Big Ten Football Conference Betting Preview and Picks

Realignment Shakes Up Big Ten Odds

The Big Ten has historically been dominated by the same few teams in football, with Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State accounting for much of the success. While those same schools expect to continue winning in 2024, realignment brings a new wave of contenders into the conference.

The addition of Oregon, USC, Washington and UCLA promises to deepen an already deep conference, one that already houses the defending national champion Wolverines. This will be the first season with 18 teams in the conference and no divisions.

Ohio State is the early +155 favorite to win the Big Ten, though Oregon (+200) isn’t far behind. Here’s a closer look at the Big Ten Conference odds.

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Odds to win Big Ten Conference

Big Ten Conference Betting Analysis

Defending national champion Michigan may still be formidable, but new coach Sherrone Moore has serious work ahead. Not only did the Wolverines lose Jim Harbaugh to the NFL, but they also have to replace quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum and several other contributors from their 15-0 season record in the Big Ten standings.

The Big Ten could have as many as four schools land inside the preseason Top 15 when the initial AP NCAAF Top 25 is unveiled next month.

Ohio State and Oregon both profile as bona fide national championship contenders, while Penn State isn’t far behind. In fact, they are three of the eight biggest favorites to win the College Football Playoff.

The Buckeyes and Wolverines have accounted for the last seven Big Ten titles, with each of the last three going to Michigan. In the last 12 years, the only other schools besides them to win are Penn State (2016) and Michigan State (2013, 2015).

Be sure to keep that in mind when analyzing the Big Ten Conference odds.

Big Ten Conference Previous winners and Betting Trends

The Big Ten has been a two-team recently, with Michigan and Ohio State dominating the accolades. While those two are again top contenders, Oregon (+200) and Penn State (+500) both factor heavily into the equation. Those four schools are all priced 7/1 or better, with a large gap separating them from the next team on the list, USC (+2200).

The Trojans, who must replace former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams, may be on the fringe of the preseason Top 25.

Bettors should take that into account when making their NCAAF picks and parlays.

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Big Ten Conference Betting Picks

Oregon coach Dan Lanning swung big in the transfer portal and landed former Oklahoma star Dillon Gabriel to replace Bo Nix at quarterback, strengthening a roster that was already among the best in FBS. The Ducks are coming off a 12-2 (8-1 Pac 12) season and look poised to challenge preseason favorite Georgia (+300) for the national title.

The Ducks, of course, are also positioned well to compete atop the Big Ten, with their first test coming Oct. 12 at home against Ohio State. They also host Washington (Nov. 30) and visit Michigan (Nov. 2), while avoiding Penn State, USC and Iowa.

As talented as Ohio State may be, look for the Ducks to outlast the pack and win the Big Ten title. Our Big Ten pick is Oregon at +200 Big Ten Conference odds.