How to Bet on College Football
Everything you need to know to bet on Saturdays with confidence
8 min read
3 Things You Need to Start Betting
1. A Sportsbook Account
Sign up with a legal sportsbook like FanDuel or DraftKings. Must be 21+ and in a legal state.
2. A Betting Budget
Set aside money you can afford to lose. Most games are on Saturday - don't bet them all!
3. Basic Knowledge
Understand spreads, moneylines, and totals. Plus CFB-specific factors like home field and rivalries.
Understanding College Football Betting Markets
College football betting has unique characteristics. With 130+ FBS teams and huge talent gaps, spreads can reach 40+ points. Understanding these dynamics is key to success.
Point Spread Bets: Leveling the Field
The spread is the most popular CFB bet because it balances mismatches. When Alabama plays a mid-major, the spread makes it competitive.
Example:
Georgia -14.5 (-110) vs. Kentucky +14.5 (-110)
• Georgia -14.5: They must win by 15+ points
• Kentucky +14.5: They can lose by up to 14 points and you still win
Best for: Most college football bettors prefer spreads over moneylines due to extreme pricing on favorites.
Moneyline Bets: Pick the Winner
Simply pick which team wins. Moneylines in college football can have extreme prices due to mismatches.
Example:
Georgia -700 vs. Kentucky +500
• Bet $700 on Georgia to win $100 (huge favorite)
• Bet $100 on Kentucky to win $500 (big underdog)
Note: Moneylines on 20+ point favorites often exceed -1000. Not worth the risk for the return.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined Points
Bet on whether both teams will combine for over or under a set number of points. College totals vary wildly based on team styles.
Example:
Total: 54.5 points
• Over 54.5: Final combined score of 55+ (e.g., 35-21)
• Under 54.5: Final combined score of 54 or less
Key factor: Tempo varies enormously in college. Air Raid offenses push totals up; triple option teams keep them down.
Key College Football Betting Factors
College football has unique dynamics that differ from the NFL:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Home Field | Worth 3-4 points, more at elite venues. Death Valley, The Swamp, The Shoe are huge advantages. |
| Rivalries | Traditional rivalries often produce closer games. Underdogs cover more in rivalry spots. |
| Conference Play | Non-conference games have more uncertainty. Conference games offer better sample data. |
| Weather | Late-season games in the Midwest/Northeast see cold, wind. Impacts passing games significantly. |
| Motivation | Bowl eligibility, playoff positioning, and revenge games all create motivation edges. |
Pro tip: Watch for "trap games" - when a ranked team plays a lesser opponent before a big rivalry game. Letdown spots are real.
Key Numbers in College Football
Like the NFL, certain margins occur more frequently. But college's higher variance makes these less rigid:
| Number | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 3 | Field goal margin - still important but less so than NFL |
| 7 | Touchdown margin - common in closer games |
| 10, 14, 17, 21 | Multiple score margins - more relevant in college due to blowouts |
College games have more variance, so key numbers matter less than in the NFL. Blowouts are common.
College Football Betting Tips for Beginners
Do This
- Respect home field advantage
College crowds affect young players more than NFL
- Consider rivalry game dynamics
Underdogs often play above their level
- Check weather for late-season games
Cold and wind impact passing attacks
- Be selective with so many games
40+ games on Saturday - you can't bet them all
Avoid This
- Laying huge moneylines
Don't risk $1000 to win $100 on heavy favorites
- Ignoring trap game situations
Big games coming up often cause letdowns
- Betting too many games
Quality over quantity - focus on edges
- Overreacting to early season results
Teams improve drastically through the season
Where Can I Bet on College Football?
Sports betting is legal in 38+ states as of 2026. Popular legal sportsbooks for college football betting include:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
You must be 21+ and physically located in a state where sports betting is legal. Note: Some states restrict betting on in-state college teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest college football bet for beginners?
Point spread bets are the most popular in college football. Due to the skill gaps between teams, spreads can be large (30+ points), but they level the playing field for betting. Moneylines on heavy favorites often have poor value (-500 or worse).
Why are college football spreads so much bigger than NFL spreads?
College football has massive talent disparities. An SEC powerhouse vs. a Group of Five school creates mismatches you'd never see in the NFL. This leads to spreads of 20, 30, even 40+ points. The larger spreads create more variance and opportunity.
How important is home field advantage in college football?
Extremely important - college home field is worth roughly 3-4 points, more than the NFL. Student sections, 100,000-seat stadiums, and young players being affected by noise all contribute. Some venues like Death Valley or The Swamp are worth even more.
Should I bet on rivalry games differently?
Yes. Rivalry games (Ohio State-Michigan, Alabama-Auburn, etc.) often see closer contests regardless of rankings. The spread may not reflect the emotional intensity. Underdogs tend to perform better in rivalry spots.
What are the key numbers in college football betting?
Similar to NFL, 3 and 7 are important (common margins from field goals and touchdowns). However, college games have more variance, so key numbers matter slightly less than in the NFL. Blowouts are more common, making 10, 14, 17, and 21 relevant too.