Southern Illinois vs. Samford prediction: Southern Illinois favored to win in college football Week 1 [2026]

Samford will square off with the favored Southern Illinois in Week 1 college football action at Pete Hanna Stadium on Thursday, starting at 7:00 PM ET.

Dimers' proven college football model projects Southern Illinois as the most likely winner in this Southern Illinois vs. Samford prediction.

This article offers further insights into Thursday'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..

Southern Illinois vs. Samford prediction and odds

Using powerful machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the result of Southern Illinois vs. Samford, forming part of our college football predictions coverage.

Our famous predictive model currently gives Southern Illinois a 90.7% chance of defeating Samford. Our predicted final score has Southern Illinois winning 37-16.

According to our model, Samford (+22.5) has a 55.6% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 51.5 points has a 54.0% chance of going over.

Latest betting odds

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

• Spread: Southern Illinois -22.5 (-110) / Samford +22.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Southern Illinois -1400, Samford +900
• Total: Over/Under 51.5 (-110/-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: Samford +22.5 @ -110 via bet365
• Moneyline: Samford @ +900 via bet365
• Total: Over 51.5 @ -110 via bet365

According to our best college football bets, the top play to make on this game is Samford +22.5 at the spread.

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

Game info & kickoff details

Thursday's college football action between Samford and Southern Illinois at Pete Hanna Stadium is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM ET.

• Who: Southern Illinois vs. Samford
• Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
• Venue: Pete Hanna Stadium

College football Week 1 promos and codes

Make the most of Dimers' Southern Illinois vs. Samford predictions by exploring the below offers.

Bet365 Sportsbook

Underdog Fantasy

Conclusion

We predict Southern Illinois, with a 90.7% win probability, will likely beat Samford in Thursday's college football matchup.

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