2026 College Football Picks: Week Eleven

Sam Leavitt, LSU

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 50-31 | ⚡ UPSETS 3–6 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 3–3 | 🔒 LOCKS 7–5

(18) USC Trojans @ (9) Indiana Hoosiers

📍 Bloomington, IN

🏈 Indiana -8.5 | O/U 50.5

Ohio State's sudden downfall following the injury to Julian Sayin has left the Big Ten feeling wide open beyond UCLA. Now, the winner of this contest between Indiana and USC likely asserts themselves as the co-favorite in the league, and in great position for a College Football Playoff berth. Needless to say, the stakes are high for a pair of programs that don't know each other very well - with this being their first matchup since 1982.

We got so accustomed to Indiana lighting up scoreboards during their National Title run last fall, it's been strange to see the offense have some real struggles over the course of this fall. They may still be averaging 32.4 PPG, but the last month has been a brutal watch. They have passed the 20-point threshold in just one of their previous four games, and they needed overtime to do it against Minnesota. The Hoosiers still boast one of the top receivers in the country in Charlie Becker, who has been the MVP of this team this season, once again stepping up in the most important moments. But beyond him, the Hoosiers have looked completely out of rhythm and flat over the last month. Quarterback Josh Hoover just has not looked like himself, and he was injured in the Minnesota win. Backup Grant Wilson came on in relief and made the two most important throws of the game - both to Becker - to set up the game-tying field goal in regulation and the game-winner in OT. Hoover's status for this Saturday remains in question, and Curt Cignetti has been very mysterious about it. Hoover has had the benefit of the bye week to get right, but it still would not surprise if Wilson comes out as the starter here. Hoover's game experience is tough to match, but he's been missing out on easy throws for much of the season, and his decision-making has not been at the level Indiana needs it to be at. Could Wilson be an improvement? Either way, having Becker and Nick Marsh out wide is quite the benefit to whoever starts under center, and this USC secondary still has major question marks. It would not surprise if one or two explosive plays ends up being the difference in this game. Yet beyond the passing game, not enough has been said about a running game that has been similarly underwhelming. Lee Bebee Jr. and Turbo Richard are a solid 1-2 combo, but they've also been held in check over the past month. If they can find some running lanes, you do wonder if Indiana is okay playing a low-scoring, grinding style to come away with a win. With this defense, if the Hoosiers can even just 21 points, you have to feel they are in a pretty good spot.

The tenor of USC's entire season changed with the Halloween win over Ohio State. It was the statement win Lincoln Riley needed to take some of the pressure off his increasingly warm seat, and provided momentum as the Trojans hit their bye week. And the way USC won was interesting - they still gave up a ton of yardage, but made the plays on defense in high leverage moments, and a couple of explosive plays on offense clinched the victory. This is an offense that has a different feel than a usual Riley-coached team. They can still be explosive, but it's more methodical than usual, and at it's best on third downs. It does feel like USC has been more about ball control this year to protect from a defense that has still had some rough moments. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been solid, and the rest of a young offense has grown up quick. Tight end Mark Bowman looks like a future John Mackey Award winner, Trent Mosley is healthy and making plays, and the ground game is tough and physical with King Miller. Three years now into the Big Ten experiment for the Trojans, they now do have the feel of a Big Ten team - except for that defense. Maiava may not have to go out and drop 35 points to win given Indiana's struggles, but the pressure is definitely going to be on this unit to make the important plays down the stretch. This is a very tough Indiana defense they are going up against, especially on the defensive front, so it likely does come down to the high leverage moments. We've seen USC make the plays to win those types of games, but can they do it again on the road?

The questions at quarterback for Indiana make me hesitant to go with the home favorite Hoosiers, but they do match up well with the Trojans. They can be okay playing a ball control, grinding style of low-scoring football. Cignetti just has a knack for winning these types of games, even if they aren't pretty, and I think they find a way to do it again.

