Updated:
Oct 29, 2026 , 09:51 PM ET
• 4 min read
Our expert has sniffed out three underdogs in spots they absolutely love to pull off an upset.
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Noah Fifita, Aidan Chiles,
Unfortunately, our Week 8 underdog picks went 1-2, with Stanford delivering our only outright upset. But Week 9 is here, and I’ve lined up three college football underdog picks for the weekend!
This week’s dogs feature a pair of Wildcats and the Terrapins. All three have a legitimate shot at pulling off an upset, and I’m ready to back them.
Before you dive in, check out our college football picks page for Week 9.
CFB Week 9 underdog picks
For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, please see our odds calculator.
| Pick |  Probability |
|---|---|
 Northwestern |
39% |
 Arizona |
39% |
 Maryland |
45% |
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Northwestern (vs. Oregon)
The heat keeps getting turned up under Dan Lanning’s gluteus maximus. Following the Ducks’ third loss of the season, this time to Illinois, the life has to be draining out of this team’s soul. Oregon entered the year as a national championship favorite for many, but it has been a major disappointment since opening week.
Many will see the Ducks playing at home against Northwestern and automatically call this an all-time get-right spot. I disagree. This is a talented Wildcats team capable of scoring more than 35 points per game while limiting opponents to just 16 points per game. Northwestern kept it within six points of Indiana on the road as a 20-point underdog and has steamrolled its other opponents.
I love the road dog here in Eugene.
Arizona (vs. Texas Tech)
The vibes could not be higher in Tucson after the Wildcats’ 39-3 victory over Iowa State. Head coach Brent Brennan even dropped $2,000 on tequila shots for Arizona diehards. Some are saying this team runs on the power of friendship, and the Wildcats have been gelling since their 42-17 Week 3 win over Northern Illinois, which kicked off a five-game winning streak. During that stretch, Arizona is 3-2 against the spread.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, is coming off a brutal loss to Cincinnati. But aside from Houston and maybe Oregon State, who have the Red Raiders really played this season? Sam Houston, Colorado, Arizona State, and Abilene Christian. Arizona already beat the Bearcats 34-7 earlier this season.
An underdog humming along like this feels worthy of a sprinkle.
Maryland (vs. Illinois)
Speaking of Illinois, I love Maryland to beat the Fighting Illini in Week 9 after Illinois pulled off an outright upset as a 10.5-point underdog against Oregon. Now, the Illini must travel to the East Coast to face a Terrapins team coming off a bye week and a coaching change. Maryland fired head coach Mike Locksley on Oct. 21.
Maryland hasn’t won since beating UConn 38-14 in Week 2. I’m a sucker for the coaching-change bump narrative, and I think this is a great spot to fade the Fighting Illini.
Week 9 underdog combo
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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