College football picks today: Week 1 Saturday best bets include UNLV vs. Hawaii play [9/5/2026]

Today’s college football picks for September 5, 2026 are here, with UNLV vs. Hawaii and Western Kentucky vs. Nevada among the top plays identified by our model across Saturday’s college football schedule.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest football odds to unearth genuine betting edges. The result? Data-backed plays that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of college football picks tonight [9/5, updated 7:24PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s top 10 college football best bets, ranked by edge for Saturday, September 5, 2026.

UNLV vs. Hawaii Under 58.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 10.1%
• Probability: 61.3%
• Matchup: UNLV vs. Hawaii (10:00PM ET)

Our model has identified value on Under 58.5 points in UNLV vs. Hawaii at -105 odds. A 61.3% probability produces an edge of 10.1%, making this the strongest play for today's college football slate.

Nevada ML (+120)

• Edge: 10.1%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Western Kentucky vs. Nevada (10:30PM ET)

Nevada ML carries a 10.1% edge and a probability of 55.5% at +120 odds, according to our model.

Nevada +2.5 (-105)

• Edge: 8.0%
• Probability: 59.2%
• Matchup: Western Kentucky vs. Nevada (10:30PM ET)

Nevada +2.5 vs. Western Kentucky at -105 odds shows a 8.0% edge, supported by a 59.2% probability in simulations.

Northern Arizona vs. Arizona under 59.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 6.8%
• Probability: 59.2%
• Matchup: Northern Arizona vs. Arizona (9:30PM ET)

A 6.8% edge and 59.2% probability make Northern Arizona vs. Arizona under 59.5 points a value play in the Northern Arizona vs. Arizona matchup, per our model.

Florida Atlantic vs. Florida Under 59.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 5.4%
• Probability: 57.8%
• Matchup: Florida Atlantic vs. Florida (7:45PM ET)

Florida Atlantic vs. Florida Under 59.5 points at -110 odds presents a 5.4% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 57.8%.

Morgan State vs. Arizona State Under 52.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 56.2%
• Matchup: Morgan State vs. Arizona State (10:00PM ET)

Our model finds value on Under 52.5 points in Morgan State vs. Arizona State at -105 odds, supported by an edge of 5.0%.

South Dakota State vs. Northwestern Over 46.5 points (-115)

• Edge: 4.9%
• Probability: 58.3%
• Matchup: South Dakota State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET)

Our model has uncovered value on South Dakota State vs. Northwestern Over 46.5 points at -115 odds. A 58.3% probability produces a 4.9% edge, making this a strong play for today's college football action.

South Dakota State ML (+440)

• Edge: 4.7%
• Probability: 23.2%
• Matchup: South Dakota State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET)

A 4.7% edge on a 23.2% probability makes South Dakota State to win at +440 odds a solid value play in today's South Dakota State vs. Northwestern matchup.

Western Illinois +22.5 (-106)

• Edge: 4.1%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Illinois State vs. Western Illinois (8:00PM ET)

Our model projects value on Western Illinois +22.5 at -106 odds. A 55.5% probability produces a 4.1% edge, making Western Illinois the favorable side in today's matchup.

Central Michigan +11.5 (-110)

• Edge: 4.1%
• Probability: 56.5%
• Matchup: South Dakota State vs. Northwestern (10:00PM ET)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Central Michigan +11.5 at -110 odds shows a 56.5% probability and a 4.1% edge.

NCAAF best bets summary: Saturday, 9/5/2026

As of 7:24PM ET, here are our top college football bets by edge recommended by our model:

List of upcoming college football games to bet on now

• Western Michigan vs. Michigan (7:30PM ET, Saturday)
• Louisiana-Monroe vs. Mississippi State (7:30PM ET, Saturday)
• Clemson vs. LSU (7:30PM ET, Saturday)
• VMI vs. Virginia Tech (7:30PM ET, Saturday)
• Northwestern State vs. Louisiana Tech (7:30PM ET, Saturday)
• Florida Atlantic vs. Florida (7:45PM ET, Saturday)
• South Dakota State vs. Northwestern (8:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Lamar vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Hampton vs. Maryland (8:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Utah Tech vs. Brigham Young (8:00PM ET, Saturday)

College football offer for Week 1

Make the most of the picks in this article—including Under 58.5 points—with the Bet365 Sportsbook offer below:

Conclusion

Our college football best bets are locked and loaded for September 5, 2026, featuring plays such as under 58.5 points in the UNLV vs. Hawaii matchup and Nevada ML. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

Our predictions are grounded in 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.