The Pick: Indiana, 24 USC, 17

(6) Texas Longhorns @ (21) LSU Tigers

📍 Baton Rouge, LA

🏈 LSU -4 | O/U 46.5

2026 College Football Picks: Week Ten

Darian Mensah, Miami

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 44-28 | ⚡ UPSETS 3–5 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 3–3 | 🔒 LOCKS 7–3

(9) BYU Cougars @ (3) Utah Utes

📍 Salt Lake City

🏈 Utah -5.5 | O/U 48.5

The Holy War has long been one of the most heated rivalries in all of college football, a game between two programs that despite each other. For so long it was a non-conference game, then the pair moved into the Big 12. Now, it has significant implications, undoubtedly the most important rendition of the matchup in its long history. What a way to kick off the best weekend of football we will see this fall.

Utah stands as the slight favorite in this game, thanks in large part to the fact the game is in Salt Lake City, and the Utes remain undefeated. It's been an impressive debut campaign for head man Morgan Scalley, and he's done it in a different way than his longtime predecessor, Kyle Whittingham. Utah is still stout on the defensive side, the type of hard-nosed team that battles you every yard - they are still only allowing 16 points per contest. But this Ute team can also move the ball and score in a way that has not been typical of the program in the recent years. Veteran quarterback Devon Dampier has been terrific, totaling over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 23 touchdowns, and he's made the plays when it's mattered the most. Yet, it's also the weapons that surround Dampier in this offense. Wayshawn Parker is a steady, consistent threat out of the backfield, Braden Pegan does his damage out wide, and then there's the ultimate wild card, backup QB Byrd Ficklin. Ficklin doesn't just come on in relief, he'll line up alongside Dampier in the backfield, out wide, or just about anywhere on the field. It's a fun offense because it still has a bit of an old-school feel in many ways, but has just enough trickery and creativity to open things up a bit more. BYU has the advantage now of game tape that other opponents have not had, which is crucial this time of year. Yet, containing Dampier is still no easy feat, even if turnovers remain a bit of a problem. Just as important has to be the ever-present battle in the trenches. The Cougars have long been tough up front, and they very much proved it against Notre Dame. Against an offensive front that featured several likely NFL offensive linemen, BYU looked like the better team. Does that still hold true this late in the season? BYU has been beat up on defense and the Utes have fared better along the offensive line than expected given they sent away Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu to the pros just this past spring. I feel confident the Cougars can harass Dampier - they sacked Arizona State six times last Saturday - but can they stop the ground game? They weren't able to make the plays when it mattered most in their lone loss of the year, to UCF.

That UCF loss was perhaps what BYU needed near the midway point of their season, a wake up call for Kalani Sitake and the program. But it also exposed that the offense remains incredibly one-dimensional, as they are still without star tailback L.J. Martin. Martin did return to practice this week and there's still a chance we see him suit up for this game, but it's hard to imagine the Cougars using him heavily after missing the past month. It's still probably a committee approach in the backfield, with quarterback Bear Bachmeier also being asked to create with his legs. Bachmeier has long been a fun watch, a slippery runner who seems to elevate his play at the right moments. And he's displayed real growth as a passer down the field, which has in turn led to receivers Legend Glasker and Kyler Kasper emerging. The Notre Dame in particular really sold me on Bachmeier - it felt like the type of game, against one of the nation's top secondaries, that was going to humble the true sophomore. Instead, he threw for 224 yards and finished with three total touchdowns, including a pair of hard-earned scores on the ground. I don't think he will be intimidated at all by this Utah defense, or this moment in Rice-Eccles Stadium. What I do worry about with this offense is their consistency drive-to-drive, which is crucial in what looks like it could be a close one like this. If you recall the Notre Dame, BYU jumped out early but the offense slowed down in the second half, and it was the defense stepping up that confirmed the upset. In the UCF loss, they had some big moments, but were out of rhythm, and came up short. We have even seen it in games they've won, the Cougars remain inconsistent on that side of the ball. Martin not being healthy is certainly a major factor, and I'm not convinced that, even if he does return, it's a quick fix against a tough Ute defense.

