The 2025 college football season rages on with week three finally arriving. The first two weeks have been as good as expected, if not better, while week 2 in college football was especially thrilling.

More big games are on hand for week three, with some CFB Championship hopefuls bound to be tested. The week 3 college football odds are live at most sports betting sites, with some big programs looking to keep their resumes clean for the College Football Playoffs.

I’ll go over the latest CFB odds for the biggest week 3 contests, hand out my winner prediction for each game, and wrap things up with my preferred picks.

College Football Week 3 Schedule

College Football Week 3 Odds

Keep an eye on the latest College Football odds and monitor how the lines change throughout the week.

Going into week 3, there aren’t any crazy surprises. Most of the top 10 teams are massive betting favorites at the top sports betting sites, with Alabama coming in as an almost 17-point favorite being a solid example.

There is one marquee matchup between two teams inside the top-10, of course, with the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers squaring off.

While there are some huge favorites and some tense matchups, there are also some big teams that simply have tighter spreads than expected.

Of course, we’ll go over all of the college football week 3 spreads when looking at all of the top matchups below. Need more advice beyond my preferred picks and predictions when betting on college football week 3 lines? Just check out the top sports betting handicappers before finalizing your bets.

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College Football Week 3 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the featured College Football Week 3 games and make our NCAAF Picks for each game.

Indiana State Sycamores vs. Indiana Hoosiers Odds

We get an inner-state rivalry in week three, when the Indiana State Sycamores visit the Indiana Hoosiers. This matchup isn’t entirely fair, as Indiana is ranked 8th in the country after finishing second in the Big 10 a year ago.

Indiana has title aspirations, fresh off of a season where they ranked second in scoring with over 38 points per game, and finished only behind Oregon in one of the nation’s top CFB conferences.

The two sides have only met six times in history, with the Hoosiers owning a perfect 6-0 series lead. They won the last meeting rather convincingly, dominating the Sycamores in a 41-7 beating.

Indiana State Sycamores vs. Indiana Hoosiers Predictions

Historically, this has been a fully one-sided affair. I don’t doubt that Indiana State will get up for this game, but so far they’ve kept it close just one time in this series. That was a tight 24-17 loss back in 2012.

Things are different now, as Indiana has a dynamic and explosive offense led by Fernando Mandoza, while a top-10 defense also figures to stymie a Sycamores offense that couldn’t finish the 2024 season above .500.

It’s always possible the Sycamores amp up their energy for arguably their biggest game of the year, but Indiana’s talent and high-level balance should prevail en route to an easy cover.

Bet: Indiana to Win

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Odds

The Wisconsin Badgers get ready for just their fourth ever meeting with the Alabama Crimson Tide, who took them out in convincing fashion last year in a 42-10 drubbing.

Alabama isn’t the same title lock they used to be, but they remain uber talented and will have their sights set on producing a dominant season. That may be easier said than done after watching star quarterback Jalen Milroe head to the NFL, but the odds for this game suggest they’re a good bet to get the job done.

Wisconsin did not enjoy a good season in 2024, but they will hope they can calibrate and make a push in the loaded Big 10. A massive road win over Alabama seems unlikely, but it could be a significant catalyst to help turn their fortunes around.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Predictions

The Badgers continue to struggle under center, but they are hopeful that Maryland transfer Billy Edwards Jr. can help their offense take flight. It’s hard to expect him to work his magic on the road against a stingy Crimson Tide defense (9th in scoring defense in 2024), however.

The loss of Milroe could be big for Alabama’s offense, but this was a strong unit a year ago (29th in scoring). Running Back Jam Miller may be the guy they lean on early, while Alabama will always look to their gritty defense to close things out.

Ultimately, Wisconsin feels overmatched here. Alabama has a defense that should shut them down on offense, while the Crimson Tide also have too many explosive skill players to keep tabs on. Expect another blowout in this series.

Bet: Over 49.5 (-110)

Oregon Ducks vs. Northwestern Wildcats Odds

The Oregon Ducks are the rightful favorite when they take on the Northwestern Wildcats in week three. Northwestern gets a mild bump with this game going down at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, but Oregon will be fully expected to win.

Oregon was a title contender in 2024, producing one of the most explosive passing attacks and generating 35.7 points per game (8th). They do take a hit with the departure of starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel, of course, while they’re not familiar with Northwestern.

Northwestern won the only meeting between these two sides (14-10) way back in 1974. There isn’t much we can take from that, but a lack of familiarity with each other could be the edge the Wildcats sorely need in this one.

Oregon Ducks vs. Northwestern Wildcats Predictions

While Northwestern is at home and Oregon doesn’t know them well, there isn’t a ton of optimism for an upset. The Wildcats were not good last year (4-8), and there isn’t much to suggest they’ll put up a fight.

