The UCF Knights and Houston Cougars play on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas, in a game on the college football Week 5 schedule.
Which team will win the college football Week 5 game?
Check out these college football Week 5 picks and college football Week 5 predictions for the game, which can be seen at 9 a.m. MST on ESPN2 (stream with FUBO).
Houston is a 12-point favorite over UCF in college football Week 5 odds for the game, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
The Cougars are -450 on the moneyline, while the Knights are +360. The over/under (point total) for the game is set at 51.5 points.
Watch UCF vs Houston on FUBO (free trial)
The Arizona Republic: Houston 31, UCF 20
Jeremy Cluff writes: "UCF impressed in its 21-13 win over TCU last week. A win over Conner Weigman
and Houston would really impress us, but we don't see it happening. The Cougars' offense will be too much for the Knights."
Bookies.com: Bet Houston to cover vs UCF
Bill Speros writes: "UCF upset TCU outright at home as a 3-point underdog Saturday in a hard-fought 21-13 victory. Scott Frost's Knights continue to lean into their defense. However, it's overmatched here against the Cougars. Houston took it easy on Georgia Southern last week. But in Big 12 play, point differential could well keep someone in or out of the conference title game. This total sits at 63.5 points because the Cougars average 44.5 points and a scary 248.3 rushing yards. The Cougars run and hide here in the second half."
Dimers.com: Houston 33, UCF 20
It writes: "After extensive simulations, our model gives UCF a win probability of 19%, while Houston has a win probability of 81%."
ESPN: Houston has a 72.2% chance to defeat UCF
The site gives the Knights a 27.8% shot at winning the college football Week 5 game.
Sports Betting Dime: Houston 28, UCF 26.8
The site's formula predicts that the Cougars will beat the Knights in the Week 5 college football game.
Sporting News: Houston 27, UCF 17
Bill Bender writes: "Keyone Jenkins completed 19 of 20 passes for UCF for 160 yards in place of Alonza Barnett, who is out with a hamstring injury. It will be tougher on the road at Houston, where the Cougars are 4-4 ATS as the home team. The Knights' defense has forced nine turnovers, so this could be a defensive game."
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Sign up for azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: UCF vs Houston picks, predictions, odds for college football Week 5
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