I have a hard time believing, in the 2026 college football season, that a team like Utah gets to the finish line of the regular season undefeated. They are going to suffer at least one loss, and BYU is their toughest opponent still on the board. With that being said, I do like the way the Utes match up in this game. They also get BYU on the road and still not healthy throughout the roster, even with Martin's impending return. This is always a tough one to pick, but I like the Utes to squeeze out a hard-fought victory.

The Pick: Utah, 27 BYU, 24

(1) Miami Hurricanes @ (11) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2026 College Football Picks: Week Nine

Gunner Stockton, Georgia

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 40-23 | ⚡ UPSETS 2–5 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 3–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 7–2

(17) Florida Gators vs. (3) Georgia Bulldogs

📍 Atlanta

🏈 Georgia -12.5 | O/U 55.5

The "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" will have a bit of a different feel this year, moving from it's long-running roots in Jacksonville to Atlanta, just for this fall. In that sense, it should feel more like a home game for Georgia, which will be important as they fend off the upset-minded Gators. With both teams fresh off a bye and with the stakes higher in this rivalry than they've been in several years, it should be a fun battle in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The bye week was exactly what the Bulldogs needed after a shocking loss to Auburn, dropping them from their No. 1 perch. The Tigers played well, but it did have a feel of a game that Georgia let slip away. Veteran QB Gunner Stockton had an uncharacteristic two interceptions, and the Bulldogs had three turnovers total. Auburn made the plays in the high leverage moments Georgia didn't, which is a rarity for this program. Yet, it does feel like after these types of games is where Kirby Smart is at his best. He knows how to motivate his teams, and laying a midseason stinker like this is the perfect excuse for the coaching staff to turn it up a notch. Stockton is a better quarterback than what we saw against the Tigers, but he will need more support if this Bulldogs team is to accomplish their goals on the season. The ground game has been okay on the season, but it does feel like it's missing the pop it has had in the past. Dwight Phillips Jr. and Nate Frazier are a talented duo, and they are likely to spearhead the ground game again with Chauncey Bowens listed as questionable. But, is this really the best we can get from those two? There's pressure on the offensive line and receiver corps to also step up - those two groups have far more potential than what we've seen so far in 2026. Nobody beyond Craig Dandridge has been able to consistently make things happen on the outside, and the tight ends have not played at the Georgia standard. Could this be the week things change? The Gator defense had perhaps their best outing of the season last time they were out against Texas, but this is still a group with notable questions. They've really struggled with the big play in the secondary, and the defensive front is not yet at the level Jon Sumrall expects it to be. That's not to say we are going to see Georgia come out and chuck the ball all around the field, this is a Kirby team after all. But you do wonder if Mike Bobo and the Bulldogs may open up their playbook a bit right after a bye and script some shots, especially early on to test the waters against these Gators.

The Texas win may not have been pretty from Florida, but that's the type of game this team is built to win, and that Sumrall wants to be in. They made the most of their opportunities on offense, even if they weren't very explosive, played tough defense, and took care of the football. They'll look to play a similar strategy in this game, but hope to get more a bit more from the quarterback position. Tramell Jones Jr. was serviceable filling in as starter, but the hope is that starter Aaron Philo will be back in action. Both were listed on the injury report heading into the weekend, meaning Florida will almost certainly have to lean on Jadan Baugh and the ground game. Baugh started off this season on fire, looking like a real Heisman candidate, but he's been held in check in recent weeks. If he regain his form after the bye and this Gator offense can find some balance, this is a group that can put up points. You have to consider, this is not the best Georgia defense we've seen under Kirby, and Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has had their number in the past in his time at Georgia Tech. Even with all the uncertainty that clouds the quarterback position for Florida, I would not be surprised if this offense puts up more points than expected.

