Ohio State Leads 2025-26 National Title Race Amid Challenges and Quarterback Uncertainty

As college football fans turn their gaze toward the 2025-26 season, Ohio State has opened as the favorite to claim the national title, despite facing significant personnel losses. The Buckeyes are set to lose a talented core from this year's squad, including starting quarterback Will Howard, standout running back TreVeyon Henderson, and reliable receiver Emeka Egbuka, along with key defensive players like leading tackler Cody Simon and top pass rushers Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau. However, Ohio State remains a powerhouse, boasting a deep reservoir of talent. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith emerged as a star, and he will enter the new season as a strong contender for the title of best receiver in the nation. Alongside him, Carnell Tate proved himself as a formidable threat in the receiving corps. Quinshon Judkins is expected to return as the primary running back, providing a key piece for the Buckeyes’ offensive strategy. The most pressing concern for Ohio State, as they head into the next season, is the quarterback position. With Howard having exhausted his eligibility and both freshman Air Noland and junior Devin Brown entering the transfer portal, the Buckeyes have yet to acquire a new signal-caller. Julian Sayin, a five-star recruit from the Class of 2024, and Tavien St. Clair, another five-star incoming freshman, are currently the frontrunners for the starting job. This uncertainty at quarterback is unusual for a team that is favored to win it all, highlighting a broader issue with contender confidence across the board. Texas, listed just behind Ohio State in title odds, has its own quarterback conundrum. Arch Manning, who has a storied pedigree, will be stepping into the starting role next season after serving as the backup to Quinn Ewers, who recently declared for the NFL Draft. Despite showing promise in limited action, Manning will face the challenge of leading a team with championship aspirations in his first year as a starter. Georgia also finds itself in a similar situation, as they will have a new quarterback after Carson Beck's transfer to Miami. Gunner Stockton is poised to take over following a brief appearance in the quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame, but like Manning, he will be a first-time starter. The Bulldogs will further feel the impact of the departure of running back Trevor Etienne, who is set to enter the NFL Draft. Oregon, with odds set at +700, is another program grappling with a transition at quarterback. With Heisman contender Dillon Gabriel departing, Dante Moore, a highly touted five-star recruit who transferred from UCLA, is expected to step into the starting role. His experience and potential will be crucial for the Ducks’ ambitions. Penn State, sitting at +850 in the betting odds, stands out as the only team among the top contenders with a returning starting quarterback. Drew Allar’s return, combined with standout running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, offers the Nittany Lions a robust foundation. Yet, questions linger over head coach James Franklin's ability to secure crucial victories against elite teams. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, fresh off a national title loss to Ohio State, holds odds of +1200 and faces its own quarterback transition with Riley Leonard departing. Alabama, still a name to watch despite a dip in performance last season, is listed at +1600, dealing with the loss of Jalen Milroe but still retaining a wealth of talent within its roster. The landscape of college football heading into the 2025-26 season appears to be wide open, with traditional powerhouses grappling with significant uncertainties at key positions. Ohio State may be the favorite, but the shifting dynamics suggest that the road to the national title could be more competitive than ever. As teams navigate their respective transitions, fans can expect an exhilarating season ahead, filled with surprises and high-stakes matchups.