It's not yet been a month since the Michigan Wolverines lifted the National Championship trophy on the turf at NRG Stadium in Houston. In a perfect world, the Wolverines celebration would last forever, but college football is a cruel business.
Their head coach, Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL, and the roster should see some major turnover heading into 2024. This seems to be a common theme among college football's elites.
Alabama fans fought back tears at Nick Saban's retirement before taking a 'yay or nay' approach to their new hire — Kalon DeBoer — who comes to Tuscaloosa by way of Washington.
The Huskies — who were fighting for a National Championship — not only lost their coach but also their record-setting quarterback and Heisman Trophy odds finalist Michael Penix Jr.
The college football landscape will indeed be much changed, but the show must go on. Join me as I break down the college football odds for the Top 5 games for next season.
Top 5 college football games for 2024
Texas vs Michigan (September 7)
| Teams | Spread |
|---|---|
 Texas |
-4 (-115) |
 Michigan |
+4 (-105) |
Whether you're a 'Horns Up or Horns Down" kind of person, there's no denying Texas appears to be back.
After making the College Football Playoffs for the first time, the loss to Washington can prove as a stepping stone to greater things this season. The Longhorns have the firepower offensively to put up boatloads of points, and if the defense can play average, Texas should have no issues winning football games.
This early test against Michigan will be an important one as Michigan breaks in a new familiar coach in Sherrone Moore and features a roster with plenty of turnover.
Either way, this is an early litmus test both teams must face.
Georgia vs Alabama (September 28)
| Teams | Spread |
|---|---|
 Georgia |
-4.5 (-110) |
 Alabama |
+4.5 (-110) |
While we are used to seeing Georgia and Alabama playing for the SEC Title — or National Championship — two of football's elite tangle in an early season battle that will have SEC Title ramifications.
Both teams enter the year with question marks surrounding the program, but for Alabama, replacing Nick Saban may be easier said than done. Kelen DeBoer does come with a good track record and Jalen Milroe is under center, but I'm expecting some growing pains in Tuscaloosa this season.
As for Georgia, it'll have to replace Brock Bower's production, but as is often the case, elite programs don't rebuild, they simply reload.
Best College Football bonuses
All Users
No-sweat 3+ leg SGP every day
Bonus bets back if you don’t win! Claim Now
New Users
Bet $5 on any wager
Get $158 in bonus bets! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Alabama vs LSU (November 9)
| Teams | Spread |
|---|---|
| Alabama |
+2.5 (-110) |
 LSU |
-2.5 (-110) |
This series has been dominated by the Crimson Tide over the last 13 years. In fact, Alabama has won 11 of those 13 meetings including last year's 42-28 win in Tuscaloosa, which was a big win to get it into the CFP discussion.
Fast forward to this year, LSU has been tabbed as an early favorite but will have to make do without its Heisman-winning QB, who is NFL-bound.
This game is late enough in the season that we should know what both teams are heading into crunch time.
Ohio State vs Oregon (October 12)
| Teams | Spread |
|---|---|
 Ohio State |
+1.5 (-115) |
 Oregon |
-1.5 (-105) |
The Ohio State Buckeyes missed out on the CFP for the second time in three seasons, so you know they're going to be chomping at the bit to get back in the mix. Luckily for them, the playoff is expanding to 12 teams, and a date against Oregon seems easier without Bo Nix involved.
I don't want to discredit the Ducks, as they should be as high-flying as usual, but Ohio State just feels like the better team — at least on paper.
Michigan vs Ohio State (November 30)
| Teams | Spread |
|---|---|
| Michigan |
+6.5 (+105) |
| Ohio State |
-6.5 (-125) |
Ryan Day is 1-3 against Michigan, and if Day wants to keep his title of Buckeyes head coach, he'll need to beat the Wolverines this year at a time when they appear vulnerable.
OSU will be loaded on both sides of the football and should have smooth sailing for much of the regular season. Come time for 'The Game,' records go out the window and talent takes a back seat to the desire to win.
If not this season for Day, another time may not come.
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
