Author: Eternity Lab

Marcus Freeman began his college football career as a player under Luke Fickell. Now he gets to coach against him.

No. 4 Notre Dame and Wisconsin open their season facing off on Sunday night at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, bringing together two head coaches whose shared history spans more than two decades.

Freeman and Fickell enter the matchup with personal and professional ties that have helped shape both programs and the coaching staffs surrounding them.

A Foundational Relationship From Columbus To Cincinnati

The connection between the two head coaches began when Freeman played linebacker at Ohio State from 2004 to 2008, where Fickell served as his position coach. 

Marcus Freeman played linebacker at Ohio State, where Luke Fickell served as his position coach from 2004-08.  (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

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That player-coach relationship evolved nearly a decade later when Fickell hired Freeman as his linebackers coach and defensive coordinator at Cincinnati, a role Freeman held from 2017 through 2020. 

Over those four seasons, Freeman helped build the Bearcats’ defense into a nationally-renowned unit, gaining his first extended experience leading a college defense before moving onto Notre Dame in 2021.

Mutual Respect And Shared Philosophies

Despite their shared past, both coaches established a distinctly different culture within their respective programs as head coach. Fickell noted that Freeman’s progression into one of college football’s top head coaches stems from his ability to chart his own course rather than strictly replicating the methods of his mentors.

“The ones who have the most success, like Marcus has, are ones who create an identity for themselves, not just where they’ve been, whether it’s his time with us at Cincinnati or his time at Ohio State or his time under Jim Tressel,” Fickell said.

Marcus Freeman on Cincinnati’s sideline, where he worked under Luke Fickell as linebackers coach and defensive coordinator from 2017-20. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Freeman has pointed to Fickell as a foundational figure in his coaching development, highlighting specific work habits and expectations that he carried forward into his head coaching career.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” Freeman said. “I wouldn’t be in this position without the investment he made in me. There’s traits that every coach I’ve had a player, as a coach, that I have in me. When I think about Luke Fickell, I think about a tireless worker, I think about the demands that he has for his players, his coaches. And the mindset of, ‘This is the way we’re going to play. This is who we are. This is our identity, and we’re committed to it.'”

Prior Matchup And Staff Connections

Sunday will not mark the first time Freeman and Fickell have stood on opposite sidelines. 

In 2021, Fickell led Cincinnati to a 24-13 victory at Notre Dame Stadium, a key win during the Bearcats’ run to the College Football Playoff. Freeman was Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator on Brian Kelly’s staff during that game before taking over the program as head coach when Kelly departed for LSU at the end of the regular season.

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The ties between the Badgers and Fighting Irish also extend beyond the two head coaches. 

Notre Dame offensive line coach Joe Rudolph spent six seasons as Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator under former head coach Paul Chryst from 2015 to 2020, and remained on staff in 2021 as offensive line coach. Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli, and wide receivers coach Mike Brown all served on Fickell’s Cincinnati staff during that 2021 playoff season.

“It’s not just Marcus that we’ve got a long history with,” Fickell said. “There’s a lot of guys over there that in particular we’ve got great relationships with, and had great relationships with. Like I’ve always said, I wouldn’t be sitting here today if it wasn’t for not just Freeman, but a lot of those guys over on that staff.”

Different Trajectories Heading Into Lambeau Field

While the personal connections run deep, the two programs enter Sunday in completely different situations. 

Notre Dame are three-touchdown favorite following a 24-4 run over the past two seasons, which included an appearance in the College Football Playoff championship game in 2024.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and quarterback CJ Carr, who threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first-year as a starter in 2025.(Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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The Fighting Irish will be led on the field by quarterback CJ Carr, alongside three preseason Associated Press All-America defensive selections in first-team cornerback Leonard Moore, second-team linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, and safety Brauntae Johnson.

Wisconsin enters Fickell’s fourth year seeking stability after back-to-back losing campaigns. The Badgers finished 4-8 in 2025 and 5-7 in 2024, snapping a 22-year streak of winning seasons. 

Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin is slated to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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The defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers will host the North Texas Mean Green on Saturday in a Week 1 Big Noon Kickoff college football matchup on FOX.

What a year it was for the Hoosiers in 2025.

In Year 2 under Curt Cignetti, Indiana completed a perfect 16-0 season and won the first national championship in program history. The Hoosiers led the country in scoring differential (+29.9 PPG) and total points scored (666), while allowing just 11.7 points per game and going 6-0 against AP Top-15 opponents.

