College football week 9 picks are here, and the 2026 slate is huge. There are 52 games from Thursday, Oct. 29, through Saturday, Oct. 31. Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan, Tyler Schuster and Kyle Wood have made calls on every contest. This guide covers the biggest matchups so you can plan your weekend.
How Week 9 Started
Before the college football week 9 picks hit the board, the action was already underway. On Tuesday night, Delaware beat Western Kentucky and Missouri State won over Sam Houston. Midweek CUSA play continued Wednesday, when Kennesaw State defeated Middle Tennessee and Jacksonville State blanked New Mexico State 24-0. Those results set the tone for a busy final stretch of October.
Thursday and Friday Games to Watch
Two games open the main schedule on Thursday night: Florida Atlantic vs. North Texas and Troy vs. James Madison. Both are Group of Five matchups that can shift conference races.
The college football week 9 picks for Friday center on Baylor vs. UCF, the headliner of the night. Tulane vs. Charlotte and Kent State vs. Sacramento State round out the three-game card. If you want a weeknight watch, Baylor-UCF is the clear priority.
Saturday’s Loaded Slate
Saturday is where the college football week 9 picks get interesting, with games across four windows.
Early window: Arizona vs. Texas Tech, SMU vs. Syracuse, Wisconsin vs. Iowa, Auburn vs. Ole Miss, Illinois vs. Maryland, and Notre Dame vs. Navy in Foxborough.
Afternoon window: South Carolina vs. Oklahoma, Minnesota vs. Indiana, Arizona State vs. BYU, Northwestern vs. Oregon, Utah vs. Cincinnati, and Florida vs. Georgia in Atlanta.
First night window: Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State, Clemson vs. Florida State, Miami vs. North Carolina, Ohio State vs. USC, Mississippi State vs. Texas, Missouri vs. Arkansas, and Washington vs. Nebraska.
Late-night window: Texas State vs. Boise State, Northern Illinois vs. UNLV, and Oregon State vs. Fresno State.
Ohio State vs. USC, Clemson vs. Florida State and Florida vs. Georgia in Atlanta stand out as the marquee games, but the Big Ten and SEC slates are deep enough that nearly every window has something worth watching.
How to Use These Picks
Treat these college football week 9 picks as a starting point, not a guarantee. Injuries, weather and late line movement can change a game quickly. Check the latest odds and news before kickoff.
If you like comparing cfb predictions across sports, see our NFL Week 7 predictions for the pro side. Following the next wave of talent? Our look at the 2027 NFL Draft quarterback prospects covers players who may be on your screen this weekend. And if you’re planning your football viewing beyond Saturday, check the Thursday Night Football schedule for 2026.
Whether you follow college football week 9 picks for fun, fantasy or friendly bets, the best approach is simple: pick your must-watch games, check the kickoff windows and enjoy a stacked weekend of football.
FAQs
How many games are in Week 9 of the 2026 college football season?
Week 9 features 52 games from Thursday, Oct. 29, through Saturday, Oct. 31, so these college football week 9 picks cover a full weekend slate.
What are the biggest games in Week 9?
Baylor vs. UCF on Friday leads the early action. On Saturday, Ohio State vs. USC, Clemson vs. Florida State, Miami vs. North Carolina and Florida vs. Georgia in Atlanta are among the headliners.
Who made the Week 9 predictions?
Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan, Tyler Schuster and Kyle Wood made predictions for all 52 games. You can use their selections alongside your own research and the college football week 9 picks above.
Where does Notre Dame play in Week 9?
Notre Dame faces Navy in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in Saturday’s early window.