Alabama’s National Championship Odds Plummet After Nick Saban Retires

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban walks the sideline during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsAlabama head coach Nick Saban has announced his retirement after 17 seasonsAlabama’s National Championship odds suffered as a resultBelow, see how Saban’s retirement impacts the CFP National Championship odds

The college football world was turned upside down on Wednesday evening when news broke that legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban, winner of seven national championships, is retiring after 17 remarkable seasons in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama had entered the offseason with the second-best odds to win next year’s title at +600 at leading sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings. Those odds plummeted to +1000 following confirmation of Saban’s exit.

The table below displays the updated National Championship odds. Below, find our analysis of Alabama’s betting futures.

Updated National Championship Odds

Georgia opened as the betting favorite to win the National Championship on Monday, and they remain first in the odds at +300.

Alabama is now listed fourth at +1000 in the CFP Title odds, meaning they have just a 9% implied probability of winning it all in 2024-25.

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Odds as of January 10th at FanDuel Sportsbook. Claim the FanDuel promo code to bet on Alabama’s National Title odds. 

Alabama’s National Championship Odds Plummet

Saban’s retirement sent shockwaves through both the betting markets and college football experts, calling into question the future dominance of a Crimson Tide program that has been the sport’s gold standard for over a decade.

Alabama opened as the second betting favorite to win the National Title in 2024-25, but those odds lengthened to +1000 at FanDuel following Saban’s retirement. Alabama is now fourth on FanDuel’s odds behind the likes of Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas.

Alabama's odds to win the 2024-25 National Championship have dropped from +550 to +1000 at FanDuel after Nick Saban's retirement. #RollTide

— Dylan Svoboda (@dylanksvoboda) January 10, 2024

The 72-year-old Saban departs Tuscaloosa with a record of 206-29, having led the Tide to six national titles, nine SEC championships, and 15 consecutive seasons with double-digit wins. He mentored four Heisman Trophy winners in Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith, and Bryce Young.

Saban’s retirement caps off a legendary career in which he dominated the sport like no other coach in recent memory. But he leaves enormous shoes to fill. Alabama must now embark on finding a worthy successor to take the reins of a program that has been synonymous with excellence for over a decade.

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Verdict on the Crimson Tide’s 2025 Title Chances

Alabama’s CFP National Championship odds have plummeted for now, but a strong coaching hire could put them back on the right path. Of course, we don’t expect any drastic odds swing following the hire, as no coach can replace the excellence of Coach Saban.

Nick Saban has officially retired

Thank you for everything you’ve done for the University of Alabama 🐘❤️

You’re the GOAT 🐐 pic.twitter.com/5eruHx8Rjb

— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) January 10, 2024

No matter which coach is hired in Tuscaloosa, they will inherit a Crimson Tide team with plenty of experienced and young talent. Quarterback Jalen Milroe and safety Caleb Downs are returning in 2023-24, while incoming freshman WR Ryan Williams and RB Justice Haynes are ready to make names for themselves.

Even though losing Saban is a massive blow for the Crimson Tide, Alabama and Georgia are still the cream of the crop in the SEC. Yes, Big 12 champs Texas will be joining the conference in 2024-25, but they are unproven playing a full SEC schedule. Bama and Georgia have won nine of the past 10 SEC titles.

 

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