Rivalry games can always get a bit weird, and this feels like a bit like picking between the safer option, or taking a swing. Even after the Auburn loss, we have a fairly good idea who Georgia is - Kirby is as consistent as they come, Stockton may win them a few games late, and they are still top-to-bottom one of the most talented teams in the nation. Florida may be more volatile, but this team can really impress when they are at their best. I still am taking the Bulldogs in this spot given some of the major questions surrounding the Gators, but this is definitely an upset alert heading into Saturday.

The Pick: Georgia, 34 Florida, 24

(22) Arizona Wildcats @ (13) Texas Tech Red Raiders

2026 College Football Picks: Week Eight

Devon Dampier, Utah

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 34-20 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–5 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 3–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 6–1

(14) Houston Cougars @ (10) Utah Utes

📍 Salt Lake City

🏈 Utah -6.5 | O/U 56.5

The best game of the weekend is a late night duel at elevation in Salt Lake City, as the Houston Cougars travel to take on the undefeated Utah Utes. The game not only has significant Big 12 implications but could have an outsized impact on the College Football Playoff race - particularly now that the league is likely looking at multiple bids.

No team in the Top 10 of the polls is as great of a mystery at this point in the season as the Utah Utes. They've done their job, cruising past a weak schedule to get a 6-0 start on the season. But, it's hard to take too much away from beating up on Arkansas in the non-conference, and beating up on the three worst teams in the Big 12. The Colorado game last weekend may give some reason to concern, as the Utes got all they could handle from a Buffaloes team that is 2-4 on the year. The game did expose weaknesses Houston will almost certainly exploit. The Buffaloes stacked the box and forced Utah QB Devon Dampier to make some tough throws. He did still manage to go for 278 yards through the air, but a pair or interceptions kept Colorado in the game. Given all the activity at the line, it's no surprise Utah had a tough time running the ball, and it will not get easier against Houston. Wayshawn Parker has been solid all season for the Utes, but the lack of depth at the position has been interesting to watch the deeper we get into the season. Dampier and backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin may be able to create with their legs, but you have to wonder how this offense will handle against the better defenses they play if they can't get more consistency across the board on the ground. Out wide, Utah has more they can throw at you than you may expect, as Creed Whittemore and Braden Pegan have formed a very effective 1-2 punch. The Cougars did a good job containing an explosive Oklahoma State offense last weekend, but the Utes can get creative in the passing game. They'll find a way to manufacture some yardage, and one or two big plays could split this one wide open.

A two-point loss on the road to Texas Tech is the only blemish on the Cougar schedule up to this point in the season, a game that came down to a failed two-point conversion. This 2026 team very much epitomizes what Willie Fritz has done here at Houston overall - they're well-coached, fundamentally sound, and often don't beat themselves. The offense is all about balance, and has numerous different playmakers. Quarterback Conner Weigman remains at the controls, but he was beat up last weekend in the win over Oklahoma State. It sounds like he should still start as normal, but the veteran QB not being 100 percent is a storyline worth watching. In the backfield, the Cougars rely on the combo of Makhi Hughes and Re'Shaun Sanford II, and Weigman can further create with his legs. The Utes have long been a team that is tough to run against, but the rush defense has taken a bit of a slip this fall. You have to feel like the Cougars keep it on the ground and see how successful they are before going back to the air game. This is a team not short of weapons on the perimeter, but Weigman's health may impact the gameplan. 

This has the looks of a fun late night Big 12 battle between two evenly matched teams. Houston is almost certainly the trickiest opponent that the Utes have seen on the year, but Utah does get them in Rice-Eccles Stadium at elevation. It does feel like a game that could come down to the last possession, but between the homefield advantage and the fact they are likely fresher, I think the Utes are the safer bet.

The Pick: Utah, 28 Houston, 21

(7) Ole Miss Rebels @ (19) Texas Longhorns

2026 College Football Picks: Week Seven

Charlie Becker, Indiana

 

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 29-16 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–4 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 2–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 5–1

(4) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (5) Indiana Hoosiers

📍 Bloomington, IN

🏈 Ohio State -3.5 | O/U 50.5

A rematch of last year's Big Ten Championship Game, and perhaps a preview of this year's will be on display in Bloomington on Saturday. Vegas seems to believe Ohio State has recovered from their defeat to Texas a month ago and is now resorted back to being the league frontrunner. The Hoosiers will relish the underdog role once again, out to prove the conference race still runs through Bloomington.

