College Football Betting Guide: How to Bet on College Football
College football games capture the hearts of millions across the U.S. with their rich history, intense rivalries, and passionate fan bases. Stadiums fill with roaring crowds every fall, and each game carries high stakes, from conference showdowns to legendary rivalries.
This excitement makes college football a favorite among sports bettors as well. Betting on NCAAF can be great fun. The unpredictability of collegiate sports, where upsets happen frequently, adds to its unique appeal in betting. Fans enjoy the thrill of watching their favorite teams and the challenge of predicting outcomes in such a competitive environment.
Whether you’re betting on simple options like the moneyline or more complex bets like parlays and prop bets, the sheer variety of bet types and betting markets makes college football a rewarding sport for U.S. bettors.
In this guide, we’ll look at the most common bet types for college games and the most popular CFB betting strategies, provide an overview of the NCAAF season, and recommend some of the best college football betting sites.
How to Bet on College Football: Understanding NCAA Betting Lines & Odds
College football offers some of the most exciting opportunities for sports bettors. If you are new to college football betting, understanding the various types of bets and how odds work is crucial.
You’ll find NCAAF odds displayed at all legal U.S. sportsbooks, usually in the American odds format, which may seem confusing at first but can be easily understood with a bit of practice.
In short, a negative value (e.g., -150) represents the favorite, while a positive value (e.g., +200) represents the underdog.
Types of College Football Bets
Moneyline Bets
A moneyline bet is the simplest form of college football betting. With this type of bet, you are simply wagering on which college football team will win the game.
The odds attached to each team indicate the payout.
For example, if you bet on a favorite at -150, you must wager $150 to win $100. If you bet on an underdog at +200, a $100 bet would win you $200 if the underdog comes out on top.
Point Spread Bets
Point spread betting is another popular form of college football betting. Instead of simply picking the winner, you are betting on whether a team will “cover the spread”—the predicted margin by which a team is expected to win or lose.
The favorite must win by more than the set margin, while the underdog must lose by less than the margin or win outright.
For instance, if Alabama is a 7-point favorite against Clemson, they must win by more than 7 points to cover the spread. If you bet on Clemson, on the other hand, they can lose by as many as 6 points, and you still win your bet.
Over/Under (Totals) Bets
Over/under bets, also known as totals betting, involve wagering on the total points scored by both teams combined. Sportsbooks set a specific number, and you bet on whether the total combined points will be over or under that number.
For example, if the over/under for a game is set at 55 points, you can bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be more than 55 (over) or fewer than 55 (under). If the combined total is exactly 55, the bet is considered a push, and you get your stake back.
Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on individual player performances or specific events within the game.
For example, you might bet on Clemson to score first, the total number of touchdowns thrown by Quinn Ewers, or even the exact number of points scored by Oklahoma in a half.
Prop bets are an excellent way to enhance the excitement of a game and test your knowledge of individual players and team tendencies. For more options, explore our recommended prop betting sites.
Futures Bets
Futures bets allow you to wager on outcomes that will happen in the future, such as whether Texas will win the national championship or who will win the Heisman Trophy. These bets often offer bigger payouts and allow you to lock in your wager long before the event is decided.
College football futures bets are popular during the preseason and throughout the year as the odds for teams fluctuate. This is an exciting option for those looking to bet on season-long outcomes.
Live Betting
Live betting allows you to place bets while the game is in progress. Based on the unfolding action, the odds change in real time, allowing you to adjust your wagers as the game progresses.
For instance, if your pre-game pick isn’t looking strong early in the game, you can place additional bets with updated odds.
Some of the best live betting sites offer odds on all FBS games every Saturday.
Parlay Betting
A parlay bet involves combining multiple bets into one, where all your picks must win for you to collect a payout. While parlay bets are riskier, they offer higher potential payouts because of the added difficulty in hitting multiple outcomes.
While some forms of parlay are restricted to moneyline bets, some, known as same-game parlays, combine a moneyline bet, a prop bet, and an over/under bet on a single game. If all three win, your payout would be much larger than if you bet on each individually.
To place exciting parlay bets on college football today, check out our top parlay betting sites.