Oregon had some turnover this offseason, but Tulane transfer Makhi Hughes (1,401 rushing yards and 15 TDs in 2024) gives their ground game a big boost with Jordan James leaving for the NFL. Gabriel’s exit has been the biggest question mark, but a stacked Oregon offense still figures to be among the most prolific in the nation.

Naturally, Northwestern doesn’t have the goods to match Oregon, let alone stop them.

Bet: Oregon to Win

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Tennessee Volunteers Odds

The top week 3 college football game is easily a clash between SEC rivals, the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers. The two sides have faced off 54 times in their history, with Georgia winning each of the last eight contests and holding a 29-23-2 series advantage.

While the Bulldogs have been hot in this series lately, Tennessee kept things relatively close in the last meeting; a 31-17 loss in 2024. Both teams enter this huge week 3 tilt inside the top 10 and with the Bulldogs enduring a lot of turnover the last two years, it’s arguable the Vols have a shot at the upset.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Tennessee Volunteers Predictions

Georgia had to start over under center with Carson Beck leaving this offseason, while they also lost star running back Trevor Etienne and wide receiver Arian Smith. Their new-look offense will hope to stay productive (30.7 points per game in 2024), but it’s their defense that needs to return to championship form.

Tennessee isn’t expected to win this one, but they’re at home and grade out a bit better when looking at last year. They had the more productive offense, and they also enjoyed a top-10 scoring defense that was especially stingy on the ground and battened down the hatches inside the red-zone.

Georgia should get the win, but I expect a close one and think Tennessee can keep it tight enough to beat the spread.

Bet: Georgia Bulldogs to Win

SMU Mustangs vs. Missouri State Bears Odds

The SMU Mustangs and Missouri State Bears face off in week three, with the 10th ranked Mustangs looking like the best bet to get the win.

Missouri State will play host, and they were actually respectable (8-4) in 2024, but they will still have their work cut out for them against a CFP contender. SMU is fresh off an impressive campaign where they went undefeated in the ACC and ended with a stout 11-3 record.

These two sides have shockingly never faced off, so this week’s lopsided affair will represent their first meeting ever.

SMU Mustangs vs. Missouri State Bears Predictions

An upset is always possible given zero familiarity between these two teams, plus Missouri State is at home and was a respectable team a year ago. That said, SMU is a far better program and they have high hopes for 2025.

The more likely outcome is that the Mustangs out-guns them with their explosive passing attack (24th in yards per game). I like the Over in this one, but more than anything I think SMU rolls an inferior opponent.

Bet: SMU to Win

Villanova Wildcats vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Odds

The Villanova Wildcats are best known for their basketball success, but they’ll try to upend the favored Penn State Nittany Lions this week.

Villanova was actually solid a year ago, going 6-2 in the CAA and 10-4 overall. They didn’t face top flight competition, of course, and they’ve only run into Penn State nine times before. The Nittany Lions have predictably had the upper hand, but it’s been a tight series (5-3-1), overall.

This isn’t a matchup we’ve seen in some time, though, as Villanova and Penn State last met way back in 1951.

Villanova Wildcats vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Predictions

There’s no recent data to work with here, so we’re really just talking about a decent Villanova team and a legit title contender in Penn State.

The Wildcats have been better at football than you’d think, but they also operate out of a weak conference. This is a significant step up in competition, as the Nittany Lions had a top-10 defense in 2024 and have one of the better passers in the nation via Drew Allar.

I wouldn’t be completely shocked if Villanova kept it interesting or contributed to a back-and-forth affair to the point where hammering the Over was appealing. But is Penn State losing? I think not.

Bet: Penn State to Win

UTEP Miners vs. Texas Longhorns Odds

The UTEP Miners and Texas Longhorns will wage war in week three of the 2025 college football season. UTEP will pick up the pieces of a disastrous 2024 season where they went 3-9 and couldn’t even stay afloat in Conference USA.

which understandably has them coming in as steep dogs on the road against a CFP threat.

Texas was very good a year ago, going 13-3 and reaching the Cotton Bowl. They’ve been just as good in this series, dominating UTEP (6-0) in all six of their meetings. None of those games have been remotely close, with the last clash in 2020 being a 59-3 bloodbath.

UTEP Miners vs. Texas Longhorns Predictions

Texas is going to be favored in a lot of their games, as Heisman hopeful Arch Manning finally gets to lead the show. That’s certainly the case at home against a bad team like UTEP, so we can expect plenty of points and a big margin of victory.

It’s never easy to know how much of a fight a team like UTEP will be able to put up, but it’s likely that the Longhorns score quite a bit.

