Every college football season delivers surprises, but 2025 feels especially ripe for disruption. With expanded playoff stakes and programs on the rise, bettors are looking beyond the traditional powerhouses to find real value.
That’s where NCAAF underdogs enter the picture. These teams may not dominate headlines, but they consistently challenge spreads, steal wins, and reward bettors who recognize their potential before the market catches up.
Four programs stand out this year: the Maryland Terrapins, the Washington Huskies, the Colorado Buffaloes, and the UNLV Rebels. Each brings a unique blend of talent, coaching, and opportunity that makes them worth following on the betting board.
Maryland Terrapins: A Passing Attack Built to Shock Favorites
Maryland is often overlooked in the Big Ten, but its 2025 position puts it among the most intriguing NCAAF underdogs in the country.
The Terrapins boast a quarterback-led offense that focuses on tempo, vertical passing, and explosive plays. With a maturing offensive line and wide receivers who stretch defenses, Maryland has the tools to keep pace with elite opponents who often underestimate them.
Defensively, they continue to evolve, leaning on speed and versatility to slow down the high-powered attacks of Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State. While they may not shut down top-tier programs, they regularly force mistakes and turn games into tighter contests than oddsmakers expect.
For bettors evaluating spreads at FanDuel Sportsbook it’s clear that Maryland can cause upsets in games where they face superior opponents. Their offensive firepower ensures they rarely get blown out, and their knack for late-game rallies makes them a team bettors should circle.
Focusing on Maryland isn’t about chasing long shots; it’s about capitalizing on consistent value when oddsmakers set lines too wide.
Washington Huskies: New Era, Same Dangerous Identity
The Washington Huskies may not be traditional underdogs, but post-realignment uncertainty has shifted how oddsmakers treat them. Without the Pac-12 spotlight, Washington enters 2025 as a program that is often underestimated on a national scale. Yet, their foundation remains: a strong quarterback pipeline, disciplined coaching, and defenses that swarm with speed.
Offensively, the Huskies maintain their identity as a big-play team. Their wide receiver corps remains among the deepest in the country, and their quarterback play ensures they can score in bunches. On defense, Washington excels in third-down situations, forcing turnovers that instantly flip the momentum.
This balance makes the Huskies one of the most intriguing NCAAF underdogs to track. While the market may price them behind Big Ten heavyweights, they have the tools to upset Michigan or Ohio State in marquee matchups.
For bettors, this is where sharp value lies: betting on Washington when the line leans too heavily on tradition. Follow the Huskies because they bring both the talent and the underdog perception that combine for profitable opportunities all season.
Colorado Buffaloes: Prime Time Pressure and Betting Value
Colorado remains one of the most talked-about programs in college football, and in 2025, Deion Sanders’ squad is no longer a novelty; it’s a real betting opportunity. With talent arriving through the transfer portal and a maturing core of skill players, the Buffaloes are built to shock programs still underestimating their growth.
The offense revolves around dynamic quarterback play, capable of extending drives with both arms and legs. Paired with wide receivers who can stretch the field, Colorado consistently turns broken plays into highlight reels.
Defensively, while not elite, they create enough chaos to keep games competitive and provide bettors with plenty of upset potential.
As one of the most popular NCAAF underdogs, Colorado games often draw heavy betting traffic, which inflates lines in favor of their opponents. For sharp bettors, this creates opportunity: when the public expects blowouts, Colorado frequently covers or pulls off outright wins.
Follow the Buffaloes not just for the entertainment value but because they embody underdog potential that translates directly into betting edges throughout the season.
UNLV Rebels: Quietly Building a Betting Gem
UNLV may not dominate national conversations, but sharp bettors know the Rebels are becoming one of the most profitable NCAAF underdogs in college football. In 2025, their steady climb under innovative coaching has positioned them as a team capable of contending within the Mountain West and delivering value far beyond preseason expectations.
Offensively, UNLV leans on balance. Their quarterback distributes the ball efficiently, while their running game grinds down defenses late in contests. This adaptability allows them to compete against faster-paced teams while still excelling in ball-control situations. On defense, they’ve developed the discipline to contain explosive plays, a vital asset when battling conference rivals.
For bettors, UNLV shines against the spread. Oddsmakers frequently undervalue them due to limited national visibility, yet their consistency in tight games makes them a reliable play.
While they may not be household names yet, the Rebels reward those who pay attention. Following UNLV is less about chasing headlines and more about recognizing a team that delivers steady betting returns when others overlook them.
Underdogs Drive Value
Underdogs drive value in college football, and in 2025, the Maryland Terrapins, Washington Huskies, Colorado Buffaloes, and UNLV Rebels represent four programs that bettors should track closely. Each embodies the traits of profitable NCAAF underdogs: offensive firepower, defensive grit, or public perception that lags behind reality.
For fans, these teams make Saturdays more exciting. For bettors, they provide edges where others see only long shots.
In a season defined by change, these underdogs are primed not just to compete, but to pay dividends for those sharp enough to follow them.
*Content reflects information available as of 2025/09/04; subject to change.
