Second-ranked BYU takes its unbeaten record to Orlando on Saturday afternoon as a 7.5-point road favorite over Central Florida. The Cougars are coming off a statement win over Notre Dame, and the market has pushed the number up a full point since it opened. Central Florida, meanwhile, will turn to a backup quarterback again on homecoming weekend. Below, we break down the matchup and land on our best bets against the spread and the total.
Last Updated: Saturday, October 24, 2026
BYU vs. Central Florida — Time & How to Watch
| Where | Acrisure Bounce House, Orlando FL |
| When | Saturday, October 24 – 3:30 PM ET |
| TV | FOX |
BYU vs. Central Florida Betting Preview
BYU enters at 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play. The Cougars beat Notre Dame 28-24 last weekend and climbed to No. 2 in the AP Poll. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier led the go-ahead drive in that game. He has been the engine of the offense all season, and he was sharp against this same opponent a year ago.
BYU has also been a bettor’s dream. The Cougars are a perfect 6-0 against the spread this season.
Central Florida sits at 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big 12 under head coach Scott Frost. The Knights opened 3-1 before dropping road games at Houston and Oklahoma State. They then had a bye week. Starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III, a transfer from James Madison, has been out since hurting his hamstring against Pittsburgh in September. ESPN reports he is not expected to start, so Keyone Jenkins is in line for his fifth straight start.
This is the third meeting in three seasons. BYU won 37-24 in Orlando in 2024 and beat Central Florida 41-21 in Provo last November. The Knights led that game 14-0 early before BYU took control. Saturday is homecoming in Orlando, and BYU will be the highest-ranked opponent the Knights have ever hosted at the Bounce House.
BYU vs. Central Florida Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYU | -7.5 (-105) | -290 | O 43.5 (-110) |
| Central Florida | +7.5 (-115) | +240 | U 43.5 (-110) |
Odds accurate as of Saturday, October 24, 2026 via TheSpread.com. Odds change, get the latest NCAAF Odds – Futures – Props
BYU vs. Central Florida — Who Is the Public Betting?
| BYU | 81% | 19% | Central Florida |
See the latest College Football Public Betting Splits and make smarter wagers!
BYU vs. Central Florida Prediction — Is the Hook Worth Grabbing?
The case for BYU is easy to make. The Cougars are unbeaten, perfect against the number, and facing a team on its backup quarterback. They also handled Central Florida comfortably in each of the last two meetings, winning by 13 and 20 points. Bachmeier threw for 289 yards on 21-of-25 passing in last year’s matchup, and he can hurt defenses with his legs as well.
Still, this price has grown expensive. The line opened at 6.5 and now sits at 7.5, moving through the key number of 7. Roughly 81% of spread bets are on BYU, and the moneyline money is almost entirely on the Cougars. That is a lot of public enthusiasm for a team coming off an emotional, four-point win over a top-five opponent. A trip across the country into a homecoming crowd is a classic letdown spot.
Central Florida also has a few things in its favor. The Knights are 4-2 against the spread this season, and they had an extra week to prepare. Jenkins has completed passes at an efficient clip as the starter, and two of the Knights’ three losses came by 10 points or fewer. The risk is obvious: if BYU’s offense finds a rhythm early, the Knights may not have the firepower to keep pace. Even so, a full touchdown plus the hook is a lot to lay on the road.
The Pick: Central Florida +7.5 (-115)
BYU vs. Central Florida Prediction — Will Points Come at a Premium in Orlando?
The total opened at 44 and has ticked down to 43.5. Both teams have gone over in three of six games this season, so there is no strong trend either way. However, the matchup points toward a slower game. A road favorite protecting a lead has every reason to milk the clock. That shortens the game for both sides. Central Florida, with its backup under center, has little reason to turn this into a shootout against a deeper roster.
The case for the over rests on BYU’s ceiling. The Cougars scored 41 against this opponent last season, and a non-offensive touchdown could swing the total quickly. Bachmeier also showed last season that he can pick this defense apart. Even so, a ball-control script from the favorite and a cautious approach from the underdog make the lower side more appealing at this number.
The Pick: Under 43.5 (-110)
Final Thoughts and Bonus Angle
BYU is the better team, and the moneyline reflects that. At -290, the implied win probability is about 74%, which leaves little value for bettors backing the Cougars outright. On the other side, Central Florida at +240 needs a lot to go right with a backup quarterback. Neither moneyline stands out as a strong value play, so we are passing on a bonus bet here.
Instead, the two picks above fit the same game script. A grinding, clock-draining game from BYU keeps the score lower and gives the Knights a better chance to stay inside the number. If BYU blows the game open early, both picks are in trouble. For more matchups from this week, check out our latest college football picks coverage.
Our BYU vs. Central Florida picks:
- Central Florida +7.5 (-115)
- Under 43.5 (-110)
NCAAF BYU vs. Central Florida FAQ: Saturday October 24, 2026
What time does the BYU vs. Central Florida game start?
BYU vs. Central Florida kicks off at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, October 24, 2026. That is 1:30 PM Mountain time for fans following the Cougars from Utah. The game is Central Florida’s homecoming, and it is a Big 12 conference matchup between a 6-0 BYU team and a 3-3 Central Florida team.
What channel is the BYU vs. Central Florida game on?
The BYU vs. Central Florida game airs nationally on FOX. Coverage begins with the 3:30 PM ET kickoff from Orlando. Fans without cable can find FOX on most live TV streaming services, subject to local market availability, so check your provider’s lineup before kickoff.
Where are BYU and Central Florida playing?
BYU and Central Florida play at the Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, Florida, on the Central Florida campus. It is a true home game for the Knights. BYU, ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll, will be the highest-ranked opponent Central Florida has ever hosted at the stadium.
Who won the last meeting between BYU and Central Florida?
BYU won the last meeting 41-21 in Provo on November 29, 2025. Central Florida jumped out to a 14-0 lead before the Cougars took over. BYU also won the 2024 meeting 37-24 in Orlando, so Saturday marks the third straight season the two Big 12 programs have played.
Who is starting at quarterback for BYU and Central Florida?
Bear Bachmeier starts at quarterback for BYU, and Keyone Jenkins is expected to start for Central Florida. Jenkins would be making his fifth straight start. Central Florida starter Alonza Barnett III has been sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered against Pittsburgh in September and is not expected to start.