Men's college basketball picks today: Thursday's best bets include Jacksonville State vs. South Alabama play [11/5/2026]

Jacksonville State +5.5 (-110)

• Edge: 11.3%
• Probability: 63.7%
• Matchup: Jacksonville State vs. South Alabama (8:00PM ET)

Our model has identified value on Jacksonville State +5.5 at -110 odds. A 63.7% probability produces an edge of 11.3%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Jacksonville State ML (+188)

• Edge: 2.7%
• Probability: 33.3%
• Matchup: Jacksonville State vs. South Alabama (8:00PM ET)

Jacksonville State ML carries a 2.7% edge and a probability of 33.3% at +188 odds, according to our model.

Albany +3.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.3%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Albany vs. Manhattan (7:00PM ET)

Our model finds value on Albany +3.5 at -102, supported by an edge of 5.3%.

Hofstra +1.5 (+116)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 51.3%
• Matchup: Hofstra vs. Princeton (7:00PM ET)

Our model has uncovered value on Hofstra +1.5 at +116. A 51.3% probability produces a 5.0% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Gardner-Webb +38.5 (-110)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Gardner-Webb vs. Texas (8:00PM ET)

A 4.6% edge on a 57% probability makes Gardner-Webb +38.5 at -110a solid value play in today's Gardner-Webb vs. Texas matchup.

Le Moyne +25.5 (+115)

• Edge: 4.5%
• Probability: 51%
• Matchup: Le Moyne vs. Creighton (8:00PM ET)

Our model projects value on Le Moyne +25.5 at +115. A 51% probability produces a 4.5% edge, making Le Moyne the favorable side in today's matchup.

Vermont vs. Fairfield Over 141.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 56.2%
• Matchup: Hofstra vs. Princeton (7:00PM ET)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Vermont vs. Fairfield Over 141.5 points at -110 shows a 56.2% probability and a 3.8% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Thursday, 11/5/2026

As of 12:32AM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

List of upcoming men's college basketball games to bet on now

• McNeese State vs. North Texas (5:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Chattanooga vs. Penn State (6:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Wake Forest vs. Vanderbilt (6:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Bellarmine vs. Indiana (6:00PM ET, Thursday)
• LIU vs. Seton Hall (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Mercer vs. Virginia Tech (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Hofstra vs. Princeton (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Georgia State vs. Charlotte (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Green Bay vs. Cincinnati (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for November 5, 2026, featuring plays such as Jacksonville State +5.5 vs. South Alabama and Jacksonville State ML. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

Our predictions are sourced from current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice, head to our Responsible Gambling hub.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.