Ohio vs Nebraska Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 5, 2026

The Ohio Bobcats visit the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium, with the opening kickoff at 12:00 PM ET, televised on FS1. Ohio finished 9-4 last season and closed with a 17-10 Frisco Bowl win over UNLV after winning four of its final five games. Nebraska went 7-6 and lost four of its final five, including a 44-22 bowl loss to Utah. The Cornhuskers are 23.5-point favorites at -115, with Ohio +23.5 at -105. The total remains 47.5, while Nebraska is -1800 and Ohio +1000 on the moneyline. Saturday’s matchup pairs two programs rebuilding important areas of their offenses. Cash in a big winner with our free NCAAF picks.

Ohio Bobcats Rebuild Around Matt Vezza

Ohio finished last season with wins over Miami Ohio, UMass, Buffalo and UNLV across its final five games. The Bobcats scored 32 rushing touchdowns in 2025 and held the ball for an average of 32:07 per game. Ohio also went 7-0 when allowing fewer than 140 rushing yards. The defense allowed 352 yards and 22 points per game, while opponents converted only 33% of their third downs. John Hauser takes over full-time after coaching Ohio to its bowl victory.

Quarterback Matt Vezza arrives from New Hampshire after throwing for 2,673 yards and 19 touchdowns while adding more than 600 rushing yards and eight scores last season. Duncan Brune becomes a larger part of the backfield after rushing for 585 yards and eight touchdowns. Ohio has much more uncertainty around them. Leading receiver Chase Hendricks departed after a 1,037-yard season, leading rusher Sieh Bangura left after nearly 1,400 yards, and the Bobcats are rebuilding their offensive line with several transfers.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Seek More Scoring in 2026

Nebraska finished 7-6 last year but struggled badly down the stretch, losing to USC, Penn State, Iowa and Utah across its final five games. The Cornhuskers averaged 370 yards and 28.7 points per game under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. Nebraska went 6-0 when scoring at least 28 points and just 1-6 when falling below that mark. The Huskers also went 5-0 when producing more than 352 yards, making consistent offensive production an important target for the new season.

Former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea joins a competition that also includes TJ Lateef after Dylan Raiola transferred to Oregon. Nebraska has experience at receiver with Jacory Barney, who caught 45 passes, and Nyziah Hunter, who had 43 receptions. The offensive line adds South Carolina transfer Tree Babalade and Iowa State transfer Brendan Black. Defensively, Nebraska allowed only 154.1 passing yards per game last season but struggled against the run, allowing 4.8 yards per carry and going 1-6 when opponents topped 175 rushing yards.

Key to the Game: Matt Vezza Against Nebraska’s Run Defense

Vezza’s ability as a runner could be Ohio’s best way to challenge Nebraska. The quarterback ran for more than 600 yards and eight touchdowns at New Hampshire last season, while Nebraska struggled when opponents established the ground game. The Huskers went 1-6 when allowing more than 175 rushing yards and surrendered 4.8 yards per carry. Ohio lost significant rushing production from Bangura and Parker Navarro, placing more responsibility on Vezza and Brune. If Vezza consistently creates yards with his legs, Ohio has a better chance of extending drives and keeping Nebraska’s offense off the field.

Ohio vs Nebraska Game Pick

• Nebraska -23.5 (-115)

Nebraska has the stronger overall roster and a favorable opening matchup against an Ohio offense replacing most of its top production from last season. The Bobcats lost their leading quarterback, receiver, and rusher, while rebuilding the offensive line. Nebraska also added Anthony Colandrea to an offense that averaged 28.7 points last year. The Huskers were 6-0 when scoring at least 28 points. With Nebraska playing at home and laying 23.5 points, the pick is Nebraska to cover Saturday against Ohio in Lincoln to open 2026.

Ohio vs Nebraska Over/Under Pick

• Over 47.5 (-108)

A total of 47.5 points puts the focus on whether Ohio can score enough to help Nebraska push the game higher. The Bobcats averaged 28.7 points last season and went 6-0 when reaching 28 points, while Ohio allowed 22 points and 352 yards per game. Ohio is replacing major offensive production and rebuilding its line, but Matt Vezza adds a dual-threat element. Nebraska also allowed touchdowns on 79% of opponents' red-zone trips last season. At 47.5, over is the pick Saturday in Lincoln Nebraska.