SportsLine model backs Auburn and Cincinnati for 2026 college football opener
The betting model, which has recorded a 32-19 run on top-rated picks since 2024, has released its predictions for the 90-game Week 1 slate, highlighting key non-conference matchups.
SportsLine has released its betting predictions for the 90 FBS games scheduled for Week 1 of the 2026 college football season. The company’s computer model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, has been upgraded for the 2026 campaign to better account for changes in the transfer portal. The model is currently on a 32-19 run for top-rated college football money-line picks since the 2024 season.
Among the primary recommendations, the model projects Auburn to cover the -7.5 point spread against Baylor in a neutral-site game in Atlanta. This recommendation is underpinned by Auburn’s improved roster, specifically the addition of quarterback Byrum Brown. Brown transferred from USF, where he was the only quarterback in the nation to record 3,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. The model projects Brown to rush for more yards than Baylor’s entire team, a projection that aligns with Auburn covering the spread in 60 per cent of simulations.
Cincinnati is also recommended to cover the -7.5 point spread against Boston College at home. The model flags the Over of 57 points as a value play in this contest. Boston College enters the game following a 2-10 overall season, with just one other Power 4 team posting a worse record. In contrast, Cincinnati finished the previous year 7-6, including a 5-2 home record, with all defeats coming against teams that held winning records.
The opening weekend also features Lane Kiffin’s debut as LSU head coach against Clemson. The Tigers are listed as 10-point home favourites in the matchup. Meanwhile, the only ranked contest of the weekend sees No. 9 Ole Miss hosting No. 24 Louisville, with the Rebels favoured by 7 points.
Other notable fixtures include Ohio State, the top-ranked team, facing Ball State at home with a -50.5 line. The slate also includes a rematch of a former Pac-12 rivalry between UCLA and California, with the Golden Bears listed as slight favourites.
Odds for these matchups are subject to change, but the SportsLine model provides a structured approach to the opening week’s non-conference schedule. The predictions cover every FBS game, offering a comprehensive outlook on the 2026 season’s start.
