Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Breece Hall (28) against the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The above would have been a rather insane headline to even imagine five years ago. However when referencing Iowa State Football in May of 2021, there is nothing crazy about it.
Any NY6 winning team returning 20-of-22 starters from the year prior is going to be in the College Football Playoff (which puts you in the national title) conversation the next season. That is Iowa State this spring.
However when studying the Vegas odds late Thursday night, something stood out to me.
Oddsmakers really only believe that five teams are capable of winning the national title next season. Iowa State is not one of them.
Shocker: Alabama and Clemson are the real favorites at +300 and +350 respectively.
Up next is Ohio State at +500, following by Oklahoma (+700) and Georgia (+800).
After that, you have to go ALL THE WAY down to +2500, where Texas A&M sits.
LSU and Wisconsin are at +3500.
That’s where Iowa State joins a crowd along with Florida, Notre Dame, Miami and Penn State at +4000. For what it’s worth, six programs
None of this really changes anything in regards to Iowa State’s team on paper heading into 2021, however the MASSIVE gap from No. 5 on back is rather fascinating as to how oddsmakers see the upcoming season playing out.
