College football picks today: Week 5 Saturday best bets include Pennsylvania vs. Dartmouth play [10/3/2026]

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Written by Ryan Leaver

Get college football picks and best bets for Saturday, October 3, 2026.

College Football Best Bets.
These college football betting picks for October 3, 2026, are based on the latest odds and probabilities for Saturday's games.

Today’s college football picks for October 3, 2026 are here, with Pennsylvania vs. Dartmouth and Colgate vs. Harvard among the top plays identified by our model across Saturday’s college football schedule.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest football odds to unearth legitimate betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of college football picks today [10/3, updated 3:03AM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s top 10 college football best bets, ranked by edge for Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Pennsylvania vs. Dartmouth Over 39.5 points (-113)

Our model has identified value on Over 39.5 points in Pennsylvania vs. Dartmouth at -113 odds. A 58.2% probability produces an edge of 5.2%, making this the strongest play for today's college football slate.

 

Colgate vs. Harvard Over 36.5 points (-113)

Colgate vs. Harvard over 36.5 points carries a 4.8% edge and a probability of 57.9% at -113 odds, according to our model.

 

Rice +12.5 (-112)

  • Edge: 4.5%
  • Probability: 57.3%
  • Matchup: UTSA vs. Rice (7:00PM ET)

Rice +12.5 vs. UTSA at -112 odds shows a 4.5% edge, supported by a 57.3% probability in simulations.

 

Connecticut +6.5 (+100)

A 4.1% edge and 54.1% probability makes Connecticut +6.5 vs. Syracuse a value play in the Syracuse vs. Connecticut matchup, per our model.

 

Rice ML (+430)

  • Edge: 3.9%
  • Probability: 22.7%
  • Matchup: UTSA vs. Rice (7:00PM ET)

Rice ML at +430 presents a 3.9% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 22.7%.

 

New Hampshire +10.5 (-110)

Our model finds value on New Hampshire +10.5 at -110, supported by an edge of 3.5%.

 

Ohio State vs. Iowa Over 45.5 points (-105)

Our model has uncovered value on Ohio State vs. Iowa Over 45.5 points at -105. A 54.4% probability produces a 3.2% edge, making this a strong play for today's college football action.

 

Charleston Southern +7.5 (-110)

A 3.2% edge on a 55.6% probability makes Charleston Southern +7.5 at -110a solid value play in today's Gardner-Webb vs. Charleston Southern matchup.

 

Western Michigan vs. BuffaloOver 46.5 points (-105)

Our model projects value on Over 46.5 points at -105. A 54.3% probability produces a 3.1% edge, making the Over the favorable side in today's matchup.

 

Bowling Green vs. Miami Ohio Over 43 points (-110)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Bowling Green vs. Miami Ohio Over 43 points at -110 shows a 55.5% probability and a 3.1% edge.

 

NCAAF best bets summary: Saturday, 10/3/2026

As of 3:03AM ET, here are our top college football bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup Bet Odds Edge Prob.
Pennsylvania vs. Dartmouth Over 39.5 points -113 @ DraftKings 5.2% 58.2%
Colgate vs. Harvard Over 36.5 points -113 @ DraftKings 4.8% 57.9%
UTSA vs. Rice Rice +12.5 -112 @ DraftKings 4.5% 57.3%
Syracuse vs. Connecticut Connecticut +6.5 vs. Syracuse +100 @ Caesars 4.1% 54.1%
UTSA vs. Rice Rice ML +430 @ BetRivers 3.9% 22.7%
Elon University vs. New Hampshire New Hampshire +10.5 -110 @ DraftKings 3.5% 55.9%
Ohio State vs. Iowa Over 45.5 Points -105 @ FanDuel 3.2% 54.4%
Gardner-Webb vs. Charleston Southern Charleston Southern +7.5 -110 @ DraftKings 3.2% 55.6%
Western Michigan vs. Buffalo Over 46.5 Points -105 @ FanDuel 3.1% 54.3%
Bowling Green vs. Miami Ohio Over 43 Points -110 @ Caesars 3.1% 55.5%
 

List of upcoming college football games to bet on now

College football offer for Week 5

Make the most of the picks in this article—including Over 39.5 points—with the Bet365 Sportsbook offer below:


Conclusion

Our college football best bets are locked and loaded for October 3, 2026, featuring plays such as over 39.5 points in the Pennsylvania vs. Dartmouth matchup and over 36.5 points in the Colgate vs. Harvard 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.

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Written by
Ryan Leaver
Senior Sports and Betting Editor

Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.

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