Indiana’s dominance was built on elite efficiency on both sides of the ball. The Hoosiers led the FBS in third-down conversion percentage (56.5%) and turnover margin (+21), ranked second in rushing defense (77.2 YPG allowed), scoring defense (11.7 PPG allowed) and sacks (46), and finished in the top four nationally in total defense (266.0 YPG allowed, fourth) and scoring offense (41.6 PPG, third).

But Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is gone, along with seven other players who were selected in the NFL Draft. TCU transfer Josh Hoover will take the reins as Indiana’s starting quarterback this fall after arriving as one of the highest-rated transfer quarterbacks in the country.

In 13 games with the Horned Frogs last season, Hoover completed 272 of 413 passes (65.9%) for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Meanwhile, North Texas is coming off a historic season of its own. The Mean Green went 12-2 and narrowly missed out on a College Football Playoff berth while leading the country in total offense (512.4 YPG) and scoring offense (45.1 PPG).

However, head coach Eric Morris left for Oklahoma State and took 19 players with him, including quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who led the country in passing.

So, how much of a step back should we expect from the Mean Green? And what do the Hoosiers have in store for an encore after their perfect season?

Let’s take a look at the odds for Indiana vs. North Texas at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

   North Texas @ No. 6 Indiana Odds

Spread 

[–>
• Indiana -40.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• North Texas +40.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

• Over 55.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 55.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   North Texas @ No. 6 Indiana Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research: 

This is the only Week 1 matchup featuring two teams that won 10+ games last season, as North Texas and Indiana combined for 28 wins in 2025. However, both teams will look a whole lot different in 2026. North Texas added more than 50 transfers and has 75 new faces on its roster. And to add even more intrigue to this matchup, the Mean Green announced Tayven Jackson as the Week 1 starting quarterback. Jackson appeared in 25 games and made six starts for Indiana — five in 2023 and one in 2024 — completing 61.2% of passes for 1,263 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions while adding four rushing scores. He then transferred to UCF, where he started 10 games last season and completed 63.5% of passes for 2,151 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions, along with three rushing touchdowns. There will be plenty of familiarity here for Cignetti, who coached Jackson in 2024. The Hoosiers went 10-6 against the spread last season but were only 4-3 ATS as a home favorite. If there is anyone who can prevent a post-national championship letdown, it’s Cignetti. And against a North Texas team that essentially lost its entire roster from a season ago, take the Hoosiers to cover the huge spread. 

   The Pick: Indiana -40.5

How to Watch Indiana vs. North Texas

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5. 2026
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana

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The Nebraska Cornhuskers will host the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday in a Week 1 college football matchup on FS1.

Matt Rhule is ready for his fourth season at the helm of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Rhule had to find a new quarterback to lead the offense after Dylan Raiola transferred to Oregon this offseason. He found his replacement in Anthony Colandrea, who threw for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns at UNLV in 2025 while adding 649 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.

Meanwhile, John Hauser took over head coaching duties for Ohio’s bowl game against UNLV, leading the Bobcats to a 17-10 win to cap off a 9-4 season. Now, the former defensive coordinator will get his first full season at the helm. During his time leading the defense, Ohio consistently featured one of the best units in the MAC.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Nebraska vs. Ohio at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

  Ohio @ Nebraska Odds

Moneyline

[–>
• Nebraska: -2800 (bet $10 to win $10.36 total)
• Ohio: +1300 (bet $10 to win $1400 total)

Spread 

• Nebraska -23.5: -108 (bet $10 to win $19.26 total)
• Ohio +23.5: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)

Over/Under

• Over 46.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 46.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   Ohio @ Nebraska Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

In the bowl game where Hauser led the Bobcats to a win over UNLV, the opposing quarterback was Anthony Colandrea. Ohio held him to just 184 passing yards and an interception. Colandrea did run for a late touchdown, but it wasn’t enough. With the Bobcats already familiar with Colandrea and his skill set, they should be prepared for what Rhule and the Cornhuskers have in store offensively. Nebraska should still win this game and start the 2026 season 1-0, but Ohio can keep it close enough to cover the spread.

   The Pick: Ohio +23.5

How to Watch Nebraska vs. Ohio

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

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The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Ball State Cardinals on Saturday in a Week 1 college football matchup on Big Ten Network.

The Buckeyes are coming off a 12-2 season in 2025, losing their final two games against eventual national champion Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game and runner-up Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

Ohio State lost seven defensive starters from last season, including three top-11 picks in this spring’s NFL Draft. Those are significant losses from a 2025 defense that ranked No. 1 in the FBS in scoring defense (9.3 PPG), total defense (219.1 YPG) and pass defense (129.7 YPG), while allowing just seven passing touchdowns all season.