It's no secret what has fueled Ohio State's 5-1 start to the season: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The junior seems to be the Heisman favorite where we stand at the midway point of the regular season, with 48 receptions, 916 yards and 11 touchdowns to his credit on the year. If he continues on his current pace, he at least has a chance to get within range of the all-time single-season leader, Nevada's Trevor Insley in 1999. Indiana presents perhaps a greater challenge than he's seen in several weeks, but this is not a Hoosier secondary that has played up to the standard they did a season ago. They have lacked the D'Angelo Ponds character in the secondary, the fearless leader who goes up against the best receiver each and every week and relishes the opportunity to shut him down. If you're the Hoosier defense, the best strategy here is to somewhat contain Smith - you're not going to hold him to no damage, but you have to limit the game-breaking plays. If they can do that and force other Buckeyes to beat you, there's a chance to slow down this offense. Quarterback Julian Sayin has been good, but not particularly great. The rush offense has been a bit of a disappointment. The offensive line is banged up. And the receiver corps is really lacking much beyond Smith, with their next best target, Devin McCuin, listed as questionable. There are some real questions here Indiana could exploit, especially as their own defense seems to be progressing nicely after some early season woes. Yet, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are inevitable in many ways, and there are factors that could be looking up. Getting Phillip Daniels healthy at right tackle is going to be huge against this Indiana pass rush. The ground game, while disappointing, has seemed to find its footing last week, albeit against Maryland. I do still wonder what we see out wide from the Buckeyes, because this has to be more than just Smith if this team genuinely wants to compete for a National Title. Could McCuin stay healthy and show up as the Robin to Smith's Batman? Is this finally the Brandon Inniss game? I do think this Ohio State team is going to try and be aggressive vertically, in a way they weren't in last year's Big Ten Championship. You have to believe they learned their lesson in that game, and also want to exploit this Hoosier back-end.

There's a much different feel to this Indiana offense, which is expected given just how much turnover occurred over the offseason. TCU transfer Josh Hoover may not be Fernando Mendoza, but he's actually been really solid across the board. Two things jump out at you with Hoover and this Hoosier offense: he's taking care of the ball in a way he didn't with the Horned Frogs, and this team relies heavily on explosive plays in a way they didn't last year. Indiana's offense last fall sure hit some big shots, but it was more of a methodical, prodding offense that made the big plays in high leverage moments. This team needs the big shots to be successful, and they've gotten them this season. Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh have been an elite duo on the perimeter, and Hoover has formed quick chemistry with both. It's a real concern for an Ohio State secondary that has also been finding themselves. There's no Caleb Downs back here this season, and it has certainly shown. That's not to say Ohio State can't stop anyone through the air, but this is a big opportunity for the likes of Jermaine Matthews and Devin Sanchez. Sanchez in particular is a big-time talent who was considered a surefire breakout candidate, but has had an up-and-down campaign thus far. Up front, the Buckeyes lack the star-power they've had in years past, but Matt Patricia has still found a way to manufacture pressure, and the rush defense matches up fairly well against the Hoosiers. In fact, that seems to be the description of this Ohio State defense - there's no Bosa brother, or Chase Young, or Downs but they find a way to get the job done. They may be okay giving up yardage, if they can create a turnover or two and make the plays in high leverage situations.

As silly as it sounds, it does feel like Indiana is being a bit overlooked on the year. This may not be the 2025 team, but it's still a great football team and Ohio State has real questions. Yet, it seems to be in the games and moments on the schedule where the Buckeyes have the most questions, we see their most dominant performances. And when your difference-maker is Jeremiah Smith, that's an awfully important deciding factor.

The Pick: Ohio State, 35 Indiana, 31

(2) Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ (8) BYU Cougars