College Football Picks

Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon is a creative touchdown target because his legs provide a path that some may be overlooking. He scored two rushing touchdowns in the opener, but this pick should not be treated as a Furman-driven overreaction. Brandon’s five-star profile and mobility were part of his evaluation long before that game. Georgia Tech held Colorado to 14 points but allowed 183 rushing yards, and now faces an offense that can stretch the field before attacking the interior with Brandon on designed keepers and scrambles. Tennessee’s receivers should draw coverage outside, opening room for Brandon near the goal line.

We're laying some juice here but my numbers still see value. All the way up to 70% and I can't pass up an edge like that. He opened with 113 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against Clemson, tying Dilin Jones as the Tigers’ leading rusher while LSU generated a school-record 38 first downs. Louisiana Tech’s 80-point opener came against Northwestern State, so this is a major step up in competition for the Bulldogs’ defense. That will show up in the massive difference in quality in the trenches and especially the redzone, where Leavitt’s mobility gives LSU an extra blocker and forces defenders to honor the quarterback keep. LSU’s offensive line also was incredible in the opener. Once the Tigers build a lead, Leavitt’s designed carries should come early, before a potential fourth-quarter exit. 

FAU has one of the worst defenses in the G6 (131st by SP+ last year and allowed Florida to score points on 10 of 11 drives in Week 1). Navy's triple-option attack ran for 506 yards last week, and Braxton Woodson should have no trouble moving the ball against the Owls. I love Navy here, and think they win by double digits.

When they do throw the ball, the Iowa Hawkeyes aren't going to push the ball downfield, and that makes a veteran tight end like Addison Ostrenga a valuable target for Hank Brown or whoever emerges as Iowa's starting quarterback. Ostrenga caught three balls for 20 yards against Northern Illinois and will continue to get regular targets this season. I'm backing Ostrenga to score at up to 20%.

The Longhorns haven't gotten to face Bo Jackson yet -- and preparing for his speed is different than experiencing it.

I'm backing him to clear this total to 56% probability, especially against a Texas defense that ranked 99th through the first two weeks in tackling grade per PFF. Jackson picked up 36.9% of his 1,085 rushing yards in 2025 via breakaway runs, and 67.6% of his yards after contact. If Texas isn't wrapping up, he's a threat to hit a home run every time he touches the ball. 

This is the situational spot of the year to fade Ole Miss who just played on Sunday night in a game where they won on a field goal on the final play of the game. They have Lane Kiffin and LSU on deck next week which will be the biggest home game in the history of Ole Miss football. The proper motivation and rest isn't there to cover 47.5 points. It also helps that my power ratings like the play. 

Utah scored 66 in Week 1, but the Utes did it while rushing for 364 yards and controlling possession for more than 34 minutes. Arkansas managed only 148 rushing yards on 49 carries against North Alabama and committed three turnovers. With KJ Jackson making his first road start at Rice-Eccles, I expect Utah to control the game and the clock.

Nevada deserves respect after rushing for 323 yards in its 49-14 opener, but Montana State isn't a typical FCS visitor. The defending national champions have won 16 straight, scored 105 points through two games, and Justin Lamson has four touchdowns without an interception. Getting more than a field goal with that experience and continuity is enough for me to back the Bobcats.

New Mexico State is underrated offensively after improving at quarterback (Trey Hedden: 8.5 yards per attempt) and offensive line (25th in front seven havoc allowed). Running back James Jones and receiver TK King can both be stars in Conference USA, and they'll find the end zone against a poor-performing Hawaii defense (123rd in PFF's defensive grade).

Former Mississippi head coach Lane Kiffin will take his new team, LSU, into Oxford. Considering the controversial way he left the Rebels prior to the playoffs last year, there might not be a more hostile environment in college football this season. It’s a game worthy of giving the home team more than three points of home-field advantage.