When winter lets go and the first matches kick off on worn artificial turf and uneven natural mats, something special comes back to life. The OBOS league is not glossy and perfect – it is raw, unpredictable and real. Here, people play not for glamour, but for dreams. For promotion. To survive. To prove that you belong at a higher level.
It's the league where long away trips, cold spring evenings and small margins shape seasons. Where young talents get their breakthroughs, and seasoned ring foxes take one last waltz on worn-out dancing shoes. Where favorites stumble, outsiders grow and the table rarely follows the script.
Because in the OBOS league, there is always a story that was not written in advance.
And that's exactly why we try.
Here are this year's table tips
1. Stromsgodset
Relegated teams tend to bite hard in the OBOS league, and Strømsgodset appear to be the clearest candidate for direct promotion. Despite some heavy losses – including Marko Farji – they have retained a solid core and brought in exciting names.
The change of coach from Dag-Eilev Fagermo to Magne Hoseth, with Bjørn Helge Riise joining the team, signals a desire to build something more stable and sustainable. In terms of resources, they will also be among the largest in the division. In a record-breaking league, we predict Strømsgodset will end up at the top.
2. Grind
Bryne is naturally a promotion favorite. A little because they were relegated from the Eliteserien, but mostly because they have kept most of the squad from last year.
Bryne Stadium is historically one of the country's toughest away grounds, and in a league as even as the OBOS league, home field advantage can be the difference.
But it will be exciting to see what Ørjan Heiberg can achieve. Did great things with Strømmen last year, but represents a slightly different type of football than what we are used to seeing from Bryne.
3. Ranheim
Ranheim is our "Dark horse". But that assumes that they retain key players like Diop and Camara. If they can do that, they can challenge the top. The collaboration with their academy in Africa has borne fruit, and new players are coming. But they can't afford to lose their star duo in the summer window.
Ranheim has a stated goal of promotion, according to an offensive Kåre Ingebrigtsen, and we think they might be able to do it.
4. Kongsvinger
Always up there – but never quite up. Last year, promotion was just around the corner, and it will take a lot from the group to go on with renewed courage again this year.
The good work that is done in Kongsvinger often results in a player flight to the Eliteserien. So this year too. And it is primarily players with goal points who leave. But clearly; players out, means money in, and maybe this money can be used to buy their way into the top?
5. Stabaek
Stabæk is coming off a chaotic season, and a lot is new – including coach Kjell André Thu. But with experience from the OBOS league, and as a former Stabæk player, this could be a perfect match. In addition, the club will be entering Nye Nadderud during the spring, and that could turn out positively.
They have lost some players to the Eliteserien, but this could still go well. At least better than last year.
6. Lightning
Lyn's turnaround under Magnus Aadland last year was impressive. From relegation candidate to top team in the fall. Even though they have lost profiles like Sylla, the structure and playing style are intact.
Can build on the momentum – but must prove that it was not a fluke.
7. FK Haugesund
It is very difficult to predict the season for Fk Haugesund. We made an attempt here , but at the same time we know that a lot can happen from here and towards the start of the series. Currently without a head coach, and in the worst case may have to start the season with the young and inexperienced duo; Horneland and Hompland as coaches. Has not strengthened enough to be able to register at the top. Fortunately, they will get a couple of exciting players back from loans and injuries. The Westlanders can surprise their critics.
8. Egersund
With young Endre Eide at the helm, and new players with Eliteserie experience in, this looks promising – even with financial challenges. The main sponsor is on the way out, and so is Eide perhaps? At the time of writing, he is at the top of Fk Haugesund's wish list, and if he leaves just before the start of the series, a lot will change. A qualifying place last year is perhaps the maximum of what this small village in the southwest of Norway can produce? We think so.
9. Odd
Big upheaval and financial challenges. Many experienced players out, and even though age weighed, the routine of Hussain, Hagen, Børven, Hansen and Solholm Johansen will be missed. Per Frandsen now has a whole season to make his mark on the team, and they need an upturn in Grenland now, after two lean years. Unfortunately, the great talent Oliver Hagen was recently sold to Hammarby. History and infrastructure are in place, so Odd can surprise now that expectations are low.
