Southern Illinois vs. Samford prediction: Southern Illinois favored to win in college football Week 1 [2026]
Dimers' simulation model projects a 90.8% win probability for Southern Illinois at Pete Hanna Stadium.

Samford will take on the favored Southern Illinois in Week 1 college football action at Pete Hanna Stadium on Thursday, beginning at 7:00 PM ET.
Dimers' proven college football model projects Southern Illinois as the most likely winner in this Southern Illinois vs. Samford prediction.
This article offers a closer look at Thursday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and picks, backed by the same system that has dominated college football and NFL betting markets across multiple seasons..
Southern Illinois vs. Samford prediction and odds
Our leading predictive model currently gives Southern Illinois a 90.8% chance of defeating Samford. Our predicted final score has Southern Illinois winning 37-16.
According to our model, Samford (+22.5) has a 55.6% chance of covering the spread, while the 51.5-point over/under has a 54.4% chance of going over.
Latest betting odds
We have researched the best college football odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
- Spread: Southern Illinois -22.5 (-110) / Samford +22.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Southern Illinois -1400, Samford +900
- Total: Over/Under 51.5 (-110/-110)
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 current 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: Samford +22.5 @ -110 via bet365
- Moneyline: Samford @ +900 via bet365
- Total: Over 51.5 @ -110 via bet365
According to our college football best bets, the top play to make on this game is Samford +22.5 at the spread.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.
Game info & kickoff details
Thursday's college football matchup between Samford and Southern Illinois at Pete Hanna Stadium is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: Southern Illinois vs. Samford
- Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Pete Hanna Stadium
College football Week 1 promos and codes
Make the most of Dimers' Southern Illinois vs. Samford predictions by exploring the below offers.
Bet365 Sportsbook
Underdog Fantasy
Conclusion
We predict Southern Illinois, with a 90.8% win probability, will likely beat Samford in Thursday's college football matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.




