Alex MacQuoid
As the 2025/2026 League One season draws near, football fans and punters alike are eyeing the odds and forming early predictions. With powerhouse clubs and surprise packages vying for promotion, the title race promises to be a tightly contested affair. Whether you’re a casual bettor or a die-hard supporter, our expert analysis will guide you through the betting landscape for League One’s next champion.
Title Holders: Who Won League One Last Season?
In the 2024/2025 season, Birmingham, which scored a fantastic 111 points in 46 games, and Wrexham earned direct spots in the Championship. Charlton also secured promotion after a fierce play-off. We will not see these teams in the new League One season. Instead, Luton Town, Plymouth and another Welsh club, Cardiff City, will now play in England’s third-tier division.
2025/2026 League One Winner Odds: Full Table
Here are the current winner odds for the upcoming League One season:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Luton | 4.50 |
| Cardiff | 9.00 |
| Plymouth | 9.00 |
| Huddersfield | 9.00 |
| Bolton | 12.00 |
| Blackpool | 13.00 |
| Stockport | 15.00 |
| Wycombe | 17.00 |
| Reading | 17.00 |
| Leyton Orient | 21.00 |
| Barnsley | 26.00 |
| Wigan | 26.00 |
| Rotherham | 29.00 |
| Bradford | 34.00 |
| Peterborough | 34.00 |
| Lincoln City | 41.00 |
| Doncaster | 41.00 |
| Mansfield | 51.00 |
| Stevenage | 67.00 |
| Port Vale | 81.00 |
| Burton Albion | 81.00 |
| Exeter | 101.00 |
| Northampton | 101.00 |
| AFC Wimbledon | 126.00 |
These odds reflect the balance of power going into the season — a mix of recently relegated clubs, solid mid-table contenders, and under-the-radar teams hoping to make a splash.
Top Contenders to Win League One According to 1Red
It is difficult to imagine that in May 2024, Luton Town was playing in the Premier League, and now the team has dropped to League One. However, according to 1Red, Luton are favourites to win the 2025/2026 League One title at odds of 4.50.
Interestingly, among the four main contenders for the Championship, three teams played there last season. Three teams have the same odds as Luton Town for the Championship: Cardiff, Plymouth, and Huddersfield, all priced at 9.00. Huddersfield is the only one of the four that played in League One last season. What’s more, The Terriers finished last season in tenth place.
Dark Horses in the League One Title Race
While the favourites grab headlines, the dark horses can offer serious value. Blackpool (13.00) and Stockport (15.00) are both capable of a promotion push. Along with Stockport, Wycombe (17.00) and Leyton Orient (21.00) played in the play-offs last season, but their chances are considered to be significantly lower.
Important Dates for the 2025/2026 League One Season
- Season Start: August 2, 2025
- Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Transfer Window: Opens July 1, 2025 – Closes August 31, 2025
- Mid-Season Window: January 1 – January 31, 2026
- Final Matchday: May 2, 2026
These dates are vital for betting strategy — watch the early fixtures and squad changes before placing any long-term wagers.
Expert Betting Tips: Play Smart
Remember that betting should always be for fun and never as a way to make money. When betting on a clear winner, you should pick a favorite, a mid-tier team, and a long shot. Pay attention to player moves, illnesses, and early-season form. The most important thing is to only bet money that you can afford to lose.