The good news is that quarterback and Heisman finalist Julian Sayin returns after a historic freshman season in which he completed 77.0% of his passes for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. He’ll be joined by arguably the best player in all college football in Jeremiah Smith.

Meanwhile, Ball State will look to bounce back from a 4-8 season a year ago. The Cardinals have completely overhauled their roster, bringing in more than 50 new players through the transfer portal. That includes starting quarterback Keldric Luster, who began his career at SMU before transferring to Texas State.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Ohio State vs. Ball State at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

   Ball State @ No. 1 Ohio State Odds

Spread 

[–>
• Ohio State -50.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Ball State +50.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

• Over 56.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 56.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   Ball State @ No. 1 Ohio State Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research: 

In six career games against MAC opponents, Ryan Day has won by an average of 51.5 points per game. The books did a great job setting this spread at 50.5, but there are plenty of reasons to believe the Buckeyes can still cover. Ball State quarterback Keldric Luster will make his first career college start at “The Shoe” on Saturday. That sounds like a recipe for disaster against the preseason No. 1 team in the country. Turnovers could be a major factor in his first start, potentially giving Ohio State’s defense opportunities to score or set up the offense with short fields. And this Buckeyes offense is loaded. Not only does it feature Smith, but five-star true freshman Chris Henry Jr. adds another explosive weapon. Ohio State has the talent throughout its depth chart to keep scoring even when the starters come out. Laying more than 50 points is never easy, but it feels like the play here.

   The Pick: Ohio State -50.5

How to Watch Ohio State vs. Ball State

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5. 2026
• Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
• TV: BTN
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH

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The biggest story of the college football offseason has reached a temporary conclusion as the season’s first full Saturday approaches.

Former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris were left off LSU’s official roster ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Clemson, according to multiple reports. 

The move appears to avoid an immediate confrontation with the SEC, which passed a rule barring former professional players from rosters before a Louisiana court put it on hold.

The duo was granted a preliminary injunction Thursday night in Baton Rouge, allowing them to pursue a fifth year of eligibility against the NCAA and SEC. After the ruling, Wright told reporters he planned to be ready to play against Clemson and said he had practiced with LSU for the past two days.

LSU, in its own statement Friday, said it was reviewing the court’s order and would “continue to work constructively with the SEC and NCAA as this matter moves forward.”

The College Football Playoff also came out in support of the rules barring former professional players from the college game.

The LSU decision came just hours after Clemson general counsel Chip Hood sent a letter to his LSU counterpart suggesting the eligibility issue could conflict with the contract between the two schools to play Saturday’s game.

Clemson still plans to show up. Its coach, Dabo Swinney, however, made his feelings clear earlier in the week.

“I would just say it’s kind of embarrassing,” Swinney said. “I mean, honestly, it’s just embarrassing that that’s where we are. I don’t blame the kids and people trying to take advantage of the system. I just think it’s embarrassing where we are with college football.”

Both Wright and Harris played for new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin during his time at Ole Miss. 

Wright had 39 catches for 635 yards as a tight end for the Rebels last season before spending time with the Cleveland Browns organization during NFL training camp this summer.

Harris, a 6-foot-8, 330-pound defensive tackle, recorded 58 tackles and three sacks last season under Kiffin. He signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent before being waived last month.

Both players could still be added to the roster later this season, as both remain enrolled at LSU. The Tigers currently have 103 players on their submitted roster, leaving two spots open.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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No. 7 Miami powered past Stanford 45-6 in their Week 1 win, and offensive stars impressed along the way.

Sophomore wide receiver Malachi Toney finished the night with 12 receptions for 234 receiving yards and three touchdowns, which broke Miami’s single-game receiving yards record. 

Additionally, Duke transfer Darian Mensah went 27-for-30 for 401 yards and five touchdowns. Mensah’s numbers also marked the best start by any Miami quarterback in their debut.

Mensah opened the season as a potential Heisman candidate after his impressive season with the Blue Devils. Mensah finished last year with 3,973 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, six interceptions and an ACC championship title. Now leading Miami’s offense, Mensah is under center with Toney as an elite target. 

“It’s effortless,” Mensah said of his connection with Toney. “He understands how to get open. It makes it easier for me to do my job.”

After the Hurricanes came off a College Football Playoff title appearance, Mensah had the task of filling former quarterback Carson Beck’s shoes. Now, as the fourth quarterback to throw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns, the Hurricanes have found their signal-caller. 

Toney shined for Miami as a true freshman last season, the pass-catcher hauled in 109 receptions for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns. Notably, Toney led all ACC receivers in receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns. 

