TST Best Bets: October 24, 2026
Timothy Hessen
Host · Writer
A full week later, it’s still hard to wrap my head around what we witnessed in college football last week.
In unprecedented fashion, five of the top seven nationally ranked teams lost outright, throwing the sport’s balance of power into disarray.
A lesser gambler might want to stay away from college football this week until things settle down, but we remain undaunted.
For all of your college football betting picks, here are today’s TST Best Bets, brought to you by BetOnline.ag. Click here to join. All new players receive a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.
First Pick: South Carolina -2.5 over No. 11 Tennessee
Rundown: Tennessee is coming off a statement win, but the Volunteers leaned on their ground game to beat Alabama. South Carolina’s front has been solid against the run, which could make it tougher for Tennessee to repeat that formula.
The Gamecocks have scored at least 34 points in each of their home games, and they’ll have had a bye to prepare. Their win over Florida also showed they can take advantage when an opponent gives them room to score.
Tennessee’s defense deserves respect, but I’m not sold on its passing game keeping pace if South Carolina gets rolling. Give me the Gamecocks to win by more than a field goal.
First Pick: No. 14 Houston +6.5 over No. 10 Utah
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars running back Re'shaun Sanford II (6) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at TDECU Stadium.
Rundown: Houston has the offense to stay with Utah. The Cougars rank just behind the Utes in scoring and total offense, and Conner Weigman is coming off a five-touchdown performance.
Utah’s defense has been stronger, but the Utes were pushed to the final play by Colorado last week. Devon Dampier also threw two interceptions, giving Houston a chance to capitalize if Utah makes similar mistakes.
This looks closer than a touchdown spread suggests. I’ll take Houston to keep it competitive.
