Betting on the NCAAF: Underdog Teams that Might Change College Football

The NCAAF, or National Collegiate Athletic Association Football, is the organization that oversees college football in the United States. It manages teams across various divisions and conferences, setting rules and organizing competitions.

College football is known for its unpredictability, setting it apart from the more consistent outcomes of professional football. The combination of young athletes, frequent roster changes due to graduation, and the sheer number of teams creates opportunities for unexpected results.

These unexpected wins challenge the status quo and redefine the landscape of college football. For bettors, identifying and capitalizing on these underdog teams can make a significant difference, offering the potential for big rewards.

Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas has long been an afterthought in college football, particularly within the Big 12, where traditional powers like Oklahoma State, Texas, and Oklahoma have historically reigned supreme. The Jayhawks’ football program has struggled for decades, overshadowed by their renowned basketball team and often finishing near the bottom of the conference standings.

Despite recent progress under Leipold, Kansas’s rise is seen as a work in progress rather than a fully realized threat. Lacking the deep-rooted football tradition and resources of its rivals, Kansas remains an underdog as it works to establish credibility among the Big 12’s elite.

Given their underdog status and ongoing improvement, Kansas offers substantial value for bettors in 2025, particularly in games where oddsmakers might underestimate their growth. Their strong home-field advantage at Memorial Stadium makes them a smart pick for bets on home matchups, especially against mid-tier Big 12 opponents. To explore NCAAF odds for these games, check out FanDuel college football.

With Jalon Daniels steering the offense, the Jayhawks could outperform expectations in contests that are listed as slight underdogs, providing upside in point spreads or moneyline wagers. Bettors should also consider Kansas for Big 12 championship odds, as their upward trajectory and manageable schedule position them as a dark horse with a realistic shot at the title.

Boise State Broncos

Boise State’s underdog label stems from its Group of Five affiliation. The G5 conferences—Mountain West, American Athletic, Conference USA, Mid-American, and Sun Belt—receive less funding, media attention, and prestige than the Power Five (P5) conferences: SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12.

This gap often results in lower national rankings and skepticism about their ability to rival P5 teams, even with strong performances. In 2024, Boise State outgained then-No. 1 Oregon on the road but lost narrowly (37-34), yet finished the season ranked No. 8 in the AP Top 25, behind P5 teams like Ohio State (13-2) and Penn State (13-2). Their CFP quarterfinal loss to Penn State (31-14) underscored the persistent perception that G5 teams fall short of P5 elites despite competitive showings.

A deep CFP run by Boise State in 2025 could significantly reshape college football. First, it would elevate the credibility of Group of Five programs, challenging the long-standing dominance of Power Five conferences in national championship discussions.

Second, their success might influence conference realignment. Boise State’s consistent excellence and a high-profile 2025 season could make them an attractive candidate for P5 conferences looking to expand, such as the Big 12 or Pac-12. Third, a Boise State breakthrough could inspire other G5 programs to invest more heavily in football, narrowing the talent and funding gap with P5 schools.

Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana’s underdog status is rooted in its historical standing within the Big Ten, a conference dominated by perennial giants like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. For decades, these programs have overshadowed the Hoosiers, often relegated to the lower tiers of the conference standings with little national attention.

Despite their breakout 2024 season, skepticism persists about their ability to sustain success against such established foes. Their recent achievements are viewed as an exception rather than a new norm, as the program lacks its rivals’ long-term pedigree and resources, keeping expectations tempered despite the momentum they’ve built.

But heading into 2025, they return a formidable defense known for its toughness, ability to stifle opposing offenses, and deep and talented quarterback room. Key players include Fernando Mendoza, a transfer with starting experience, and Jacob Bell, a recent high-profile commit, who provide versatility and promise at the position. This combination of defensive strength and offensive potential positions Indiana for another impactful season.

A breakthrough season in 2025 would send shockwaves through the conference and beyond. Disrupting the Big Ten’s traditional hierarchy, long dominated by a handful of elite programs, would signal Indiana’s arrival as a serious football contender.

BYU Cougars

As a relatively new addition to the Big 12, BYU is still carving out its place among the conference’s established elite, such as Oklahoma State and Baylor, and newer powerhouses like Utah. Having spent decades as an independent, the Cougars lack their peers’ deep conference history and rivalries, contributing to perceptions of inexperience in P5 competition. Despite its recent success, BYU is seen as a team in transition, working to prove it belongs among the Big 12’s top tier, which keeps it in the underdog category as it builds its reputation.

Capitalizing on their underdog status and recent progress, BYU emerges as an appealing choice for bettors in 2025. Their upward trend, bolstered by returning talent like Retzlaff and a strong defensive core, suggests they could outperform expectations. This makes them particularly attractive in bets on upsetting top Big 12 teams like Oklahoma State or Utah, where their defensive strength and Retzlaff’s playmaking ability could prove decisive.

The Cougars are also a solid candidate for bowl game wagers, given their high likelihood of securing a postseason berth based on their current trajectory. Staying informed about team developments, such as Retzlaff’s performance metrics or defensive standings, can enhance betting decisions—check out the Latest NCAAF Insights and Trends for up-to-date news, research, and stats.

Bettors should seek value in matchups where BYU is listed as a slight underdog, as their growing cohesion and competitive edge might catch oddsmakers off guard, offering profitable opportunities in point spreads or moneyline bets.

BYU’s continued success in 2025 could solidify its legitimate Power Five program status, with broader implications for the sport. A strong season—potentially contending for the Big 12 title or earning a CFP berth—would cement its transition from independent outlier to P5 mainstay, attracting top-tier recruits who might otherwise target more established programs.

Wrapping it Up

The 2025 college football season offers exciting prospects for underdog teams like Boise State, Memphis, Indiana, Kansas, and BYU. With the expanded 12-team CFP format, these teams can disrupt traditional power structures and create betting opportunities. Bettors should consider them for strategic wagers, especially in games that are undervalued or have advantageous matchups. Their success could reshape college football’s hierarchy and introduce fresh narratives for fans and bettors