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There are reasons to be skeptical about Ohio State's chances of winning next year's national championship. After all, the Buckeyes lose more starters than nearly anybody else in the country, and the preseason S&P+ Projections had Ohio State at 14th, behind Michigan, Notre Dame, and others. Other media members have slotted Ohio State in similar territory.
But at least one oddsmaker is much more bullish about Ohio State's chances of doing much better than that. Per oddsmaker Bovada, Ohio State currently has the best odds in the country at winning the 2017 national championship, at 6/1. Alabama is second at 7/1, with Clemson and yup, Michigan sitting at 15/2. When these odds were last tabulated, on Jan. 13, Ohio State was listed at 12/1, behind Alabama at 7/1, and tied with programs like Michigan and Baylor.
What changed? It could have been Ohio State's excellent National Signing Day, which locked down yet another top five class for the Buckeyes, including multiple players that could contribute early. It also could be a renewed vote of confident in Ohio State's Urban Meyer, or the fact that unlike many other contenders, Ohio State is bringing back an established quarterback, J.T. Barrett.
Whatever the reason, it's a little surprising to see Ohio State so far up the tables. Perhaps Vegas knows a little something we don't about just how good Ohio State might be next season.
Odds to Win the 2017 CFP National Championship (Teams in red have longer odds, teams in blue have shorter odds, and teams in black stayed the same)
1/13/16 Current Odds (2/15/16)
Ohio State 12/1 6/1
Alabama 7/1 7/1
Clemson 15/2 15/2
Michigan 12/1 15/2
LSU
Oklahoma 14/1 14/1
Tennessee 22/1 14/1
Baylor
Notre Dame 14/1 16/1
Stanford 14/1 16/1
Florida State 16/1 20/1
Mississippi 22/1 20/1
Michigan State 33/1 25/1
Auburn
Georgia 33/1 33/1
Oregon 22/1 33/1
TCU
UCLA
USC
Florida
Houston 33/1 50/1
Louisville
Oklahoma State 50/1 50/1
Washington 66/1 50/1
Iowa
North Carolina 50/1 66/1
Texas A&M 50/1 66/1
Utah 66/1 66/1
Wisconsin 50/1 66/1
Arizona State 100/1 75/1
Arkansas 50/1 75/1
Miami Florida 66/1 75/1
Nebraska 50/1 75/1
Boise State 100/1 100/1
Missouri
South Carolina 66/1 100/1
Texas
Washington State 66/1 100/1
Arizona
BYU
California
Georgia Tech 100/1 200/1
Maryland 100/1 200/1
Mississippi State 100/1 200/1
NC State 100/1 200/1
Northwestern 100/1 200/1
Penn State 100/1 200/1
Virginia Tech 75/1 200/1
West Virginia 75/1 200/1