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.
All odds are accurate as of time stamp. All times Eastern. For the latest odds go to ESPN BET.
To win National Championship +450To win Big Ten +175Regular Season Wins OV 10.5 +110 / UN -115
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.
To win National Championship (22-1)To win Big Ten (+850)Regular Season Wins (OV 8.5 -180 / UN +140)
Michigan might’ve had one of the strongest finishes to the 2024 season – beating Ohio State and then Alabama in their bowl game, while playing like a team that finally figured it out.
Their spring camp had some buzz, headlined by 17-year-old freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. He’s still adjusting to the college game but showed some legit potential in Michigan’s spring game, going 12-of-26 for 187 yards with an 88-yard completion. There were misses including an interception but Underwood’s talent is obvious. He’s not just the QB of the future. He might be the opening week starter.
The Wolverines defense looked sharp, picking up right where it left off. Dominic Nichols and Rayshaun Benny lead a front seven that feels ahead of schedule.
Michigan’s backfield is in solid shape, too, as Bama transfer Justice Haynes looked smooth while Bryson Kuzdzal ran for over 100 yards.
However, their pass protection and receiver separation needs some work. The quarterbacks didn’t have much time, and guys weren’t consistently getting open. But that’s what April is – see what’s missing and focusing on fixing it.
The bottom line is that Michigan isn’t sneaking up on anyone in 2025. They’re on my radar as a playoff contender and are 22-1 to win the national championship. At +850 to win the Big Ten, the Wolverines could provide early value by the start of the season if Underwood is able to settle in fast.
To win National Championship (40-1)To win SEC (18-1)Regular Season Wins (OV 7.5 -130 / UN +100)
South Carolina ended 2024 on a tear with six straight wins and a quarterback in LaNorris Sellers who looked like he was putting it all together. The dual-threat, confident, signal caller is now the clear face of the program.
He only played a quarter in the Gamecocks’ spring game and went 4-of-7 for 53 yards, but he didn’t need more.The game itself was a slugfest with 13 punts and only 18 total first downs. South Carolina’s offense didn’t light it up — but the defense looked fast, physical and disciplined. They feel like a unit that is ready to build on the 41 sacks they posted last year.
If Sellers keeps trending upward and the defense holds steady, South Carolina could become a legitimate contender in the SEC.
Quick hits
Alabama Crimson Tide (OV 9.5 +110 / UN -140)
In Kalen DeBoer’s second year, Alabama is navigating a quarterback competition and integrating new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s spread offense. This has transition year vibes.
Georgia Bulldogs (OV 9.5 -180 / UN +140):
Linebackers CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson are expected to anchor a strong defense. The running back position remains a concern due to injuries and departures, while the team is looking to bolster its edge rusher depth.
West Virginia Mountaineers (OV 4.5 -150 / UN +120):
The Mountaineers are undergoing a total roster overhaul. The team experienced significant turnover, with 34 players entering the transfer portal post-spring practices. This could be the biggest reset in the country.
Texas Longhorns (OV 10.5 +160 / UN 10.5)
Head coach Steve Sarkisian pulled the plug on the Orange-White game to manage bodies after two deep postseason runs. This season is all about Arch Manning’s development.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (OV 7.5 -125 / UN -105):
Coach Matt Rhule canceled the Cornhuskers game due to portal tampering concerns. Nebraska started 2024 5-1 start but finished the season 1-5. This year feels pivotal for Rhule.
Penn State Nittany Lions (OV 10.5 +130 / UN -165).’
The Nittany Lions defense has the pieces to be elite under Jim Knowles. But Penn State’s offense is still searching for consistent wide receiver play around Drew Allar. Transfers Devonte Ross and Kyron Hudson, along with redshirt freshman Tyseer Denmark and true freshman Kobe Howard, showed signs this spring that the receiving corps has depth.
One team to keep an eye on
UCLA Bruins (OV 5.5 +110 / UN -140)
UCLA enters 2025 in full transition mode – new head coach, new conference, and a new quarterback. Former five-star Nico Iamaleava transferred from Tennessee after throwing for over 2,600 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, helping lead the Vols to a Playoff berth. On paper, it’s a splash. But not all production tells the full story.
Analysts still see Iamaleava as a high-ceiling prospect, but the concerns are real. His decision-making can be inconsistent, his footwork breaks down under pressure, and he’s still young with just one full season as a starter. The talent is there — but the mechanics, consistency, and command still need refining. His development at UCLA will determine whether he turns the corner or stays in the “potential” category.
With a win total set at 5.5, oddsmakers are pricing in growing pains. For UCLA to clear that number, Iamaleava’s ceiling needs to become his baseline — fast. There’s upside, but the margin for error is thin.
