College Football Week 7 Picks: Best Bets (2026)

Week 7 is shaping up to be among the biggest slates in the 2026 college football season on Saturday. Massive matchups can be found across the board, with 6 head-to-head games between current AP Top 25-ranked opponents.

In this latest edition of my College Football Picks and best bets, I’m targeting 2 Big Ten games and a top-15 SEC matchup. These picks include a pair of point totals and a point spread.

My College Football Week 6 Picks: Best Bets (2026) from last Saturday wound up as a losing day at 1-2. Florida disappointed with a flat effort in a blowout loss at home to South Carolina, failing to cover -11.5, while Alabama momeyline against Georgia stung a bit extra due to a missed DPI call in the final minutes of the game. Fortunately, we cashed USC vs. Penn State Under 54.5 right on the number, as the Trojans posted a 31-23 win in Happy Valley.

Follow me on X @Matt_MacKay for more college football betting analysis and free picks.

Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>

College Football Week 7 Picks: Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Ohio State (4) vs. Indiana (5)

Undefeated Indiana hosts Ohio State for a top-5 Big Ten tilt in Bloomington to open up Saturday’s Week 7 slate. This Big Noon Kickoff matchup will likely be another low-scoring affair, as both programs have a top-10 scoring defense.

Since lines were released, the point total has bounced between 49.5 and 51.5. We’re getting it right in the middle at 50.5 right now.

It took Indiana until the 4th quarter to find the end zone against Nebraska last week. Ohio State’s schedule, aside from Iowa, has been soft, so expect a lot of grit and resistance in a game that should see both defenses step up to challenge the opposing offense.

Each of the Buckeyes’ previous 7 road games has gone under the point total line. Let’s back this trend and bet Under 50.5 points between Ohio State and Indiana.

Pick: Under 50.5 (-110)

Northwestern (25) vs. Michigan State

Northwestern has been on a tear in 2026, scoring 34+ points in every win. Indiana held the Wildcats to 23 points and just 1.2 YPC, but aside from that lone loss, Northwestern’s rushing attack has been dominant.

Michigan State may have an answer as a big home underdog. Former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald is now the Spartans’ head coach, and he deploys a similar run-centric scheme with an emphasis on physicality in defending the run.

Michigan State is only averaging 3.3 YPC on offense. It’s going to be tough to improve against Northwestern’s 22nd-ranked scoring defense. The Wildcats have not allowed more than 1 passing touchdown to any opposing quarterback this season, while only Indiana has scored 3+ touchdowns.

The point total has moved from 47.5 to 49.5, creating some value on Under 49.5 since we’re through key numbers 48 and 49.

Let’s fire up another point total under in the Big 10. Bet Under 49.5 on Northwestern vs. Michigan State.

Pick: Under 49.5 (-112)

Alabama (6) vs. Tennessee (14)

Tennessee is catching more than a full touchdown as a home underdog on Saturday afternoon against Alabama. Despite the historic rivalry and an intense atmosphere, -7.5 is too short on the Crimson Tide.

QB Keelon Russell is a bona fide playmaker and has plenty of arm talent and speed as a ball carrier to keep the Volunteers’ defense off-balance. Expect Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer to have his team motivated following a rough ending in a 20-17 Week 6 loss against No. 1 Georgia.

Alabama’s defense has forced a turnover in every game this season, entering Knoxville with a +7 turnover differential. The Crimson Tide face a Tennessee offense that hasn’t scored more than 24 points against any FBS opponent in 2026.

Even if QB Faizon Brandon is back under center, Tennessee doesn’t have much of a chance facing a motivated Alabama team. The Crimson Tide are averaging over 44 points per game (3rd) this season.

Lines have moved from -4.5 to -7.5. We’re paying a premium, but I’m willing to follow the steam on Russell and the rest of Alabama’s juggernaut roster in a plus-matchup.

Place a wager on Alabama -7.5 as our final Week 7 best bet.

Pick: Alabama -7.5 (-112)