Now, the Hurricanes enter Week 2 1-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Miami will host Florida A&M for their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 12.

CFB Related Stories

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The Cincinnati Bearcats will host the Boston College Eagles on Saturday in a Week 1 college football matchup on FOX.

After starting last season 7-1, the Bearcats lost their final five games. Scott Satterfield is entering his fourth season as head coach, this time with a revamped roster that features more than 46 new players, including 22 transfers and 24 freshmen.

With Brendan Sorsby now gone, Cincinnati will turn to JC French IV at quarterback. French joins the Bearcats after a productive career at Georgia Southern, where he started all 13 games last season. He completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,929 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 315 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Meanwhile, Boston College enters 2026 coming off a dreadful 2025 season in which it finished 2-10. The Eagles’ defense struggled mightily, allowing 433.3 yards per game, which ranked 128th in the FBS and last in the ACC. BC also allowed 32.8 points per game, ranking 123rd nationally and 16th in the conference.

However, this roster looks completely different from a season ago.

After losing several key starters from past seasons, Boston College has heavily reworked its defensive line through the transfer portal while also adding younger talent throughout the entire roster. The Eagles will also turn to Mason McKenzie at quarterback. The dual-threat QB threw for 2,086 yards and 17 touchdowns at the Division II level last season while adding 942 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.

With a lot of pressure on both coaches and teams to turn things around, let’s take a look at the odds for Boston College vs. Cincinnati at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

   Boston College @ Cincinnati Odds

Moneyline

[–>
• Cincinnati: -310 (bet $10 to win $13.23 total)
• Boston College: +245 (bet $10 to win $34.50 total)

Spread 

• Cincinnati -7.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Boston College +7.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

• Over 49.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 49.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   Boston College @ Cincinnati Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research: 

There might not be a coach on a hotter seat than Boston College’s Bill O’Brien. It can’t get much worse for BC, right? The Eagles have upgraded at quarterback, along the offensive line and on the defensive line, and on paper, this roster should be much improved. Meanwhile, Cincinnati showed flashes at times last season, but with Brendan Sorsby gone and the Bearcats entering 2026 on a five-game losing streak, there is some cause for concern. O’Brien should have plenty of urgency entering the season as he looks to turn things around and make a statement in Week 1. Take the Eagles plus the points.

   The Pick: Boston College +7.5

How to Watch Boston College vs. Cincinnati

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5. 2026
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

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The No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions will host the Marshall Thundering Herd on Saturday in a Week 1 college football matchup on FS1.

It’s a new era in Happy Valley.

After 12 seasons under James Franklin, Penn State brought in Matt Campbell as its head coach this offseason. Campbell took Iowa State to new heights, posting a 72-55 (.567) record in 127 games, including a 19–7 mark over the past two seasons.

Along with Campbell comes quarterback Rocco Becht. Becht started all 39 games for the Cyclones from 2023 to 2025, posting a 26–13 record. He had a career year in 2024, throwing for 3,505 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading Iowa State to 11 wins for the first time in school history.

The Nittany Lions will have more than 50 new players from a season ago, including 18 defensive transfers under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

Meanwhile, Marshall enters 2026 in Year 2 of the Tony Gibson era. The Thundering Herd went just 5–7 last season but lost four games by a combined 11 points. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson returns at quarterback after leading the team in both passing (2,043 yards, 17 touchdowns, five interceptions) and rushing (660 yards, six touchdowns) in 2025.

Can the Thundering Herd shock the world and pull off a massive Week 1 upset? Or will Penn State get the Campbell era started with a win?

Let’s take a look at the odds for Penn State vs. Marshall at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

   Marshall @ No. 18 Penn State Odds

Moneyline 

[–>
• Penn State: -4000 (bet $10 to win $10.25 total)
• Marshall: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)

Spread 

• Penn State -24.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Marshall +24.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Under

• Over 52.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 52.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   Marshall @ No. 18 Penn State Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research: 

Penn State’s defense should be dominant in 2026. In 2023, D’Anton Lynn transformed UCLA into a top-10 national unit in his lone season, improving from 87th to 10th in total defense (301.5 YPG) and from 90th to 14th in scoring defense (18.4 PPG). He then took over a USC defense that ranked 121st nationally and improved it to 51st in just two years. However, Penn State’s offense poses some causes for concern. Iowa State’s 2025 offense, which Penn State should closely resemble, finished 60th in total offense, 63rd in yards per play, 70th in scoring offense and 75th in passing offense. Meanwhile, Marshall was far better than its record showed last season, losing several close contests. This was a team that could have easily won nine games. The Thundering Herd also did a great job taking care of the football, throwing the ninth-fewest interceptions in the country, while their 21st-ranked rushing attack from a year ago should help them stay ahead of the chains in this hostile environment. Take Marshall to cover this big spread, with maybe even a little sprinkle on the moneyline.

