The college football season is settling into a groove as teams head into the third week of the new season.
Last week, there were very few upsets among the top 25 teams, but that doesn’t mean the same can be expected as we head into the college football Week 3 predictions. The NCAAF odds predict several close matchups this week, with three ranked-vs-ranked showdowns highlighting the upcoming slate.
Despite being several months ahead of the playoff hopefuls, their early-season matchups can go a long way in determining their final rankings.
The American football odds have been released for your college football predictions for Week 3, and it’s time to dive right into your free college football picks.
College Football Week 3 Odds
The college football Week 3 odds feature several close matchups with little to separate the two sides. As usual, college football always has some mismatches, but the scheduling committee has done a fantastic job considering the NCAAF odds for Week 3.
| Matchup | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
| Oregon at Northwestern | Oregon -27.5 (-120) | Northwestern +900 | 51.5 |
| Clemson at Georgia Tech | Clemson -4.5 (-110) | CLE -210/GT +140 | 52.5 |
| Oklahoma at Temple | Oklahoma -24.5 (-120) | Temple +900 | 51.5 |
| Wisconsin at Alabama | Alabama -20.5 (-120) | WIS +625/ALA -2000 | 46.5 |
| Georgia at Tennessee | Georgia -3.5 (-115) | GEO -190/TEN +130 | 49.5 |
| Oregon State at Texas Tech | Texas Tech -24.5 (-110) | Oregon State +800 | 61.5 |
| Iowa State at Arkansas State | Iowa State -21.5 (-110) | Arkansas State +675 | 54.5 |
| UTEP at Texas | Texas -41.5 (-120) | UTEP +1000 | 51.5 |
| South Florida at Miami | Miami -16.5 (-120) | SF +425/MIA -900 | 54.5 |
| Ohio at Ohio State | Ohio State -32.5 (-120) | Ohio +900 | 53.5 |
| Arkansas at Ole Miss | Ole Miss -9.5 (-110) | ARK +230/OLE -375 | 63.5 |
| Florida at LSU | LSU -9.5 (-120) | FLO +240/LSU -400 | 49.5 |
| Texas A&M at Notre Dame | Notre Dame -6.5 (-120) | A&M +180/ND -275 | 48.5 |
| Vanderbilt at South Carolina | South Carolina -5.5 (-120) | VAN +160/SC -240 | 46.5 |
College Football Week 3 Odds Analysis
(#6) Georgia at (#15) Tennessee
- Spread: Georgia -3.5, Tennessee +3.5
- Moneyline: Georgia -190, Tennessee +130
- Over/Under: 49.5 Points
- Time: Saturday, September 13, 3:30 PM EST
Georgia made quick work of their first two opponents and now faces their first real test of the season.
Beating Austin Peay and Marshall by a combined 60 points avoided any nervous moments for Georgia and allowed its offense to come into this matchup brimming with confidence. Quarterback Gunner Stockton has looked nearly flawless so far, but a hungry Tennessee defense will be looking to disrupt him early and often. Stockton excels at getting the ball out of his hands early, and that will be crucial against a hungry Tennessee pass rush.
On the other side of the field, the Volunteers also didn’t have much resistance in their first two victories, which included a 72-point explosion against East Tennessee State.
Quarterback Joey Aguilar has thrown five touchdowns with no interceptions so far, but it is the rest of the skill positions that will give Tennessee the edge. Aguilar is happy to let his receivers pick up yards after the catch, and a strong run game keeps defenses honest.
Tennessee has the more well-rounded offensive approach; they are playing at home and are still an underdog in this matchup.
The dominant days of the Georgia Bulldogs are in the past, and this is a very winnable game for Tennessee. Hunt for the Volunteers’ moneyline at +130 NCAAF odds for your first college football Week 3 prediction.
Pick: Tennessee Volunteers Moneyline (+130)
For more expert breakdowns, check out our College Football Week 2 Predictions
(#18) South Florida at (#5) Miami
- Spread: South Florida +16.5, Miami -16.5
- Moneyline: South Florida +425, Miami -900
- Over/Under: 54.5 Points
- Time: Saturday, September 13, 3:30 PM EST
South Florida has gotten off to a lightning-hot start this season, upsetting both Florida and Boise State to kick off their season.
Their offense has played mistake-free football, and their defense has been able to step up on crucial third and fourth downs. Their game plan is quite repeatable against middling opposition, but it is hard to envision their Cinderella story continuing against mighty Miami.
South Florida doesn’t have the explosive plays down the field needed to pick apart this defense, and this is a great time to fade them against the spread at a reduced set of college football odds.
Miami is one of the truly elite contenders this season, and a home game against another ranked team will get them fired up.
Carson Beck and company took down Notre Dame last week, edging out a victory by three points. South Florida’s strong defense will keep this a close game in the first half, but it will eventually get blown open.
The backdoor cover will always be in play, but the best college football prediction you can make is for this to be a one-sided contest with Miami getting the win and cover.
Pick: Miami Hurricanes -16.5 (-120)
College Football Week 3 Odds FAQ
When do College Football Week 3 games begin?
College football week 3 games begin on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, at 7:30 PM EST. NC State takes on Wake Forest, with the first-ranked matchup taking place on Friday, September 12th, when Indiana State takes on Indiana.
What is the Best Game on this Week?
There are three ranked vs. ranked matchups this week that could all take the place as the best game, but the clear choice is #15 Tennessee vs #6 Georgia.
These two football schools have been playoff mainstays, and an early-season loss would dent their future aspirations. The other candidates for the best game on this week include #18 South Florida at #5 Miami and #16 Texas A&M at #8 Notre Dame.
