2025 CFB betting odds: Teams to monitor after spring games

Spring football isn’t about crowning champions — it’s about clarity. And across the country, that’s exactly what happened: glimpses, questions, and a whole lot of groundwork. For some, it was about fine-tuning championship pieces — like with the Ohio State Buckeyes. For others, like the Michigan Wolverines and South Carolina Gamecocks, it was about seeing if the late-season momentum from 2024 could carry into something more.

Not every team put on a show. Some skipped the traditional spring game altogether, opting for closed practices or modified scrimmages. Others are still a week or two out. But regardless of format, we’ve learned enough to start drawing early outlines: where the hype is real, where questions still linger, and where the betting markets might be lagging.

Here’s a rundown of what spring practices around the nation revealed, what oddsmakers are signaling and where value could be hiding in April.

Ohio State wrapped spring camp with a modified scrimmage on April 12 — and honestly, that’s all they needed. They’re the reigning national champs and the betting favorites to win both the Big Ten (+175) and another national title (+450). This spring was about refinement.

The team’s biggest question is at quarterback. Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin looked poised, calm, collected and in rhythm — going 17-of-24 for 175 yards and a touchdown. He’s got the early edge. Freshman Tavien St. Clair flashed but didn’t fully pop and sophomore Lincoln Kienholz is still in the mix, but Sayin feels like the frontrunner to start come fall.

The Buckeyes are rebuilding their backfield with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins gone. CJ Donaldson showed power, Bo Jackson brought burst, and Sam Williams-Dixon had sparks. While there’s no feature back yet, there’s enough tools to work with.

One concern is the defensive line. With all four starters from last year gone, no pressure was generated in scrimmage. It was a basic scheme — but still something to watch. Ohio State is still loaded at receiver and deep on the defensive side. They need to answer a few key questions but aren’t starting over. If they can figure it out before fall, another playoff berth is well within reach.