College football offers an exciting array of betting options, making it a popular choice for both seasoned bettors and newcomers. With numerous games every week and a wide range of betting markets, understanding how to place bets on college football can enhance your game-day experience. In this article, we’ll break down the key types of college football bets and explain how to get started. College football markets are going to be available on all of the major sportsbook apps like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Types of College Football Bets

There are several types of bets you can place on college football. Here are the most common options:

1. Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet is one of the simplest bets to place. You are simply betting on which team will win the game. Each team is given odds based on their likelihood of winning. The favorite will have lower odds, while the underdog will offer higher payouts.

For example:

• Oregon (-200): You would need to bet $200 to win $100 if Oregon wins.
• Auburn (+170): A $100 bet on Auburn would win you $170 if they pull off the upset.

Moneyline bets are ideal for beginners because they’re straightforward—just pick the winner.

2. Point Spread Bets

Point spread betting is a popular option in college football. The point spread levels the playing field between two teams by assigning a certain number of points that the favorite must win by. Conversely, the underdog can cover the spread by keeping the game close or winning outright.

For example:

• Ohio State -7.5: Ohio State must win by at least 8 points to cover the spread.
• Michigan +7.5: Michigan can lose by 7 points or win outright to cover the spread.

Point spread bets are great for games where one team is heavily favored, as they balance the odds and make the bet more competitive.

3. Totals (Over/Under) Bets

With totals betting, also known as over/under, you bet on the total number of points scored in the game by both teams combined. The sportsbook sets a number, and you decide whether the total score will be over or under that figure.

For example:

• Over 55.5 points: You’re betting that the teams will combine for 56 or more points.
• Under 55.5 points: You’re betting that the total points will be 55 or fewer.

Totals bets are popular because you don’t need to predict which team will win—just the combined score.

4. Parlay Bets

A parlay bet allows you to combine multiple bets into one larger wager. To win, all the individual bets in the parlay must hit. Parlays offer higher potential payouts but come with increased risk, as each selection needs to be correct for the parlay to win.

For example, a parlay could include:

• Notre Dame to win (moneyline)
• LSU to cover +3.5 points (point spread)
• The total to go over 60 points in the Alabama vs. Florida game

Because all selections must win, parlays offer bigger payouts than individual bets.

5. Futures Bets

A futures bet involves placing a wager on an event that will happen later in the season, such as which team will win the national championship or which player will win the Heisman Trophy.

For example:

• Georgia to win the National Championship (+500)
• Heisman Trophy winner: Betting on who will win college football’s top individual award.

Futures bets are long-term wagers that can provide excitement throughout the season.

Popular College Football Leagues to Bet On

College football features various conferences and divisions. Here are some of the most popular leagues and conferences for betting:

• Power Five Conferences: These include the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Pac-12, and Big 12. These conferences feature the top teams in the country and attract the most betting action.
• Group of Five Conferences: These include the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, and Sun Belt. While not as high-profile as the Power Five, these leagues still offer exciting betting opportunities.
• FCS (Football Championship Subdivision): Some sportsbooks also offer betting on FCS teams, providing additional chances to bet on smaller schools.

Live Betting on College Football

One of the most thrilling ways to bet on college football is through live betting. This allows you to place wagers while the game is in progress, with odds adjusting based on the current score and momentum.

Examples of live betting options include:

• Next team to score
• Will the game go into overtime?
• Who will win the next quarter?

Live betting adds an extra layer of excitement, as you can react to the game’s developments in real time.

Conclusion: Betting on College Football

Betting on college football offers a variety of exciting options, from simple moneyline bets to complex parlays and futures. With so many games and teams to choose from, college football provides plenty of opportunities for bettors to engage with the action. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bettor, understanding the types of bets available and doing your research will help you make informed decisions and enhance your overall experience.