   The Pick: Marshall +24.5

How to Watch Penn State vs. Marshall

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5. 2026
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

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The No. 22 Iowa Hawkeyes will host the Northern Illinois Huskies on Saturday in a Week 1 college football matchup on Big Ten Network.

Kirk Ferentz enters his 28th season as Iowa’s head coach looking to add to his 209 career wins, the most by a head coach in Big Ten history. The No. 22 Hawkeyes will open their season at home against a Northern Illinois team beginning its first year in the Mountain West Conference.

Ferentz has yet to name a starting quarterback, with Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski still competing for the job. Both quarterbacks are expected to play in the season opener, giving Ferentz and the Hawkeyes an opportunity to evaluate the two options in game action.

Northern Illinois, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after a 3-9 season in 2025. The Huskies enter their first year in the Mountain West with interim head coach Rob Harley leading a significantly revamped roster. With no returning starters on defense and only four on offense, Harley will bring an inexperienced group into Kinnick Stadium for the season opener.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Iowa vs. NIU at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

   NIU @ No. 22 Iowa Odds

Moneyline

[–>
• Iowa: -10000 (bet $10 to win $10.01 total)
• Northern Illinois: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)

Spread 

• Iowa -31.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
• Northern Illinois +31.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)

Over/Under

• Over 44.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 44.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

   NIU @ No. 22 Iowa Prediction, Pick

From FOX Sports Research:

Iowa has built a reputation for boring, low-scoring, physical football, and with two new quarterbacks in the mix, don’t expect that to change in Week 1. Ferentz likely won’t put too much on their plate and will instead lean heavily on the running game. Leading rusher Kamari Moulton returns after rushing for 878 yards last season, and the Hawkeyes added L.J. Phillips Jr. through the transfer portal. Phillips rushed for 1,921 yards and 19 touchdowns at South Dakota last season. Pair him with Moulton and Iowa’s offensive line, and the Hawkeyes should have a strong ground game. That’s not a great matchup for Northern Illinois. The Huskies allowed 183.3 rushing yards per game last season, the fourth-most in the MAC. Even with uncertainty at quarterback, Iowa shouldn’t have much trouble moving the ball on the ground and finding the end zone. Expect the Hawkeyes to control this game from start to finish. Take Iowa to cover the spread in this Week 1 matchup.

   The Pick: Iowa -31.5

How to Watch Iowa vs.NIU

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
• Time: 4:15 p.m. ET
• TV: BTN
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa

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The North Texas Mean Green visit the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET from Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.

Indiana opens its national-title defense at home Saturday against North Texas, and the No. 6 Hoosiers bring the nation’s most productive offense with them. Indiana led all of Division I with 87 total touchdowns in 2025, while North Texas ranked third nationally with 75. Indiana is a 40.5-point favorite at DraftKings, with the total set at 56.5.

Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.

How to Watch North Texas vs. Indiana

• When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, IN), Bloomington, IN
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

Players to Watch

North Texas enters Week 1 replacing almost its entire 2025 team, since former coach Eric Morris and much of the roster left for Oklahoma State’s staff overhaul. New coach Neal Brown is rebuilding around transfers, and Ezeani is the most proven piece up front. He racked up 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles a season ago at UTEP, and North Texas needs that kind of disruption against Indiana’s retooled offense. Brown went 37-35 at West Virginia but won big at Troy, and his defense only works if players like Ezeani hold up in bigger games than the ones he played on lesser rosters. Against a team breaking in a new starting quarterback, his pass rush could decide how much rhythm Indiana’s offense finds early.

Hoover arrives from TCU as the third different starting quarterback in three years for the defending national champions, and the numbers travel with him. He has thrown for 9,629 yards over 35 career games, the most of any returning passer in the country. Indiana lost significant pieces from last year’s 16-0 team, but coach Curt Cignetti has not lost a game yet with a quarterback he trusts running the offense. North Texas is breaking in a new coaching staff of its own, and Hoover gets a chance to open his Indiana career the way he left TCU, distributing the ball to a receiver room that already includes Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. A clean opener keeps Indiana’s title defense on schedule.

Who will be this year’s Indiana? Joel Klatt Show

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Joel Klatt examined who will be a dark horse this year and be this year’s Indiana.

North Texas vs. Indiana Odds

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