Key Factors to Consider When Betting on College Football
Betting on college football requires careful analysis of various factors to maximize your chances of success. Here are some key elements to focus on when placing college football bets.
Analyze Team Form & Statistics
Understanding team performance and player statistics is essential for making informed college football bets. Evaluate recent form, offensive and defensive stats, and head-to-head matchups.
Historical data, such as how teams performed against similar opponents, can offer valuable insights into potential outcomes.
Home-Field Advantage
Home-field advantage plays a significant role in college football. The energy of a passionate crowd and the familiarity of playing on home turf can elevate a team’s performance.
Sometimes, certain stadiums are known for their intense atmosphere, making it tough for visiting teams to succeed.
Pay attention to how teams perform at home versus on the road when placing your college football bets.
Weather Conditions
Weather can drastically impact game outcomes. Rain, snow, or high winds can force teams to adjust their strategies.
For instance, rain might limit passing plays, while snow could affect players' footing.
Always check the weather forecast before placing bets, as certain conditions may benefit one team’s style of play over another.
Player Availability & Injuries
Key player injuries or suspensions can greatly influence game results and betting odds. If a star quarterback or a defensive leader is sidelined, it can tilt the game in favor of the opposing team.
Keep an eye on injury reports and player availability updates, as these can provide important information for your betting decisions.
Coaching Strategies & Team Dynamics
College football coaches have varying styles, and understanding their strategies is key. Some prefer aggressive, high-scoring games, while others emphasize strong defense.
Additionally, team dynamics—such as the chemistry between players and coaches—can affect performance.
Study coaching tactics and team morale to make well-rounded betting decisions.
Popular College Football Betting Strategies
Betting on Underdogs
Everyone loves upsets during the college season, and picking underdog teams with a chance of an upset can be a rewarding strategy. Look for matchups where the underdog has specific strengths that align with the favorite’s weaknesses.
For example, an underdog team with a strong running game may succeed against a favorite with a poor rush defense. Similarly, home-field advantage can help an underdog outperform expectations, especially in college football, where the atmosphere can be electric.
Another factor to consider is how public perception influences the betting lines. Teams that are historically popular or have had successful past seasons may be overvalued, presenting a better opportunity for the underdog. Focus on teams with consistent performance patterns, even if they’re not as well-known. By doing proper research, you’ll be better able to identify spots where the underdog has a reasonable shot at pulling off the upset.
Live Betting
Live betting, or in-play betting, allows you to place wagers in real time as a college football game progresses. This strategy allows you to adjust your bets based on how the game is unfolding. For instance, if a favorite starts slow but shows signs of improvement, live betting offers the chance to capitalize on better odds than were available pre-game.
Live betting also lets you hedge your bets or double down if things go your way. For example, if an underdog performs well early, you can place a live bet to either back the favorite at improved odds or support the underdog if momentum continues moving in their favor. This flexibility makes live college football betting dynamic and exciting, though it requires quick decision-making and real-time knowledge of the game’s ebb and flow.
Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting involves taking advantage of differing odds across various sportsbooks to secure a guaranteed profit. In college football, this can happen when one sportsbook has a line that favors the favorite while another sportsbook has more favorable odds on the underdog. You can lock in a profit regardless of the game’s outcome by betting on both sides at the right amounts.
To find arbitrage opportunities, you need access to multiple sportsbooks and be ready to react quickly. Small differences in odds between sportsbooks can create windows for arbitrage, but these opportunities often don’t last long as sportsbooks adjust their lines regularly.
While this strategy can be highly effective, it’s also important to note that some sportsbooks frown upon arbitrage betting and may restrict accounts they suspect of using this method. Make sure to use various platforms like our recommended best online sportsbooks to increase your chances of finding profitable odds.
College Football Events to Bet on
Regular-Season Games
Most NCAAF games are regular season games, which begin on Labor Day and end around the first week in December. The regular season lasts 12 games, and all schools play a mixture of conference games, which counts towards your overall conference record. Non-conference games are played against fellow Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) or Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams.
Each college will play 8 or 9 conference games, with the rest playing against non-conference opponents. Some schools, like North Carolina schools, are required to play in-state opponents in these games, while some play a mixture of non-conference rivals and other schools in the “home-and-home” series, where schools will play home and away against another program on alternate years.
