When it comes to gridiron football, the Big Ten will expand to 17 total institutions in 2024.

Four former Pac-12 programs will join the Big Ten: the Oregon Ducks, UCLA Bruins, USC Trojans and Washington Huskies. Adding a West Coast influence, what exactly will the historic conference look like next season?

Going forward, the Big Ten will be without Jim Harbaugh, as the former Michigan Wolverines head coach was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ohio State Buckeyes are favorites to win the upcoming conference title game.

With a little time before spring ball ramps up, let us sift through the Big Ten Championship Game odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, highlighting a few of the perennial frontrunners.

All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

2024-25 Big Ten Championship Game Odds

Ohio State (+155)

The Buckeyes from Columbus should return invigorated in 2024. After three consecutive seasons of losing to "that team up north," Ohio State has been forced to watch from home as Michigan has won the Big Ten title game in all renditions since 2021.

Simply, enough is enough for OSU. Despite rolling over most local opponents in recent years, the Buckeyes have not won a conference championship in football dating back to 2020. However, if we look further out, Ohio State has claimed five Big Ten crowns since 2014.

Head coach Ryan Day might be losing superstar wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to the 2024 NFL Draft (FanDuel Sportsbook has Harrison as the odds-on favorite to be selected fourth overall), but the Buckeyes should still be strong on offense. From there, they will boast one of the toughest defenses in FBS.

OSU will once again operate with a fierce front led by imposing D-linemen J.T. Tuimoloau and Tyleik Williams. Those two combined for 17 TFLs in 2023. Mikebacker Cody Simon -- the Buckeyes' fourth-leading tackler a year ago -- will also return for the 2024 campaign. On the back end, Alabama Crimson Tide transfer Caleb Downs is a talented safety.

At quarterback, Will Howard is transferring into Columbus from Kansas State. This team will ultimately be powered by the defense (one that allowed only 11.2 PPG in 2023). How Howard makes the transition will be paramount. Regardless, FanDuel has Ohio State priced as favorites (+155 odds) to win the next Big Ten Championship Game.

Oregon (+250)

Viewed as the Big Ten's top newcomer for 2024, the Fighting Ducks are another side likely to return with a vengeance. Last season, Oregon excelled to a 12-2 overall record. Still, both of those losses were at the hands of rival Washington. With that, I imagine head coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks will look to make a statement in the coming campaign.

Currently, Oregon (30.64 nERD) is ranked as college football's second-best team at numberFire. They have recently showcased incredibly prolific numbers on offense, but with outgoing quarterback Bo Nix headed for the NFL, can Oklahoma Sooners-transfer Dillon Gabriel keep things rolling in Eugene?

The Ducks will lose a few other offensive contributors, but stars Tez Johnson and Jordan James will be back for 2024. Johnson led UO with 86 receptions (1,182 yards). As for the tailback James, he did well to rush for 11 scores a year ago.

FanDuel Sportsbook is giving respect to Oregon in this market, as the Ducks have the second-shortest odds (+250) to win the Big Ten title game. Still, there will be increased travel this season for the program. With most of Oregon's road games out of the Pacific time zone, we will see how UO fares.

Michigan (+460)

As noted, Jim Harbaugh will now place his emphasis on Sundays rather than Saturdays. Naturally, the same can be said about offensive stars J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum. Regardless, the Wolverines will continue to be a revered side in college football going forward.

Fresh off the school's first national title in over two and a half decades, Michigan is at a changing of the guard. Taking over head coaching duties will be Sherrone Moore, who did well in 2023 to fill in for Harbaugh over multiple suspensions. The Wolverines went undefeated over that stretch.

In 2024, U-M will still have the luxury of a suffocating defense. Last year, Michigan surrendered just 10.4 PPG, which was the strongest clip in Division I football. Dynamic edge rusher Josiah Stewart will be back in Ann Arbor, as will ball-hawking safety Rod Moore. I'd look for those two to set the tone moving ahead -- both on defense and for the entire team.

The Wolverines have currently won three straight Big Ten titles for the first time since the 20th century. However, a fourth consecutive win at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium would be perhaps the most impressive yet.

With respect to many looming changes, Michigan has the third-shortest odds in this market. In March, you can get U-M at +460 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook to win the 2024-25 Big Ten Championship Game.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.