College Football Week 8 Picks: Best Bets (2026)

We’re heading into Week 8 of the 2026 college football season. On paper, this slate should be won by most ranked teams, as there are only a couple of head-to-head matchups between current AP Top 25 programs. However, upsets abound in college football, especially last week, so expect more of the unexpected on Saturday.

My College Football Week 7 Picks: Best Bets (2026) settled as a profitable 2-1 outing. Point total unders cashed in both Ohio State vs. Indiana and Northwestern vs. Michigan State. The losing pick was Alabama as a -7.5-point road favorite against Tennessee, as the Crimson Tide offense was held to 10 points in a 26-10 loss.

Let’s aim for another winning week in college football. I’ve got three of my top bets to place, based on value and matchup, heading into Saturday’s Week 8 slate.

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College Football Week 8 Picks: Best Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Indiana (6) vs. Michigan

Big Noon Kickoff takes us to Ann Arbor for a Big 10 tilt between Indiana and Michigan. The Wolverines shook off a 0-point 1st half with a comeback win over Penn State in Week 7, benching QB Bryce Underwood in favor of Tommy Carr.

Michigan’s offense is a run-centric, slow-paced scheme that will continue to adjust to its new signal-caller. The Hoosiers’ defense is elite, ranked fourth in the nation, allowing under 13 points per game, while giving up just 2.3 YPC and 4 total rushing touchdowns against 4 Big 10 opponents.

The point total is low for a reason. Indiana QB Josh Hoover has explosive play-making ability with his arm but Michigan’s defense has held opponents to 20 points or less in every contest, including 2.7 YPC and 2 total rushing touchdowns.

Expect another hard-nosed, blue collar cage match in the Big House. Bet Under 42.5 to lead off our Week 8 best bets.

Pick: Under 42.5 (-105)

BYU (2) vs. UCF

While most of the public is backing undefeated BYU to win by a touchdown on the road against unranked UCF, there is value on the Knights. UCF is a top-50 defense, limiting opponents to 5 passing touchdowns and 3.2 YPC.

BYU leans on QB Bear Bachmeier’s legs to finish drives in the red zone. It won’t be easy, especially with winds up to 17 mph expected in the forecast and potential rain.

UCF is only drawing 23 percent of spread bets as a touchdown underdog at home in Orlando. QB Keyone Jenkins is coming off his best performance as QB1, throwing for over 250 yards and 4 touchdowns against Oklahoma State.

Let’s take the points and bet on UCF +7.0 at -115 odds.

Pick: UCF +7.0 (-115)

USC (16) vs. Wisconsin

I expect Wisconsin’s top-25 defense to give USC and QB Jayden Maiava fits for the entirety of this game. Statistically, the Trojans haven’t played a tougher defense this season, coming off a hard-fought 31-23 road win against Penn State.

The reason to fade Wisconsin in this spot is its anemic passing attack. However, USC’s defense could let the Badgers hang around in this game for a potential upset as a 3-point home underdog in prime time at Camp Randall Stadium.

USC has allowed over 280 passing yards in 3 of its previous 4 contests. They also have only forced 2 turnovers in their last 3 games played. Wisconsin has only allowed 1 passing touchdown since Week 1, so Maiava’s arm will be challenged in Madison.

Take Wisconsin +3.0 before it potentially moves down through this key number.

Pick: Wisconsin +3.0  (-115)

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