Some of the best college football games occur in the regular season, including the Red River Rivalry between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners, which takes place at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, each year.
Other historic rivalries include “The Game,” between the University of Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State University Buckeyes, which has been regularly included in lists of the greatest rivalries in sports.
The three main goals of the regular season are to qualify for conference championships, to become “bowl-eligible” by winning at least six games, and to make the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Conference Championships
Conference championships mark the end of the regular season in college football and feature the best teams from each conference. These games are critical because they can determine playoff berths, bowl game matchups, and rankings. With high stakes and closely matched teams, betting on conference championships can be both exciting and challenging.
When placing bets on conference championship games, it’s essential to consider team dynamics, motivation, and the matchup history.
For example, some teams might have dominated their conference all season, while others could be peaking at just the right time. Look at key player injuries, coaching strategies, and how these teams performed against each other in the past. Prop bets can also be valuable in these games, as individual player performances tend to shine in high-stakes environments.
Parlays are another popular option during the conference championship season. Combining bets can increase your potential payout with several top-tier games happening quickly. However, the closely matched nature of these games means bettors must be careful when including multiple outcomes in a parlay.
Major conference championships to look out for when betting on college football include the SEC Championship, Big Ten Championship, Big 12 Championship, and ACC Championship. On Conference Championship weekend, you’ll find them amongst the season's most anticipated college football games.
Bowl Games
Bowl season presents a whole new set of betting opportunities. Unlike the regular season, bowl games are one-off matchups, often between teams that haven’t faced each other. Teams are selected based on the quality of the likely matchup. With games occurring constantly during “bowl season,” mid-December to early January is perfect for bettors.
Each team with six regular-season wins is considered “bowl-eligible,” and each conference has tie-ins that determine matchups.
Some teams view their bowl game as a celebration after a successful season, while others might treat it as a stepping stone to the next level or as a way to end a mediocre season with success.
Keep an eye on how motivated a team appears, especially when betting on underdogs or in prop bets. Increasingly, players are choosing to miss bowl season rather than risk injury, so see how drop-outs affect a school’s prospects, especially in games in the early part of the bowl season.
College Football Playoffs
The College Football Playoff system determines the national champion and integrates with bowl season. "New Year's Six" bowls—the Peach Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Sugar Bowl—feature the best of the best, and bettors should expect high-intensity, closely contested matchups.
When betting on these playoff games, analyzing how teams performed against top competition during the season is critical. Additionally, the longer preparation time for coaches can lead to unexpected game plans or shifts in strategy.
National Championship Game
The National Championship Game is the crown jewel of college football and the pinnacle for sports bettors. With everything on the line, the pressure on teams is immense, and the betting landscape changes accordingly. Because it’s the final game, bettors have a wealth of information to analyze, from season-long trends to playoff performances.
Strategies for betting on the National Championship game include examining how each team booked their place. Did they cruise through the season or face tough competition? Is one team dealing with injuries or withdrawals from key players?
Moneyline bets are popular for this game, as the spread can sometimes be small, indicating a close matchup. Betting the Over/Under is also a good option, as it often reflects how teams approach the game—whether they’re more defensive or offensive-minded.
Common College Football Betting Promotions & Bonuses
Our top college football betting sites are jam-packed with exciting sportsbook promotions and bonuses that can enhance your overall wagering experience. These offers come in all different shapes and sizes but can really enhance your wager. Below, we’ve provided a breakdown of some of the most common offers at the best US online sportsbooks.
Odds Boost
An odds boost gives you better-than-usual odds on a specific college football game or event. For example, if a team is around +150 to win, an odds boost might increase to +200, leading to a bigger payout if your bet wins. Many sportsbooks offer these for high-profile games.
Parlay Boosts
Parlay bets involve wagering on multiple games at once, and many sportsbooks offer parlay boosts that increase your potential winnings. The more games you include in the parlay, the bigger the boost can be. This is a great way to maximize potential returns, especially if you’re confident in multiple outcomes.
