College Football is Back! NCAA Football Week 0 Expert Picks for 8/29
Written by: Nate Hornung
Last Update: Fri Aug 28, 2026, 4:54 pm ET
Read Time: 6 minutes
ncaaf
Spread
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+4.0
-110
51
-110o
+163
Spread
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-4.0
-105
51
-110u
-180
We have finally made it! Saturday brings us eight college football matchups to kick off the season. Our NCAA Football experts dove into the Week 0 slate and found their favorite picks and predictions to share with you. Read them below to see if you will tail or fade their selections on the first CFB betting board of the year.
Check out the best odds on the market and tons of picks for the NCAA Football Season.
NCAA Football Week 0 Expert Picks and Predictions
All odds listed are from BetOnline as of Friday, August 28, 2026 at 2:46 p.m. eastern.
North Carolina vs. TCU Expert Picks
Best Bets: TCU -9 (-110) BetOnline
When I was sitting down to type my game preview of this matchup in Ireland, I planned to bet the Horned Frogs laying the 7.5. However that number is long gone, and so is any pregame value in my eyes. However, I am confident TCU comes out with a victory, and would be willing to put their moneyline in a parlay if you so choose.
Otherwise, I may look to bet this CFB Season Opener live. Maybe Belichick drafts up a perfectly scripted opening drive like last year before the wheels fall off, giving us a chance to snag TCU laying around a field goal. Either way, it's the Horned Frogs or nothing for me in Dublin.
San Jose State vs. USC Expert Picks
Best Bets: USC Team Total Over 48.5 (-130) BetOnline
You can check out why our guy, PJ Glasser, likes the Trojans to score plenty in his article, but I am right there with him. There's no reason to be sweating out a 40 point spread late in the second half. Instead, just back Lincoln Riley's team to put up points, something they have no problem doing, especially against G6 opponents.
NC State vs. Virginia Expert Picks
CJ Bailey and NC State had no problem scoring on Virginia last season
Best Bets: NC State/Virginia Over 51 (-110) BetOnline
Get a much better number than I did, as I have already booked the over 52.5 in this matchup. But have no fear, I think we see at least 55 points in this game, and both offenses are more than capable of scoring 30 each. In fact, last season, we saw a 35-31 shootout in Raleigh where the Wolfpack handed the Cavaliers one of their only losses of the season.
Now, they play in Charlottesville, and this game actually counts towards each team's conference record, unlike last season. The stakes are higher, and Virginia is looking for some sweet revenge. Obviously personnel has changed, but Beau Pribula has plenty of talent and can put up plenty of points, and we know CJ Bailey is a playmaker, even if he lost a few talented weapons.
Give me both teams to go back and forth, up and down the field all game long, giving us a classic conference battle on Saturday afternoon.
Sacramento State vs. Eastern Michigan Expert Picks
Noah Kim and the Eastern Michigan Eagles welcome the Sacramento State Hornets to the FBS and the MAC this weekend
Best Bets: Eastern Michigan -9 (-115) BetOnline
Much like my thoughts with the Horned Frogs, I think the Eagles are favored by this many for a reason. However, I am willing to lay this number, assuming you can find something under double digits. Eastern Michigan is also a great moneyline parlay piece this week in my eyes as well.
Sacramento State is playing their first FBS game after moving up from the FCS. But they had just a 2-4 postseason record in the lower D1 league, making the quarterfinals in 2022. That's it. Their starting QB sat the bench at Fresno State last year after a year starting for the Hornets, so at least he has some familiarity with the offense. But I don't see them being super competitive in one of the toughest leagues in the country.
I believe the Eagles, with their veteran roster at home, will give Sacramento State a proper "Welcome to the Big Leagues" moment in this MAC contest.
Memphis vs. UNLV Expert Picks
Best Bets: UNLV -4 (-112) BetOnline
Once again, I apparently jumped the gun early and took the Rebels laying the -5.5. I am resisting the urge to double down, as this is my most confident bet of the Week 0 slate. Dan Mullen is the more experienced head coach, he has the more talented roster, and UNLV is at home. Memphis is looking to rebuild after Ryan Silverfield left, and although Charles Huff might be the right guy for the job, this is a tough opening matchup.
With Power Four talent coming in, UNLV is looking to not only win the Mountain West, but represent the Group of 6 schools in the College Football Playoff. That starts with a convincing win over a decent team on Saturday.
Mullen is coaching in his 15th season opener, and he has had plenty of success in those contests. He is 12-2 straight up, and 8-6 against the spread in CFB season openers, and I believe he adds to that this weekend. Lay the points confidently with the Rebels, and throw their moneyline in whatever parlays you please.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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