2025-2026 College Football Thursday Night Betting Online
Thursday night college football returns night with a jam-packed schedule in Week 1 that offers a little bit of everything. The national spotlight shines brightest on ESPN, where fans will get a rare doubleheader of high-stakes action: No. 25 Boise State at South Florida in the early window, followed by Nebraska vs. Cincinnati under the lights at Arrowhead Stadium. Both contests feature ranked or rising programs and will provide an early barometer for teams hoping to crack the playoff conversation.
But the night isn’t just about the headliners. Across the country, more than a dozen other games will unfold, giving fans a first look at new quarterbacks, revamped rosters, and coaching debuts. Big Ten Network will showcase Ohio at Rutgers and Miami (Ohio) at Wisconsin, where the Badgers begin their campaign under the weight of high expectations. Over on FS1, Buffalo at Minnesota provides a chance to gauge the Golden Gophers’ progress after a transitional 2024 season.
The ACC Network will carry East Carolina at NC State, an in-state clash that always draws attention, while UCF and Houston headline Group of Five matchups against Jacksonville State and Stephen F. Austin. Lower-division programs also get their moment, with regional rivalries like Delaware State at Delaware and FCS showcases such as Dayton at Eastern Illinois streaming on ESPN+.
In short, the opening Thursday delivers a buffet for college football fans. Whether it’s Boise State trying to prove its Top-25 ranking on the road, Nebraska looking to reestablish itself behind Dylan Raiola, or Power Five programs like Wisconsin and Minnesota trying to set the tone for their seasons, every game carries intrigue. For diehards, even the FCS matchups bring value—first glimpses at teams, coaches, and future stars who may shape the narrative as the year unfolds. It’s the perfect way to ease back into the rhythms of fall: an all-day slate, national contenders under the lights, and the unmistakable energy of a new season finally here.
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.
College Football Betting Lines
Week 1 Thursday night college football features a big schedule including a number of televised contests. We’ll focus on the two ESPN games with Boise State favored on the road at South Florida, and Nebraska a favorite against Cincinnati in the neutral site game in Kansas City.
Kick Off with College Football Action
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2025-2026 Thursday Night College Football Schedule
Week 1 - Thursday, August 28, 2025
Boise State Broncos at USF Bulls, 5:30 pm, ESPN
Boise State opens its final Mountain West season with a road trip in Tampa against a rising South Florida program. The Broncos are a 6-point road favorite in college football odds with a total of 64. Quarterback Maddux Madsen starts his second season as the undisputed leader, backed by a deep, experienced offensive line. The Broncos will rely on a backfield-by-committee approach now that star runner Ashton Jeanty has moved on to the NFL, with Sire Gaines, Malik Sherrod, Breezy Dubar, and Dylan Riley in the mix. At receiver, Chris Marshall is expected to emerge as the big-play threat Boise State desperately needs.
South Florida counters with Byrum Brown, a dual-threat quarterback returning to full health. Brown—one of only two FBS QBs in 2023 to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for over 700—is surrounded by returning offensive line starters, giving the Bulls a potent, experienced look out of the gate.
The key clash: The Broncos' revamped rushing attack and Madsen’s command versus USF’s home-field energy and Brown’s athleticism. Boise State will need a fast start to counter a Bulls team eager to prove itself under third-year head coach Alex Golesh.
Lafayette Leopards at Bowling Green Falcons, 6 pm, ESPN+
Ohio Bobcats at Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 6 pm, BTN
Delaware State Hornets at Delaware Blue Hens, 7 pm, ESPN+
Jacksonville State Gamecocks at UCF Knights, 7 pm, ESPN+
East Carolina Pirates at NC State Wolfpack, 7 pm, ACCN
Wyoming Cowboys at Akron Zips, 7 pm, ESPN+
Saint Francis U Red Flash at ULM Warhawks, 7 pm, ESPN+
Elon Phoenix at Duke Blue Devils, 7:30 pm, ESPN+
Central Arkansas Bears at Missouri Tigers, 7:30 pm, SECN
UT Martin Skyhawks at Oklahoma State Cowboys, 7:30 pm, ESPN+
Buffalo Bulls at Minnesota Golden Gophers, 8 pm, FS1
Stephen F Austin Lumberjacks at Houston Cougars, 8 pm, ESPN+
Alabama State Hornets at UAB Blazers, 8:30 pm, ESPN+
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats, 9 pm, ESPN (Kansas City, MO)
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 6.5-point favorites against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Thursday night with a total of 64 in a game that will take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Dylan Raiola returns as Nebraska’s starting quarterback, now in his sophomore year and entering his first true full season—poised to build on a record-setting freshman campaign. The Huskers' offense looks solid, with a touted O-line and impact skill players like Jacory Barney in place.
On defense, however, Nebraska still faces questions—especially along the line. The Cornhuskers lost key contributors and are depending on transfers and young players to fill gaps. Cincinnati brings a proven offensive weapon in transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who threw for 2,800+ yards and 27 total touchdowns last season.
Nebraska will need Raiola to lead the offense with control, while Cincinnati’s tempo and QB play could expose the Huskers’ defensive growing pains.
Miami-Oh Redhawks at Wisconsin Badgers, 9 pm, BTN
Stony Brook Seawolves at San Diego State Aztecs, TBD
Week 2
No Thursday Games
Week 3 - Thursday, September 11, 2025
NC State Wolfpack at Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 7:30 pm, ESPN
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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