Top College Football Picks for Week 0: Best Value Bets and Player Props

Since Week 0 games returned to the college football slate in 2014, the first week before the first week has grown from a single FCS showcase to a Saturday with games played nearly all day.

For bettors, this appetizer to the main course of a loaded Week 1 weekend offers a variety of intriguing options. Saturday provides an opportunity to get a read on teams that could fly under the radar later in the season — reflected in some of the best bets for Week 0.

Dylan Edwards +156 to rush for 100 or more yards vs. Iowa State (DraftKings)

Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards took off in the Wildcats’ Rate Bowl win over Rutgers, racking up 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns with another receiving score. The breakout performance positioned him as the centerpiece of K-State’s 2025 offense.

Iowa State’s defense ranked No. 110 against the run last season, allowing more than 188 yards per game. Edwards barely saw the field when the Wildcats and Cyclones met last year, but with a much heavier workload expected, he’s a strong value to clear 100 yards in this spot.

Western Kentucky -10.5 vs. Sam Houston (-105, ESPN BET)

Western Kentucky consistently produces one of Conference USA’s most explosive offenses, and 2025 should be no different with former Abilene Christian quarterback Maverick McIvor at the helm.

Sam Houston surprised last year with a run to the CUSA title game, but with major roster turnover and first-time FBS head coach Phil Longo taking over, the Bearkats enter 2025 in rebuilding mode. WKU should control this one, and the over (61.5 at -106 via FanDuel) is also worth a look given McIvor’s big-play potential.

Micah Alejado +143 to throw 3+ touchdowns vs. Stanford (DraftKings)

Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado flashed his potential late last season with a 469-yard, five-touchdown showing against New Mexico. Now, the true sophomore gets a Stanford team that allowed 280.6 passing yards per game in 2024 — one of the nation’s worst marks.

With head coach Timmy Chang leaning fully into his run-and-shoot offense, Alejado should thrive against a Cardinal defense adjusting to interim coach Frank Reich and major offseason turmoil. Hawaii is live to put up fireworks in Honolulu.