Kent State vs. South Carolina prediction: South Carolina favored to win in college football Week 1 [2026]

South Carolina and Kent State will meet in Week 1 college football action at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday, starting at 12:45 PM ET.

Dimers' proven college football model projects South Carolina as the most likely winner in this Kent State vs. South Carolina prediction.

This article offers further insights into Saturday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and picks, backed by the same system that has dominated college football and NFL betting markets across multiple seasons.

Kent State vs. South Carolina prediction and odds

Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Kent State vs. South Carolina, forming part of our college football predictions coverage.

Our leading predictive model gives South Carolina a 99.1% chance of defeating Kent State. Our predicted final score has South Carolina winning 43-8.

According to our model, South Carolina (-35.5) has a 50.4% chance of covering the spread, while the 53.5-point over/under has a 55.0% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

We have researched the best college football odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Spread: Kent State +35.5 (-105) / South Carolina -35.5 (+100)
• Moneyline: Kent State +5000, South Carolina -50000
• Total: Over/Under 53.5 (-109/-110)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Spread: South Carolina -35.5 @ +100 via ESPN BET
• Moneyline: South Carolina @ -50000 via DraftKings
• Total: Under 53.5 @ -110 via Caesars

According to our college football best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 53.5 total points.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Game info & kickoff details

Saturday's college football game between South Carolina and Kent State at Williams-Brice Stadium is scheduled to start at 12:45 PM ET.

• Who: Kent State vs. South Carolina
• Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
• Time: 12:45 PM ET/9:45AM PT
• Venue: Williams-Brice Stadium

College football Week 1 promos

Make the most of Dimers' Kent State vs. South Carolina predictions by exploring the Underdog Fantasy offfer below

Conclusion

We predict South Carolina, with a 99.1% win probability, will likely beat Kent State in Saturday's college football matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.