2025-2026 College Football Thursday Night Betting Online
Thursday night college football for Week 3 features NC State and Wake Forest facing off on Thursday, September 11, in a pivotal ACC matchup that could set the tone for both teams' seasons. NC State is listed as about a touchdown favorite in college football odds against Wake Forest. The Wolfpack are coming off a hard-fought 35-31 victory over Virginia, showcasing steady improvement under coach Dave Doeren. Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey has taken strides with his decision-making and leadership, while true freshman running back Daylan "Hollywood" Smothers has added a dynamic burst to the offense. Although NC State has struggled to find consistency on defense in recent seasons, new coordinator DJ Eliot’s 3-3-5 scheme aims to inject aggression and versatility in slowing opponents' offenses.
Wake Forest carries momentum from a dominant 42-10 win over Western Carolina, fueled by a balanced attack featuring dual-threat quarterback Robby Ashford and explosive running back Demond Claiborne. First-year head coach Jake Dickert has installed a new offensive system designed for creativity and pace, focusing on precision passing and quick reads. Defensively, the Demon Deacons return experienced leaders who excel at limiting big plays and applying pressure on the quarterback, traits that proved vital in Week 2. With the schedule opening favorably, Wake Forest looks to build confidence and compete in an ACC that remains wide open.
This game likely hinges on the strategic battle between NC State’s improving offensive execution and Wake Forest’s disciplined, opportunistic defense. Control of the trenches and turnover margin will be critical in what promises to be a physical, closely contested rivalry game. Special teams could also play an outsized role in flipping field position and seeding momentum swings. Both teams enter undefeated, making this one of the ACC’s early tests for establishing credibility and staking a claim in the conference race. The outcome could influence recruiting, team confidence, and postseason positioning as the weeks progress.
College Football Betting Lines
Week 3 Thursday night college football features just one game but it is a matchup between unbeaten teams with NC State visiting Wake Forest.
What to Watch
CJ Bailey’s decision-making and ability to avoid turnovers against Wake Forest’s aggressive defense.
The impact of true freshman running back Daylan "Hollywood" Smothers as a dynamic playmaker behind NC State’s offensive line.
Wake Forest quarterback Robby Ashford’s efficiency and mobility to create plays both through the air and on the ground.
Defensive matchup with Wake Forest’s disciplined unit testing NC State’s offensive progress.
Special teams—kickoff coverage, field position battles, and potential game-changing returns.
The coaching battle between Dave Doeren and Jake Dickert, focusing on halftime adjustments and strategic play calling in a tight ACC showdown.
It would surprise many fans and gamblers to discover that college football is the second most popular sport in the United States, behind the NFL. A big reason for that is the massive increase in live TV content. Once upon a time, Thursday night football college football would feature one weekly game. These days, Thursday night football serves as a celebration to kick off a long weekend of action. However, college football was so successful with its Thursday night package that it paid the ultimate price. The NFL cut into college football’s success with its Thursday night package. As a result, college football still offers Thursday night TV action. However, most of the games are with lesser-known teams and conferences. Despite the lack of marquee brands for college football’s Thursday night schedule, gamblers don’t care. They love the betting action that is offered. Furthermore, many sharps believe you can get weaker lines and superior betting value opportunities with these lesser brands.
Kick Off with College Football Action
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2025-2026 Thursday Night College Football Schedule
Week 3 - Thursday, September 11, 2025
NC State Wolfpack at Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 7:30 PM, ESPN
NC State and Wake Forest meet Thursday, September 11, in an ACC matchup at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time with the Wolfpack listed as a 6.5-point road favorite with a total of 54.5. NC State enters the game 2-0 after a thrilling 35-31 win over Virginia on September 6, led by sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey and dynamic freshman running back Daylan "Hollywood" Smothers. Bailey has shown improved decision-making and athleticism, while Smothers brings explosive playmaking to an offensive line considered the deepest under coach Dave Doeren. Despite defensive struggles last season, the Wolfpack looks to improve in that area this year under new defensive coordinator DJ Eliot, aiming to disrupt Wake Forest’s balanced attack.
Wake Forest also boasts a perfect record, having defeated Western Carolina 42-10 in Week 2, thanks to standout performances by quarterback Robby Ashford and running back Demond Claiborne. The Demon Deacons, coached by Jake Dickert, rely on a disciplined defense that limited Western Carolina to under 150 yards passing and just nine points. Offensively, Ashford has shown efficiency and mobility, blending a solid passing game with run threat. This matchup sets up as a tightly contested ACC battle, where the Wolfpack will look to capitalize on their recent momentum, while Wake Forest aims to continue its defensive dominance and control of the game tempo on home turf.
Week 4 - Thursday, September 18, 2025
Rice Owls at Charlotte 49ers, 7:30 pm, ESPN
Week 5 - Thursday, September 25, 2025
Army Black Knights at East Carolina Pirates, 7:30 pm, ESPN
Week 6 - Thursday, October 2, 2025
Sam Houston Bearkats at New Mexico State Aggies, 9 pm, CBSSN
Week 7 - Thursday, October 9, 2025
East Carolina Pirates at Tulane Green Wave, TBD
Southern Miss Eagles at Georgia Southern Eagles, TBD
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Kennesaw State Owls, 7 pm, ESPNU
Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Sam Houston Bearkats, 8 pm, CBSSN
Week 8 - Thursday, October 16, 2025
Tulsa Golden Hurricane at East Carolina Pirates, 7:30 pm, ESPN
Week 9 - Thursday, October 23, 2025
South Alabama Jaguars at Georgia State Panthers, 7:30 pm, ESPN2
Week 10 - Thursday, October 30, 2025
Marshall Thundering Herd at Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, 7:30 pm, TBD
Week 11- Thursday, November 6, 2025
Georgia Southern Eagles at Appalachian State Mountaineers, TBD
UTSA Roadrunners at USF Bulls, TBD
Week 12 - Thursday, November 13, 2025
Troy Trojans at Old Dominion Monarchs, 7:30 pm, ESPN
Week 13 - Thursday, November 20, 2025
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at Arkansas State Red Wolves, 7:30 pm, ESPN
Week 14 - Thursday, November 27, 2025
Navy Midshipmen at Memphis Tigers, 7:30 pm, ESPN
2025-2026 College Football Schedule
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