Now that the FCS spring season has come to an end, attention again shifts to the fall college football season. There will be a time when we can take a look at college football betting futures in the FCS, but for now, let’s start out with the power-5. While there are clear favorites in the sportsbooks for each conference, we will search for value with the best longshot bets to place right now.
Best College Football Betting Futures Longshots | Conference Picks
ACC: North Carolina (+700)
The North Carolina Tar Heels are quickly becoming one of the best teams in college football year in and year out. The hiring of former Texas head coach Mack Brown has really pointed the college football program in the right direction. With that being said, the Tar Heels are easily the best bet in the ACC this season. First of all, they avoid Clemson in the regular season. On top of that, their toughest game on the schedule should be at Notre Dame. The Irish are still looking to find a replacement for Ian Book, so the Tar Heels could surprise them. They also have the projected first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, in quarterback Sam Howell. If the Tar Heels can stay unbeaten throughout conference play, they have an excellent shot at making the Playoff.
Big 12: Texas (+425)
The Longhorns are still not back, but they are on the right track. After luring Steve Sarkisian away from Alabama, the feeling is that Texas could be back among college football’s elite. While Sarkisian isn’t the hot name he once was, he’s a great fit for Texas. Hell, he’s even lured away four-star quarterback Maalik Murphy from California. The Longhorns and their faithful fans would love to see the Texas back on the top of college football. However, even with the Sarkisian hire, it’s not going to be easy.
Big Ten: Wisconsin (+800)
Wisconsin has to win a Big Ten title soon, right? In all reality, the Badgers are one of the top teams in the Big Ten year in and year out. Their biggest game of the year takes place in Week 1, when they take on Big Ten rival Penn State at Camp Randall. Wisconsin does avoid the Buckeyes in the regular season, but they will likely have to play them in the Big Ten Championship. The Badgers have been on the cusp of winning a Big Ten Championship for a couple of years now, and quarterback Graham Mertz could be the one to deliver it.
Pac-12: Arizona State (+450)
The Sun Devils and head coach Herm Edwards have been good, recently. Last year, they struggled a bit, but then again, so did most teams during the pandemic. However, I love Arizona State at +400. Super sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels had an up and down year last season. However, he should be one of the most exciting players in college football this year. He’s the definition of a dual-threat quarterback. On top of Daniels, the Sun Devils have a plethora of targets to throw to. Could this finally be the year the Sun Devils get the job done?
SEC: Texas A&M (+600)
The Aggies are going to have a weird year. Kellen Mond, who was the starting quarterback for Texas A&M for four years, had great stats, but was never able to win the big one. The quarterback job should come down to sophomore Zach Calzada, Haynes King or Eli Stowers. It will be interesting to see what Jimbo Fisher does with the Aggies this year, but it will at least be must-watch football.
