Week 5 of the 2026 college football season featured some incredible performances. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith tallied 206 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches during a 31-14 triumph over Iowa. Missouri running back Jamal Roberts fueled a 45-17 thumping of Florida with 240 total yards and three scores. The focus now shifts to a Week 6 slate packed with intriguing storylines and ranked programs in action. Here’s a look at three of my favorite college football picks for Saturday’s contests.
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Saturday’s Best College Football Picks (Week 6)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers at Nebraska Cornhuskers
There will be a battle of unbeaten Big 10 squads at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Indiana enters fresh off a 47-15 victory over Rutgers in Week 5. Running backs Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. combined for 326 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Meanwhile, Nebraska crushed Maryland 48-23 to start 5-0 for the first time since 2016. Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer stole the show with 147 yards and two touchdowns on 11 receptions. The Hoosiers lead this head-to-head series with an 11-9-3 record.
These offenses know how to keep the chains moving. Indiana has registered the second-most yards per play (7.6), and Nebraska has posted the fifth-highest third-down conversion rate (53.1%) in the country.
Not only that, but the Hoosiers and Cornhuskers are two of only six programs averaging more than 40 points and 470 yards per game in 2026. Quarterbacks Josh Hoover (15 touchdowns, 0 interceptions) and Anthony Colandrea (13 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) have guided the offensive success.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see a barnburner break out in Lincoln. After all, the over has cashed in four of Indiana’s last five road contests and in seven of Nebraska’s last eight games as a home underdog.
Take note that there have also been more than 51 points scored in five of the previous seven meetings between these conference foes. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti and Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule are searching for a statement performance, so expect them to dig deep into their bag of tricks.
Pick: Over 51.5 Points (-110)
No. 21 UCLA Bruins at No. 13 Oregon Ducks
Let’s stay in the Big Ten and concentrate on a top-25 duel at Autzen Stadium. UCLA has climbed into the top 25 thanks to a spotless 4-0 record. The Bruins demolished Maryland 54-3 in Week 4 before enjoying a bye week.
Wide receiver Aiden Mizell’s 83-yard touchdown catch highlighted the win. On the other side, Oregon earned a 41-27 road victory over USC in Week 4 before enjoying a bye week. Running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. racked up 129 yards and three touchdowns.
One of the major developments here is the health of Ducks quarterback Dante Moore. The senior suffered a concussion when he took a hit to the head while sliding versus the Trojans. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has expressed that Moore “is going to be OK.”
Moore’s status for Saturday remains up in the air, though. If he can’t suit up, backup Dylan Raiola will draw the start. The former Nebraska standout rose to the occasion against USC, completing 19 of his 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns.
I’ll avoid the quarterback situation and back two defenses that have excelled at forcing early punts. The Ducks have allowed only 10 first-quarter points over four games and are conceding the sixth-lowest third-down conversion rate (25.6%).
The Bruins have surrendered just 14 first-quarter points across four contests and are giving up the 15th-lowest third-down conversion rate (29.3%). Overall, fewer than 14 points have been scored in the first quarter in each of the past two matchups between these rivals.
Pick: First Quarter Under 13.5 Points (+110)
No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs at No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide
All eyes will turn toward Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday for the 77th all-time showdown between Georgia and Alabama. SEC play has not scared these teams. Georgia dismantled Vanderbilt 38-14, and Alabama smashed Mississippi State 56-23 in Week 5 wins.
The quarterbacks continued their crisp starts. Georgia’s Gunner Stockton completed 25 of his 32 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. Alabama’s Keelon Russell connected on 16 of his 22 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns.
There’s a reason that Alabama has shifted from a small underdog to the betting favorite in this clash. The Crimson Tide’s confidence grows with each passing week, as they lead the nation in points per game (49.6).
Russell commands the offense, while stars like linebacker Yhonzae Pierre and defensive back Bray Hubbard guide the defense. It’s worth noting that Alabama has led the SEC in interceptions (8) and ranks third in sacks (16), making disruptive plays all over the field.
Georgia certainly has the talent to beat anyone. However, it’s hard to ignore the fact that head coach Kirby Smart is 0-3 against Alabama in the regular season. Those losses came by an average of nine points.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer boasts a 20-6 record versus ranked opponents in his career and has led the Crimson Tide to a 13-1 home record since being hired. A packed crowd in Tuscaloosa will provide an extra boost in the fourth quarter. Trust Alabama to earn its most impressive victory so far.
Pick: Alabama Moneyline (-122)
