College football picks today: Week 1 Thursday best bets include Colorado vs. Georgia Tech play [9/3/2026]

Colorado ML (+220)

• Edge: 7.4%
• Probability: 38.7%
• Matchup: Colorado vs. Georgia Tech (8:00PM ET)

Our model has identified value on Colorado to defeat Georgia Tech at +220 odds. A 38.7% probability produces an edge of 7.4%, making this the strongest play for today's college football slate.

UAB vs. Illinois Under 56.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 57.1%
• Matchup: UAB vs. Illinois (9:00PM ET)

UAB vs. Illinois under 56.5 points carries a 4.8% edge and a probability of 57.1% at -110 odds, according to our model.

Massachusetts vs. Rutgers Over 52.5 points (+100)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.3%
• Matchup: Massachusetts vs. Rutgers (6:00PM ET)

Massachusetts vs. Rutgers Over 52.5 points at +100 odds shows a 4.3% edge, supported by a 54.3% probability in simulations.

Bethune-Cookman vs. UCF under 58.5 points (+100)

• Edge: 3.7%
• Probability: 53.7%
• Matchup: Bethune-Cookman vs. UCF (7:00PM ET)

A 3.7% edge and 53.7% probability make Bethune-Cookman vs. UCF under 58.5 points a value play in the Bethune-Cookman vs. UCF matchup, per our model.

Colorado +6.5 (-104)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 54.6%
• Matchup: Colorado vs. Georgia Tech (8:00PM ET)

Colorado +6.5 at -104 odds presents a 3.6% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 54.6%.

Eastern Illinois vs. Minnesota Under 51.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 3.2%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Eastern Illinois vs. Minnesota (8:00PM ET)

Our model finds value on Under 51.5 points in Eastern Illinois vs. Minnesota at -110 odds, supported by an edge of 3.2%.

UAB +28.5 (-110)

• Edge: 2.5%
• Probability: 54.9%
• Matchup: UAB vs. Illinois (9:00PM ET)

Our model has uncovered value on UAB +28.5 at -110 odds. A 54.9% probability produces a 2.5% edge, making this a strong play for today's college football action.

NCAAF best bets summary: Thursday, 9/3/2026

As of 2:26AM ET, here are our top college football bets by edge recommended by our model:

List of upcoming college football games to bet on now

• Massachusetts vs. Rutgers (6:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Akron vs. Wake Forest (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Merrimack vs. Delaware (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Bethune-Cookman vs. UCF (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• West Georgia vs. Kennesaw State (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Albany NY vs. Buffalo (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Lindenwood vs. Stony Brook (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Southern Illinois vs. Samford (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Colorado vs. Georgia Tech (8:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Missouri (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

College football betting promos for Week 1

Make the most of our best bets today—including Colorado ML—with the offers below

Bet365 Sportsbook

Underdog Fantasy

Conclusion

Our college football best bets are locked and loaded for September 3, 2026, featuring plays such as Colorado ML vs. Georgia Tech and under 56.5 points in the UAB vs. Illinois matchup. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

Our predictions are sourced from current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice, head to our Responsible Gambling hub.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.