Will Any College Football Teams Go Undefeated in 2023?

Typically, the transition from July to August can be quiet on the American sports front, but that is only before the college football tidal wave.

We're about one month out from CFB Week 0, and the gridiron storylines are already hot. Whether on Heisman watch, future College Football Playoff adjustments, or national championship chatter, there is certainly plenty to debate in 2023.

At FanDuel Sportsbook, one of the most exciting annual college football markets is for a school "To Go Undefeated In The Regular Season." Before the on-field action begins in late August, let us look through some of the top contenders to have that magical undefeated season, as well as some of the long shots.

Market stipulation: the team must play their full 12- or 13-game regular season schedule for bets to stand unless the result is unequivocally determined.

P.S. You'll notice the absence of reigning back-to-back national champion Georgia here.

All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Ohio State Buckeyes

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +340

Head coach Ryan Day will begin his sixth season leading the Ohio State Buckeyes on September 2nd against Big Ten foe Indiana. A high-flying offense, Ohio State will hand the keys to the car to quarterback Kyle McCord. This will be McCord's third year in Columbus as the Buckeyes come into 2023 ranked highest in the nation (31.5), per ESPN College Football Power Index (FPI). Still, can they run the table through a tough Big Ten, including a regular season finale against archrival Michigan in Ann Arbor?

Michigan Wolverines

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +360

Speaking of Ann Arbor, the Michigan Wolverines are next on the odds board in the undefeated regular season market at FanDuel Sportsbook. Entering his ninth year at the helm, head coach Jim Harbaugh seemingly has his alma mater in a pinnacle position. In true Michigan fashion, the Wolverines still boast the best offensive line in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. Behind solid quarterbacking from J.J. McCarthy, the block "M" shows +360 odds to have an undefeated regular season. Their toughest Big Ten tests will be the aforementioned finale against Ohio State, as well as a trip to Penn State's Happy Valley two weeks prior.

Clemson Tigers

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +550

Like most schools on this list, the Clemson Tigers have a longer-tenured, well-established head coach: Dabo Swinney. A three-time national champion (one as a player, two as a head coach), Swinney has gotten the most out of his quarterbacks in the recent era. In 2023, he'll turn the offense over to Cade Klubnik full-time. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei transferred to Oregon State after a streaky 2022 -- can Clemson tear through the ACC with the offense committed to Klubnik? Fortunately for the Tigers, they get the luxury of hosting all of their toughest opponents: Florida State, Wake Forest, and North Carolina.

Alabama Crimson Tide

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +550

Two entire seasons have gone by since Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide have been named national champions, so they are likely to come into 2023 with a vengeance. Overall, 'Bama enters the year as the second-best football team in the nation, per ESPN CFPI (28.2). Regardless, to produce an undefeated campaign through the SEC is to truly run the gamut. This year, the Tide's biggest tests will come early and often, but they will have the benefit of hosting top teams like Texas, LSU, and Tennessee. On the road, their toughest contests will be against Texas A&M, along with the annual Iron Bowl against Auburn.

USC Trojans

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +850

As the top PAC-12 school in most 2023 college football odds markets, the USC Trojans are more than ready to fight on. Under head coach Lincoln Riley and reigning Heisman Trophy recipient Caleb Williams, the men of Troy are looking to air raid the entire conference. With Williams as the best quarterback in D1 football, he has the offensive line to continue thriving. Headed into 2023, USC's O-line is ranked as the seventh-best in the country, per PFF. Additionally, Kliff Kingsbury -- who is quite decorated among the NCAA ranks -- has joined the Trojans as an offensive analyst. With their fiercest competition all coming after Week 6 (vs. Utah, vs. Washington, and at Oregon), do they have enough firepower to run the conference table?

Florida State Seminoles

FanDuel Sportsbook Odds: +900

Our second ACC school in the top 10 of this market, the Florida State Seminoles -- like many other formerly great football institutions in 2023 -- are looking to return to glory this season. Last year, Florida State had a mostly stellar campaign if not for a three-game losing streak mid-way through. With dual-threat quarterback Jordan Travis returning this season, Florida State's 2023 ACC Championship odds are a short second-favorite (+185) just behind Clemson (+150). In terms of going undefeated, the 'Noles have two of their best opponents in the initial weeks: the opener against LSU and a trip to Death Valley in Week 4.

Rounding out the Top 10

• LSU Tigers (+1000)
• Oklahoma Sooners (+1100)
• Oregon Ducks (+1100)
• Texas Longhorns (+1100)

Longer Shots

• Penn State Nittany Lions (+1300)
• Tulane Green Wave (+1400)
• Washington Huskies (+1600)
• Air Force Falcons (+1700)
• Tennessee Volunteers (+1800)
• Wisconsin Badgers (+1900)
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+2000)
• James Madison Dukes (+2400)
• Oregon State Beavers (+2400)
• Libery Flames (+2400)
• UCLA Bruins (+2500)

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.