Bet: Texas to Win

Ohio Bobcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Odds

The Ohio State Buckeyes should continue to defend their title in style this week, as they host the far inferior Ohio Bobcats.

This inner-state battle shouldn’t be tough to project, as the Buckeyes hail from one of the better conferences in the country, while Ohio comes out of the Mid-American Conference. To their credit, Ohio did win the 2024 Cure Bowl after enjoying a stellar 10-3 season.

However, Ohio has never beaten Ohio State in six tries, while the Buckeyes won the last meeting in 2010 (43-7).

Ohio Bobcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Predictions

The Bobcats are coming off a really good year that saw them put up nearly 30 points per game and dominate on the ground offensively (10th in rushing yards per game). Sustaining similar production against a defensive squad like the Buckeyes is another story, however, as Ohio State owned the top-ranked scoring defense in 2024, as well as the third best defense against the run.

The Buckeyes don’t have all the same offensive stars from a year ago, but roster turnover is really the only thing holding them back. With new stars eager to prove themselves and elite coaching still in place, this is the exact type of game Ohio State is expected to coast in.

Ohio State is a lock to win and a really good bet to put up a ton of points en route to a cover.

Bet: Ohio State to Win

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds

The Texas A&M Aggies are likely to continue their struggles in week three, as they take it to the road to battle a much better Notre Dame Fighting Irish squad.

Texas A&M hasn’t been a legit program for some time, as they went just 8-5 in 2024 and haven’t won more than nine games since Johnny Manziel was still under center.

Despite that, this series has been fairly competitive, with Notre Dame holding a 4-2 edge, all-time. The most recent battle went down last year in College Station, with Notre Dame pulling out a 23-13 win.

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Predictions

Last year’s showdown was the first clash between these two teams in over 20 years, and it ended up being a pretty good game. Notre Dame was only up by a touchdown going into the fourth quarter, though, and didn’t fully ice the game until 30 seconds were left on the clock.

Notre Dame is the better team and they’re at home, but Texas A&M gave them a fight last year and could do so again. I like the Fighting Irish to win, but don’t be shocked if the Aggies beat the spread.

Bet: Notre Dame to Win

Texas State Bobcats vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Odds

The last week 3 college football game featuring Top 15 teams is this tilt in the desert between the Texas State Bobcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils.

The Bobcats were decent last year, going 8-5 overall and finishing second in the Sun Belt Conference. They pale in comparison to someone like Arizona State, however, who won the Big 12 after going a stellar 11-3. They even parlayed that success into a Peach Bowl appearance.

As far as the series goes, last year gave us the first meeting ever. Arizona State pulled out a surprisingly tight game, winning 31-28 in a shootout. While Arizona State is definitely the more prestigious team, it’s worth wondering if the Bobcats can play them that well again.

Texas State Bobcats vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Predictions

The Sun Devils enjoyed a strong 2024 season thanks to a potent offense that ranked 25th in scoring, 18th in rushing, and did a good job limiting mistakes.

All of that should give them a natural edge at home against Texas State, who were not threatening defensively and couldn’t stop opposing run games consistently. Of course, despite facing weaker competition, the Bobcats were and are a problematic out thanks to an elite scoring offense that put up 36 points per game – good for third best in the nation.

Arizona State is a good bet to win and take a 2-0 series lead here. However, I don’t mind betting on Texas State to beat the spread, and my favorite bet is hammering the Over.

Bet: Arizona State to Win

Best College Football Week 3 Bets

There are a lot of good week 3 college football picks to consider, but the following are my best bets for the week:

• Alabama vs. Wisconsin – Over 49.5 (-110)
• Georgia Bulldogs -7 (-110)
• Notre Dame -7 (-110)

These are the College Football Teams I want to target the most in week three. Keep in mind that we’re dealing only with teams within the top 10 here, so there could be even more value elsewhere on this week three college football betting slate.

That, and the week 3 college football odds aren’t out for a lot of the games yet. Once they drop, I’ll have a ton of interest in a lot of these week 3 college football point spreads, as well as some player props.

For now, I think Alabama hangs a good amount of points on Wisconsin. The Badgers are good enough to possibly put up a fight, so betting on the Crimson Tide to win by 17 or more feels a tad dicey. I’ll just bank on that game hitting 50 total points instead.

Georgia’s last game with Tennessee was fairly tight. I wouldn’t be shocked if that happened again, but they have the coaching and defense to destroy anyone and seven points is not a bad spread for them at all. I respect the Vols, but I favor the Bulldogs enough to hammer the spread.

Lastly, Notre Dame is in a similar spot and Texas A&M played them well in 2024. That isn’t a great bet to repeat itself this time around, though. As things stand, they join the Fighting Irish as two elite values when it comes to betting on week 3 college football lines.