BetMGM launches $1,500 bonus bet offer for 2026 college football opener
New users can access up to $1,500 in bonus bets via the CBSSPORTS code, coinciding with SportsLine’s release of Week 1 predictions for the 2026 season.
BetMGM has activated a promotional offer for the commencement of the 2026 college football season, targeting new users with a risk-free bet structure. By using the bonus code CBSSPORTS, eligible users can receive $150 in bonus bets if their first wager wins, or up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their qualifying wager loses. The promotion is timed to coincide with the opening slate of games, with specific attention drawn to Thursday’s marquee matchup between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Colorado Buffaloes.
The betting landscape for the opening weekend is being shaped by predictions from SportsLine, whose projection model simulates every FBS game 10,000 times. The model, which has been upgraded for the 2026 campaign to better account for transfer portal changes, currently holds a 32-19 record for top-rated money-line picks since the 2024 season. SportsLine experts have released specific recommendations for Thursday’s fixtures, focusing on spread coverage rather than outright winners.
SportsLine expert Micah Roberts has selected Georgia Tech to cover the 6.5-point spread against Colorado. Roberts cited the lack of interest shown by Colorado head coach Deion Sanders during the previous season as a key factor in his assessment. He noted that Colorado went 3-9 last year and 1-8 in the Big 12, with no starters returning on defense. Roberts also highlighted Georgia Tech’s running game, featuring Justice Haynes and Malaki Horsley, as a decisive advantage in the contest.
In another high-profile mismatch, the SportsLine Projection Model identified strong value in Rutgers covering the 29-point spread against UMass. The model backed this pick in 67% of its 10,000 simulations, citing a significant talent disparity between the Big Ten school and the MAC conference team. Rutgers returns standout running back Antwan Raymond, who rushed for 1,241 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, while UMass finished its previous campaign with a 0-12 record.
SportsLine expert Emory Hunt has selected Akron to cover against Wake Forest, predicting a lower-scoring, tightly contested game. Hunt described the matchup as an "experience vs experience" contest, noting that Akron’s offense and Wake Forest’s defense both possess significant veteran presence. He expects the pace of play and both teams’ ability to run the football to limit the scoring.
A combined parlay of these three picks—Georgia Tech, Rutgers, and Akron—is projected to yield a payout of +601 at BetMGM Sportsbook. This implies a profit of $600 on a $100 stake, although odds are subject to change. Bettors are advised to practice responsible gaming, with BetMGM offering features such as gaming limits, timeout options, and access to helplines for those seeking additional support.
