Iowa Hawkeyes headline Week 3 college football betting action
Week 3 of the 2026 college football season is here, and for Iowa fans, the marquee matchup is clear: the No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes host in-state rival Northern Iowa on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. Iowa enters as a 31.5-point favorite with an over/under of 48.5, according to the latest odds. But the weekend slate is packed with over 70 games, including several Big 12 and national showdowns that offer plenty of betting opportunities for Hawkeye State sports fans.
Whether you are a seasoned bettor or new to college football wagering, this guide breaks down the key games, odds, trends, and the best sportsbook promotions available for Week 3.
Iowa vs. Northern Iowa: A home-state showdown
The Hawkeyes are looking to improve to 3-0 and continue their strong start under head coach Kirk Ferentz. Northern Iowa, an FCS powerhouse, will look to pull off a massive upset at Kinnick Stadium, but the odds heavily favor Iowa. Bettors should note that Iowa has been reliable against the spread at home, and the under has hit in several of their recent games.
For those looking to wager on the Hawkeyes, the FanDuel promo code offers new users $350 in bonus bets with a $5 wager, while DraftKings provides $200 in bonus bets after a $5 first bet. These offers can boost your bankroll for the Iowa game and the rest of the Week 3 slate.
Big 12 action: Iowa State hosts Bowling Green
Iowa State also returns to action on Saturday, hosting Bowling Green at 12 p.m. ET. The Cyclones are favored by 23.5 points with an over/under of 44.5. Iowa State has looked sharp early in the season, and this matchup offers a chance for bettors to back the Cyclones at home. The bet365 bonus code gives new users $365 in bonus bets with a $10 wager, a solid option for those eyeing Big 12 games.
Top national matchups to watch
Beyond Iowa, several high-profile games highlight the Week 3 schedule. No. 7 LSU travels to No. 8 Ole Miss on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with LSU favored by 3 points and an over/under of 59.5. This game features the return of Lane Kiffin to Oxford, now as LSU's head coach after leaving Ole Miss prior to the 2025 College Football Playoff. Kiffin went 55-19 in six seasons with the Rebels.
No. 10 Alabama hosts Florida State at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the Crimson Tide favored by 20.5 points. Alabama rebounded from a slow start to beat Kentucky 45-17 last week, outscoring the Wildcats 32-0 in the second half. Florida State, meanwhile, is coming off a 27-24 loss to SMU and sits at 1-1.
No. 16 SMU travels to No. 23 Louisville in an ACC clash at 3:30 p.m. ET. SMU is favored by 1.5 points, and the over/under is 59.5. The Mustangs beat Louisville 38-6 last season and look to continue their dominance.
College football betting trends for Week 3
For bettors looking for an edge, here are some key trends to consider:
- Miami is 8-2 against the spread in its last 10 games.
- Houston is 7-1 against the spread in its past eight meetings with Texas Tech.
- Georgia is 3-0 against the spread in its past three meetings with Arkansas.
- SMU is 2-0 straight up and against the spread in its past two meetings with Louisville.
- The home team has won each of the last six meetings between LSU and Ole Miss.
Best sportsbook promotions for Week 3
Several top sportsbooks are offering generous sign-up bonuses for new users. Here is a quick rundown:
- FanDuel: Bet $5, get $350 in bonus bets.
- DraftKings: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets.
- BetMGM: Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses.
- bet365: Bet $10, get $365 in bonus bets.
- Caesars: Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 10 bets.
- Fanatics: Get $350 in FanCash with a $20 first bet.
- Hard Rock Bet: Bet $5, get $100 in bonus bets.
How to bet on college football
If you are new to college football betting, here are the most common wager types:
- Money line: Pick the winner of the game.
- Spread: Bet on the margin of victory. A team favored by 6.5 points must win by at least 7 to cover.
- Over/Under: Bet on the total combined score. An over/under of 49.5 requires 50 points for the over and 49 or fewer for the under.
- Team total: Bet on a single team's point total.
- Parlay: Combine multiple bets into one wager for higher odds, but all legs must win.
Week 3 Heisman Trophy odds
For those interested in season-long bets, the Heisman Trophy race is heating up. Current odds at DraftKings include:
- Darian Mensah (Miami): +500
- Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State): +700
- Arch Manning (Texas): +1000
- Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss): +1300
- Sam Leavitt (LSU): +2400
With a full slate of games and multiple promotions available, Week 3 offers plenty of opportunities for Iowa sports fans to get in on the action. Always gamble responsibly and check your local laws regarding sports betting.