Don't lock in your Houston vs. Utah predictions until you've consulted our Houston vs. Utah expert picks!
We're making the case for each side with our college football against-the-spread picks for this Week 8 affair, and targeting the Over as one of the best college football totals on the board.
Keep reading for our college football picks for Saturday, Oct. 24.
Houston vs Utah expert picks for tonight
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, please see our odds calculator.
 Probability |
|
|---|---|
 Brad Powers: Houston +6.5 |
49% |
 Rob Paul: Over 56.5 |
52% |
 Chris Vasile: Utah -6.5 |
52% |
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
Start trading with Kalshi today!
Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'MAX60' and trade $25 on any event contracts to get $60!
*Eligible U.S. locations only
Brad Powers’ expert pick: Houston +6.5
Utah’s struggles the last two weeks are concerning. The Utes had a fortunate cover vs Kansas and last week only had a 28% post-game win expectancy vs Colorado as a 15-point favorite.
Of the teams ranked in the Top 20, Utah has played the easiest schedule so far.
On the other side, Houston’s offense might be the most underrated unit in college football. They are No. 2 in EPA/Play and No. 1 in Success rate. QB Conner Weigman is No. 4 in QBR with a 20-to-2 TD-to-INT ratio.
I'll take the points with Houston and its huge coaching edge.
Don't miss any of Powers' college football predictions for Week 8.
Rob Paul’s expert pick: Over 56.5
Houston and Utah are a combined 9-4 to the Over this season, and in four games against offenses ranked in the top 25 by SP+, Houston has hit the Over three times. Utah's offense is ranked No. 11 by SP+, No. 17 in offensive success rate (49.3%), and No. 14 in points per opportunity (4.80).
The Cougars gave up 499 total yards (8.5 yards per play) and 29 second-half points to Oklahoma State last week. Utah QB Devon Dampier is one of the most dynamic in the country and should be able to push a defense that's 111th in net EPA per play, 115th in EPA per pass, and 107th in early-down EPA per play.
But Houston has enough firepower to fight back and help the Over hit at 57.5 or better. The Cougars are No. 1 nationally in offensive success rate (54.6%), have two of the top five wide receivers in explosive plays (Trent Walker and Amare Thomas), and QB Conner Weigman ranks fourth in the country in QBR (87.7).
Get your popcorn ready, because Houston and Utah both average more than 39 points per game.
Paul dives deeper with his full Houston vs. Utah predictions.
Chris Vasile’s expert pick: Utah -6.5
Houston escaped Oklahoma State despite allowing 499 yards and 8.5 yards per play. Now that defense travels to Salt Lake City to face a Utah offense averaging 40.2 points per game.
Devon Dampier should have opportunities through the air against a Houston secondary allowing 250 passing yards per game. The Cougars can score, but Utah allows just 14.8 points per game, and the Utes are 5-1 against the spread.
I'm backing Utah to win by at least a touchdown.
Houston vs Utah odds for tonight
How to watch Houston vs Utah
| Location | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 10:15 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
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.
