Youngstown State vs. Kentucky prediction: Kentucky favored to win in college football Week 1 [2026]

Kentucky will square off with Youngstown State in Week 1 college football action at Kroger Field on Saturday, commencing at 1:00 PM ET.

Dimers' advanced college football model projects Kentucky as the most likely winner in this Youngstown State vs. Kentucky 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.

Youngstown State vs. Kentucky prediction and odds

Using trusted machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Youngstown State vs. Kentucky, forming part of our college football predictions coverage.

Our independent predictive model gives Kentucky a 90.1% chance of beating Youngstown State. Our predicted final score has Kentucky winning 40-18.

According to our model, Youngstown State (+23) has a 52.6% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 61.5 points has a 59.5% 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: Youngstown State +23 (-111) / Kentucky -23 (-111)
• Moneyline: Youngstown State +1200, Kentucky -1800
• Total: Over/Under 61.5 (-108/-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 available 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: Youngstown State +23 @ -111 via Fanatics
• Moneyline: Youngstown State @ +1200 via ESPN BET
• Total: Under 61.5 @ -110 via Caesars

According to our best college football bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 61.5 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 matchup between Kentucky and Youngstown State at Kroger Field is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM ET.

• Who: Youngstown State vs. Kentucky
• Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM ET/10:00AM PT
• Venue: Kroger Field

College football Week 1 promos

Make the most of Dimers' Youngstown State vs. Kentucky predictions by exploring the Underdog Fantasy offfer below

Conclusion

We predict Kentucky, with a 90.1% win probability, will likely beat Youngstown State in Saturday's college football matchup.

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