Illinois vs. Maryland prediction: Why Illinois is favored to win in college football Week 9 [2026]

Using powerful machine learning and data analysis, we have re-simulated the outcome of Illinois vs. Maryland, forming part of our college football predictions coverage.

Our leading predictive model currently gives Illinois a 57.1% chance of beating Maryland. Our predicted final score has Illinois winning 28-25. According to our model, Illinois (-2.5) has a 51.2% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 52.5 points has a 54.1% chance of going over.

Latest betting odds

We have sourced the best college football odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Spread: Illinois -2.5 (-104) / Maryland +2.5 (+102)
• Moneyline: Illinois -127, Maryland +125
• Total: Over/Under 52.5 (-115/+108)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our probabilities against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Spread: Illinois -2.5 @ 51¢ via Novig
• Moneyline: Illinois @ 56¢ via Novig
• Total: Over 52.5 @ 53¢ via Novig

According to our college football best bets, the top play to make on this game is Illinois to win.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Game info & kickoff details

Saturday's college football matchup between Maryland and Illinois at SECU Stadium is scheduled to commence at 12:00 PM ET.

• Who: Illinois vs. Maryland
• Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
• Time: 12:00 PM ET/9:00 AM PT
• Venue: SECU Stadium

College football Week 9 promos

Make the most of Dimers' Illinois vs. Maryland predictions by exploring the Underdog Fantasy offer below:

In Texas or Oklahoma? Check out this exclusive offer where you can secure $25 in Predictions Dollars as soon as either team scores in today's Sooners-Longhorns clash.

Conclusion

We predict Illinois, with a 57.1% win probability, will likely beat Maryland in Saturday's college football matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary College Football prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.