Best bets today for all sports: New Year's Day picks include UC Santa Barbara vs. Cal State Fullerton men's college basketball play [1/1/2026]

Men's College Basketball: Cal State Fullerton +4.5 (-105)

• Edge: 9.9%
• Probability: 61.1%
• Men's College Basketball matchup: UC Santa Barbara vs. Cal State Fullerton (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on Cal State Fullerton +4.5 at -105 odds. A 61.1% probability produces an edge of 9.9%, making this the strongest play for today's sports action.

Men's College Basketball: Cal State Fullerton ML (+188)

• Edge: 9.4%
• Probability: 44.1%
• Men's College Basketball matchup: UC Santa Barbara vs. Cal State Fullerton (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Cal State Fullerton ML carries a 9.4% edge and a probability of 44.1% at +188 odds, according to our model.

Men's College Basketball: Illinois-Chicago +5.5 (-108)

• Edge: 9.1%
• Probability: 61%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Murray State vs. Illinois-Chicago (9:00PM ET, Thursday)

Illinois-Chicago +5.5 vs. Murray State at -108 odds shows a 9.1% edge, supported by a 61% probability in simulations.

Men's College Basketball: Illinois-Chicago ML (+220)

• Edge: 7.2%
• Probability: 38.4%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Murray State vs. Illinois-Chicago (9:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 7.2% edge and 38.4% probability make Illinois-Chicago at the moneyline at a value play in the Murray State vs. Illinois-Chicago matchup, per our model.

College Football: Mississippi ML (+205)

• Edge: 6.8%
• Probability: 39.6%
• College Football Matchup: Mississippi vs. Georgia (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Mississippi ML at +205 odds presents a 6.8% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 39.6%.

Men's College Basketball: SIU-Edwardsville -10.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 56.4%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Southern Indiana vs. SIU-Edwardsville (4:30PM ET, Thursday)

Our model finds value on SIU-Edwardsville -10.5 at -102 odds, supported by an edge of 5.9%.

Men's College Basketball: Bradley +5.5 (-115)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 58%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Bradley vs. Belmont (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has uncovered value on Bradley +5.5 at -115 odds. A 58% probability produces a 4.6% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

College Football: Alabama +7.5 (-115)

• Edge: 4.4%
• Probability: 57.9%
• College Football Matchup: Alabama vs. Indiana (4:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 4.4% edge on a 57.9% probability makes Alabama +7.5 at -115 odds a solid value play in today's Alabama vs. Indiana matchup.

College Basketball: North Florida vs. Austin Peay under 162.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 4.2%
• Probability: 56.2%
• College Basketball Matchup: North Florida vs. Austin Peay (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model projects value on under 162.5 points at -108 odds. A 56.2% probability produces a 4.2% edge, making the under the favorable side in Saturday’s college basketball matchup.

Men's College Basketball: Weber State ML (-120)

• Edge: 4.2%
• Probability: 58.8%
• Men's College Basketball Matchup: Bradley vs. Belmont (4:00PM ET, Thursday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Weber State to defeat Portland State at -120 odds shows a 58.8% probability and a 4.2% edge.

Best sports bets today summary: Thursday, 1/1/2026

As of 4:01AM ET, here are our top bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
UC Santa Barbara vs. Cal State Fullerton (Men's College Basketball)	Cal State Fullerton +4.5	-105 @ BetMGM	9.9%	61.1%
UC Santa Barbara vs. Cal State Fullerton (Men's College Basketball)	Cal State Fullerton ML	+188 @ FanDuel	9.4%	44.1%
Murray State vs. Illinois-Chicago (Men's College Basketball)	Illinois-Chicago +5.5	-108 @ DraftKings	9.1%	61%
Murray State vs. Illinois-Chicago (Men's College Basketball)	Illinois-Chicago ML	+220 @ FanDuel	7.2%	38.4%
Mississippi vs. Georgia (College Football)	Mississippi ML	+205 @ DraftKings	6.8%	39.6%
Southern Indiana vs. SIU-Edwardsville (Men's College Basketball)	SIU-Edwardsville -10.5	-102 @ DraftKings	5.9%	56.4%
Bradley vs. Belmont (Men's College Basketball)	Bradley +5.5	-115 @ BetMGM	4.6%	58%
Alabama vs. Indiana (College Football)	Alabama +7.5	-115 @ DraftKings	4.4%	57.9%
North Florida vs. Austin Peay (College Basketball)	Under 162.5 Points	-108 @ DraftKings	4.2%	56.2%
Portland State vs. Weber State (Men's College Basketball)	Weber State ML	-120 @ BetMGM	4.2%	58.8%

List of upcoming matchups to bet on now [1/1/2026]

• NCAAF: Oregon vs. Texas Tech (12:00PM ET, Thursday)
• EPL: Fulham vs. Crystal Palace (12:30PM ET, Thursday)
• EPL: Leeds vs. Liverpool (12:30PM ET, Thursday)
• NHL: Capitals vs. Senators (1:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Samford vs. Virginia Military (1:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Oakland vs. Youngstown State (1:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Georgia Southern vs. Coastal Carolina (1:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Stetson vs. North Alabama (1:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Oral Roberts vs. North Dakota (2:00PM ET, Thursday)
• NCAAM: Green Bay vs. Purdue Fort Wayne (2:00PM ET, Thursday)

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Conclusion

Our best bets are locked and loaded for January 1, 2026, featuring plays such as Cal State Fullerton +4.5 and Cal State Fullerton ML. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are rooted in current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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

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