10. Sogndal
The eternal outsider. Good coach in Luis Pimenta and experience with Even Hovland in central defense.
Can beat anyone – but lacks stability over time. Looks like a team for the middle tier again.
11. Moss
Barely survived last year. Now more structure is being built around the club, including with Kevin Ingebrigtsen as sports director. This frees up Ole Martin Nesselquist, so that he can work on what he is good at; namely the job as head coach. Has extended the contracts of several key players, and newly acquired Oscar Aga could become a key player.
12. Sandnes Ulf
We saw what Hødd managed after the promotion, and there is nothing to indicate that Sandnes/Ulf will not be able to do the same. Has kept much of the squad and strengthened smartly. Arturo Cleveland moved up at the first attempt last year, and has managed to create a huge commitment in a large home crowd. Also has a great facility around Østerhus Arena. But everything has to work out if this is to work.
13. Raufoss
Has survived on the margins for several years, and this year they have also lost several key players. But Raufoss has gained good experience in building new things, and they certainly have to do that this year too. Kasey Wehrman is the new coach, and we can't quite see what they see. Limited success in both Ull/Kisa and Strømmen, but maybe it is at Raufoss that he will reach his potential? It will take time if this is to work.
14. Hodd
Hødd surprised us last year, and we don't want to make the same mistake again. At the same time, there are some shortcomings here that worry us. A new coach in Ivan Poulsen is one thing, but the absence of Ola Visted could quickly cost them important points. Good at home at Høddvoll, but they are probably completely dependent on a good start if they are to be able to go the distance.
15. The Hills
Unsettled start to the season with coach departure and player loss. Club management and board of directors may soon regret that they came to blows with Eirik Bakke, because he would have been good to have now. Erling Flotve Myklebust has gone to Atl. Ottawa, and several others have followed him out the door. We think it will be a tough season for Åsane.
16. The Current
Finances and squad situation make Strømmen the clearest candidate for relegation, unfortunately. Only one player was under contract as of 31.12.2025, and even though most have now signed, it is a clear sign of the chaos that reigns. Has also lost his coach to Bryne. Swede Jens Wedeborg comes from Runarvik in the Faroe Islands, where his team finished in 3rd place. Stands for an offensive type of football, and probably wants to attack in the OBOS league as well. Could that be his path?
90minutefamily extends collaboration with Driblevekk
Our philosophy is that knowledge must be the basis if we are to have a chance of beating the bookmakers. That is why none of our writers are too broad-minded. We have our areas of responsibility, and by limiting it to one sport, or possibly to a few countries and leagues, we ensure deep knowledge. Which is preferable, versus broad knowledge.
But sometimes we are not enough. Or; our results in the OBOS league are not a deterrent, but we are always looking for people who can do more than us. And our partner can do more than most. Especially when it comes to the OBOS league.
Since April 3, 2023, Dag Alexander Gamst and Erik Elias Arnøy have been running the podcast; Driblevekk. A podcast they describe as follows;
"A podcast that focuses on the OBOS league and its clubs. We keep you updated with current guests and the latest news from the second highest level of Norwegian top football!"
The strength of Driblevekk, besides the professional content, is the interaction between football commentator Gamst and artist Arnøy. While the latter directs the episodes with a steady hand, Gamst contributes his enormous football expertise. Everything is presented with a nice mix of credibility and a twinkle in the eye, and even though the guys have different backgrounds, they have a common interest in Norwegian football at the second highest level.
Cooperation in practice
For us, it's about getting access to one of the absolute biggest. And the best. But for you, the expertise of Gamst and Arnøy will come in the form of an odds coupon on our website, ahead of each OBOS round. Sometimes a double, sometimes a triple. Depending on what makes the most sense for the current round.
But do yourself a favor; listen up. And follow the most entertaining league in Norway through those who know it best. The episodes can of course be found on Spotify , or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Have fun.
