3, 2022
1) @AggieFootball
2) @AlabamaFTBL
3) @GeorgiaFootball
4) @OhioStateFB
5) @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/SNCXCaal9a
Picture Credit: Thompson200