Prop Bets
Prop bets focus on specific outcomes within a game, such as the number of touchdowns a player will score or the total passing yards for a quarterback. Some sportsbooks offer special promotions on prop bets, offering higher payouts or reduced risk for these kinds of wagers.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are awarded to new bettors when they sign up to a particular sportsbook and are designed to incentivize and encourage you to sign up. These bonuses, typically as bonus bets or deposit matches, give new bettors a chance to get started with extra funds, enhancing your college football betting experience.
Deposit Matches
Deposit match bonuses are where a sportsbook matches a percentage of your deposit up to a certain amount. If you deposit $100, the sportsbook might match 100%, giving you an extra $100 to bet with. These are a great way to extend your bankroll upon registering for a college football betting site and give you extra credits to bet with to hone your strategy.
Be aware, however, that some may have wagering requirements, which require you to bet a certain percentage of your bonus funds to make your deposit match funds available for withdrawal.
Bonus Bets
Bonus bets are offered as part of promotions or loyalty rewards. You can use these bets without risking your own money, making them a good way to try betting on your favorite college football teams without as much risk. Around big rivalry games and especially around the College Football Playoff, you’ll find loads of bonus bets available at the best online sportsbooks.
Legal Restrictions on College Football Betting
Whether you’re placing simple moneyline bets or diving into college football parlays and prop bets, it’s crucial to know the legal sports betting states and betting rules that apply to each one of them.
Sports betting, including betting on college football, is now legal in many U.S. states, but restrictions vary.
For example, states like Arizona and Florida allow college football betting but prohibit prop bets on individual players. In Illinois, you can’t place bets on in-state college teams. In Connecticut, you can only bet on games involving in-state teams if they’re part of a tournament. Indiana permits college football prop bets, but you must place them before the game starts.
Most states where sports betting is legal, such as Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, restrict college player prop bets, ensuring the integrity of collegiate sports. Others, like New Jersey and Washington, do not allow bets on college games involving in-state teams. In some places, such as Oregon, you must place college football bets in person.
Additionally, age requirements can vary—most states set the legal betting age at 21, while others allow betting at 18.
Before placing your bets, check that you’re using a legal and trusted platform in your state. Whether you’re looking to bet on point spreads, the over/under, or college football parlays, staying compliant with state laws ensures a safe and enjoyable betting experience.
Responsible Gambling on College Football Betting
Betting on college football can be exciting and potentially profitable, but it’s important to approach it with the right mindset and strategies. Whether you’re new to college football betting or an experienced bettor, these responsible gambling tips can help you make smart decisions.
Setting a Budget
The first rule of any kind of betting is setting a budget. Determine how much money you will wager and stick to that limit, regardless of winning or losing.
This prevents you from chasing losses or making emotional decisions based on short-term outcomes. College football betting can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have a clear budget to avoid overspending. Many online sportsbooks allow you to set deposit limits, which can help you manage your budget responsibly.
Avoiding Emotional Betting
It’s easy to let your emotions influence your bets, especially if you’re a fan of a particular school. However, emotional betting can cloud your judgment and lead to poor wagering decisions. Avoid betting on your favorite team just because you want them to win, and instead, focus on the data, trends, and college football betting lines.
Making objective decisions will help you stay consistent in your approach. College football is filled with surprises, so betting purely on emotion can lead to unnecessary losses.
Understanding the Risks
All forms of betting carry risk, and college football is no exception. Whether you’re placing college football parlays or exploring more intricate bets like college football prop bets, it’s important to remember that there are no guarantees. Before placing a bet, ensure you’re comfortable with the risk involved and only wager what you can afford to lose. This mindset will help you keep betting fun and enjoyable while minimizing stress.
Final Thoughts on College Football Betting
College football betting offers an exciting and dynamic way to engage with one of the most popular sports in the US. From legendary rivalries to high-stakes conference matchups, the unpredictability of college football makes just about every game a thrilling betting opportunity. If you’re new to sports betting, starting with college football allows you to explore various betting options, from simple moneyline bets to complex parlays and prop bets.
If you’re ready to dive in, now is a great time to sign up with trusted online betting apps and sportsbooks and explore different betting strategies. The variety of bets, combined with the passion of college football fans, makes for an exhilarating experience. With every play, you can make your predictions count, whether you’re betting on a favorite or taking a chance on an underdog upset.
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