Week 0 of the college football season gave us a taste of the chaos to come. Week 1 ramps things up with marquee matchups, including No. 1 Texas taking on No. 3 Ohio State.
I break down the top spreads, biggest betting edges, and my favorite college football picks against the spread for the weekend’s most compelling games.
Are you in?
College football picks against the spread for Week 1
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Auburn vs  Baylor |
(+2.5) |
 Georgia Tech vs  Colorado |
(-4.5) |
 UNLV vs  Sam Houston |
(-10.5) |
 Texas vs  Ohio State |
(+2.5) |
 Alabama vs  Florida State |
(-13.5) |
 LSU vs  Clemson |
(-3.5) |
 UTEP vs  Utah State |
(-5.5) |
 New Mexico vs  Michigan |
(-34.5) |
 Hawai'i vs  Arizona |
(-17.5) |
 California vs  Oregon State |
(-2.5) |
 Utah vs  UCLA |
(-6.5) |
 Notre Dame vs  Miami (FL) |
(-2.5) |
 TCU vs  North Carolina |
(+3.5) |
Lines courtesy of FanDuel as of 8-26.
Expert Week 1 CFB ATS picks
Auburn (-2.5) vs Baylor: Baylor +2.5
The Baylor Bears finished the year strong, and with their entire offense returning, including QB Sawyer Robertson, I think the Bears are ready to take the next step. They open up at home vs. a very beatable opponent in Auburn, who have some very real quarterback concerns. I'll take the home underdog in the opener.
Georgia Tech -4.5 vs Colorado: Georgia Tech -4.5
Colorado may have been the (unofficial) media darlings of the college football landscape over the last two years, but this year, they will struggle. They need to replace a ton of last year's production, and I don't see that panning out early. Georgia Tech can make some noise this year with Haynes King under center, and I expect a convincing win in Week 1.
UNLV (-10.5) vs Sam Houston: Sam Houston +10.5
UNLV gave up 555 yards of offense to FCS Idaho State. I trust Sam Houston to move the ball at will, but can they keep them out of the end zone? I think this is a higher-scoring game, and one that the Bearkats can keep within the number.
Texas vs Ohio State (-2.5): Texas +2.5
If you give Steve Sarkisian time to prep, he's one of the best coaches in the game. Add in the fact that Texas will have the advantage at the QB position with Arch Manning and a stout defense, I'll take the No. 1 team catching three points.
Alabama (-13.5) vs Florida State: Alabama -13.5
Not a lot of people are talking about Alabama as a serious National Championship contender. Those people are crazy. The roster is deep. The QB position will be upgraded, and they've got a very favorable schedule. I'll take them to lay down a marker in Week 1.
LSU vs Clemson (-3.5): Clemson -3.5
If you follow my work closely, you'll know that I'm high on Clemson and low on LSU. This opening game doesn't change things. Cade Klubnik will outplay Garrett Nussmeier, and Clemson will open up their season with a statement win.
UTEP vs Utah State (-5.5): Utah State -5.5
I'll take the home side here under a touchdown. They'll have the best unit on the field with their defense, and I don't see UTEP being able to move the ball up and down the field.
New Mexico vs Michigan (-34.5): Michigan -34.5
It's Bryce Underwood season in Michigan, and there is no better way to announce your arrival than by running up the score on what should be a bad New Mexico side.
Hawai'i vs Arizona (-17.5): Arizona -17.5
Hawai'i was very fortunate to win and cover last week vs. Stanford. Fast forward to Week 1, where they have to go on the road and face an Arizona team that should be better on offense this year with Noah Fifita leading the way. I expect the Wildcats to put up plenty of points in a very easy cover.
California vs Oregon State (-2.5): Oregon State -2.5
There's nothing about California that wows me. They will be a midpack team at best, and going on the road to open up the season is a tough spot. Oregon State will be better this year, and they've got pieces in place to kick off their season with a win and cover as small home favorites.
Covers college football betting tools
- College football odds
- College football picks
- CFB National Championship odds
- Best football betting sites
- This week’s CFB matchups
Utah (-6.5) vs UCLA: Utah -6.5
If there's one thing I've learned in my time from betting on college football, is that defense travels well. The Utah Utes continue to have stout defensive units, and I believe that'll be the difference in this game, as they cover this touchdown spread.
Notre Dame (-2.5) vs Miami (FL): Notre Dame -2.5
Notre Dame's history vs. Miami is not good, but if the Fighting Irish want to be taken seriously, this is a game they need to win. Besides, I would much rather trust a fighting leprechaun than Mario Cristobal in any big game.
TCU (-3.5) vs North Carolina: North Carolina +3.5
There's a lot of optimism surrounding the North Carolina Tar Heels this season, and I'm buying into it early. Bill Belichick will have his team ready, and his son Steve will take the defense to the next level. TCU returns very little by way of production from last year's team, and starting on the road is a tough ask. Give me the home underdog here.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
