Connor Zilisch enters the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs as the leading favorite to win the title, with betting platforms, including FanDuel Sportsbook, listing him ahead in Connor Zilisch championship odds. As the season‘s final playoff rounds approach, drivers like Nicholas Sanchez, Brandon Jones, and Justin Allgaier remain key figures in the championship chase, each impacting the standings with recent performances at major speedways.
Nicholas Sanchez Eyes Return Amid Playoff Push
Nicholas Sanchez, in his second year with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, now turns his attention to extending his rookie season’s playoff run. Heading into the decisive Round of 12 finale at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, Sanchez is positioned five points below the cutoff to advance, closely trailing Jesse Love in the standings. Speculation has circulated about his future, but Sanchez recently confirmed his intentions for 2026, planning to stay with Big Machine Racing and continue driving the No. 48 Chevrolet.
Nick Sanchez will return to Big Machine Racing in 2026 to drive the No. 48 car in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. https://t.co/6EgMO4UPiw”
— Jayski, motorsports reporter
Sanchez’s record so far includes a noteworthy win at EchoPark Speedway in June. Despite being valued as a long shot for a championship, with +5000 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook, his progress has drawn attention. In comparison, Connor Zilisch has maintained the top spot in betting, credited with a remarkable streak of sixteen consecutive finishes inside the top five and holding regular-season champion status going into the final playoff stretch.
Brandon Jones and Justin Allgaier Highlight Recent Playoff Developments
Brandon Jones staged a crucial breakthrough by winning at Kansas Speedway, locking in his progression to the Round of 8 in the playoffs. Alongside him, Connor Zilisch and the reigning champion Justin Allgaier also qualified for the next playoff round by accumulating sufficient points through consistent results. During the Kansas event, Jones demonstrated strong leadership, controlling 54 of the 200 laps and securing second-place results in both race stages.
“That was exactly like how we needed that to go down,”
— Brandon Jones, driver, via NASCAR.com
Jones praised his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team for their effort, stating,
I’m so proud of these guys (his No.20 Joe Gibbs Racing team). We worked so hard all week to get here and put a race like this together.”
— Brandon Jones, driver
Allgaier also won both preliminary stages and led the field for a race-high 79 laps, though his race was ultimately hampered by an unsuccessful tire strategy.
On the subject of race-day gambles and their unpredictability, Allgaier remarked,
“They work for you sometimes, they don’t some other times.”
— Justin Allgaier, driver
Current Standings for the 2025 Xfinity Championship Race
The FanDuel Sportsbook provides the latest outlook on who is most likely to claim the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers’ championship. Connor Zilisch remains at the top, given his outstanding form and consistent performances throughout the season, while Nicholas Sanchez enters as an underdog. Other contenders, including Brandon Jones and Justin Allgaier, retain strong positions to challenge as the playoff rounds continue. These odds reflect the shifting dynamics and momentum established during this intense and competitive season.
As the playoff field narrows and each event grows in significance, attention will remain on Zilisch’s dominance and whether any rival—such as Sanchez, Jones, or Allgaier—can upset the current championship odds. With major races still ahead and championship hopes on the line, the Xfinity Series promises continued high-stakes competition for fans and bettors alike.
Nick Sanchez will return to Big Machine Racing in 2026 to drive the No. 48 car in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. https://t.co/6EgMO4UPiw
— Jayski (@jayski) September 28, 2025
Hear from Kansas Lottery 300 Pole Sitter Brandon Jones. pic.twitter.com/VLqALATiJ5
— Next Line Racing🏁 (@NLR_NewsPR) September 27, 2025
