We got a taste of college football last Saturday, but now it's time for the main entree as we enter Week 1 of the 2025-26 season. The collegiate action resumes on Thursday with a sizable 17-game slate. I've narrowed in on a trio of the games from a betting perspective, locking in each spread wager on the right side of its key number. Here are my top college football bets for Thursday, August 28th.
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Thursday’s Best College Football Picks: Week 1
(Odds courtesy of Bet365)
East Carolina Pirates (+14) vs. NC State Wolfpack (-14) | 61.5 (-110/-110)
We have a bowl game rematch right out of the gate on Thursday, as East Carolina (0-0) and NC State (0-0) square off in a Military Bowl rematch. East Carolina won that game outright (26-21) as 7.5-point underdogs. This in-state rivalry game is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC.
Most bowl game performances can be tossed out due to depth players starting, questionable motivational levels, etc., but not last year’s Military Bowl game. NC State rolled out its quarterback (CJ Bailey), leading rusher (Hollywood Smothers) and top receivers (Justin Joly, Noah Rogers), and still lost the game outright as touchdown-plus favorites. They'll all be on the field on Thursday as well. I have a pessimistic outlook on NC State. Head Coach Dave Doeren has been with the program for 12 seasons, compiling a mediocre 87-65 (47-51 in the ACC) mark during his tenure.
Meanwhile, Pirates head coach Blake Harrell took over East Carolina mid-season in 2024 and rattled off a 5-1 record to close out the year. The offense averaged 38.2 points per game (PPG) during the six-game stretch, and they'll return their quarterback (Katin Houser) and top receiver (Anthony Smith). Their offense is built to score, as they put up 31.2 PPG against FBS-level competition last season (33rd). I expect the Pirates to keep this game within two scores, but they also possess the offensive firepower to come through the back door late if needed.
Bet: Pirates +14 (-110)
Wyoming Cowboys (-6.5) vs. Akron Zips (+6.5) | 48.5 (-110/-110)
This matchup between Wyoming (0-0) and Akron (0-0) features a couple of programs that suffered underwhelming campaigns in 2024. Kickoff for this non-conference clash is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from InfoCision Stadium in Akron, OH.
Wyoming ushered in a new era under head coach Jay Sawvel last season, and that didn't go well, considering the Cowboys logged a 3-9 record (2-5 in the MWC). I expect them to rebound this season, but I don't anticipate them making a College Football Playoff (CFB) run. A .500 record, however, should be obtainable under second-year skipper Sawvel.
This wager is mostly fading Akron. The Zips have been an abomination under head coach Joe Moorhead. As the lead man of Akron, the MAC program is just 8-28 (5-19 in the MAC) during his three years at the helm. Last season, they ranked 111th in defensive scoring, allowing 33.1 PPG against FBS opposition. The Zips were 126th out of 134 teams in turnover margin per game (-0.9). If the Cowboys take care of the ball, they should have no issue pummeling the Zips in this opener. I'll lay the 6.5 points with Wyoming.
Bet: Cowboys -6.5 (-110)
Nebraska Cornhuskers (-6.5) vs. Cincinnati Bearcats (+6.5) | 54 (-110/-110)
The lone Power Four head-to-head game on Thursday features a neutral-site showdown between Nebraska (0-0) and Cincinnati (0-0). This game kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET from Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
It's only fitting that this Nebraska-Cincinnati game takes place at Arrowhead, since we have a Patrick Mahomes lookalike in Dylan Raiola, and Cincinnati is where the recently-engaged Travis Kelce played college football. The Bearcats could use someone like Kelce because they're coming off a disappointing 5-7 campaign (3-6 in the Big 12) under second-year head coach Scott Satterfield.
It's not like Nebraska turned too many heads with its 7-6 season (3-6 in the Big 10) in 2024, but at least they have a high upside with Raiola under center. The sophomore signal-caller should take a step forward in 2025, as he has offensive savant Dana Holgorsen calling the plays, as well as a veteran offensive line to protect him up front. If Holgorsen can take Raiola to the next level and the defense can remain a top-20 unit, this Cornhuskers side may be on track to reclaim its glory as a contender on the national stage. I'll lay the 6.5 points with Nebraska in this conveniently located neutral site clash.
Bet: Cornhuskers -6.5 (-115)
