Urban Meyer. Syndication Detroit Free Press

Urban Meyer Predicts National Championship Winner Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 10:12 AM ET

With the conclusion of the regular season, conference championships, and the official reveal of the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, the predictions have started rolling in on who will emerge as the national champion. Former college football head coach and current "Big Noon Kickoff" analyst Urban Meyer joined the discussion this week.

During “The Triple Option” podcast, which features Rob Stone, Mark Ingram, and Meyer, he was asked to weigh in on who he believes is the clear-cut favorite for the national title. Without hesitation, despite his well-known bias towards the Ohio State Buckeyes, Meyer didn't pick Ohio State.

"They are," Meyer responded when asked if Oregon is the best team in the country. "I think they're the fastest team in the country... but when they're firing on all cylinders, they're the best team in the country. I think they're the most balanced offense and defensively... that's my favorite. I have Oregon."

All season, Meyer had been backing the Ohio State Buckeyes as his pick for the national championship, but their loss to Michigan clearly dampened his confidence. And rightfully so—it was a tough, one-sided defeat for Ohio State.

However, when asked about his potential "underdog" to win it all, Meyer didn't hesitate to mention Ohio State and Texas, even though both teams are ranked in the top four with some of the best odds to win, according to BetMGM.

Despite this, Meyer is still leaning toward Oregon as his pick for the title. The Ducks, as the No. 1 overall seed, will have a first-round bye and face the winner of the Tennessee vs. Ohio State matchup in the second round.

While Oregon's path to the national championship may not be the easiest, Meyer—who has coached two separate programs to national championships, including Ohio State—still believes in the Ducks’ ability to get it done.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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