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College Football · Week 5, 2026

Drew's Desk: the whole Week 5 board, and a Seminole calls time on Norvell

By Drew · October 1, 2026

Drew is a college football contributor. These are his own picks, not the model's, and they are graded separately from Maiden's record.

You are reading Week 5, 2026. Drew’s latest column is Week 9, 2026.

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Drew's Desk

56 picks. Our model agrees on 31 and takes the other side on 12. Our model has no call on 13 of them.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, we are back for another week of Drew's Desk. How about Week 4? We saw some upsets. We saw some near upsets. And like I called it, we saw pandemonium, baby. How about Indiana down to the wire with Northwestern? How about the Gators taking out No. 4 Ole Miss at home? But who would have thought Wisconsin would have went into Penn State and taken the dub? Who would have thought Wake Forest would have went into Louisville and topped the Cardinals? Who would have thought a last-second touchdown catch would be the difference maker between Iowa and Michigan? We hit 45 of our 57 straight-up calls, 78.9 percent, and that puts us at 196 and 40 on the season, 83.1 percent. Ladies and gentlemen, college football season is in full effect, and we're calling it live here at Drew's Desk as it happens, baby. Let's take a look at Week 5.

Drew’s Week 5, 2026 picks

56 of 56 picks

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at New Mexico State Aggies

Drew’s pick: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Thursday, we have Western Kentucky going to New Mexico State. Give me Western Kentucky, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

North Texas Mean Green at Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Drew’s pick: Tulsa Golden Hurricane

We got the North Texas Mean Green going to Tulsa. Give me Tulsa at home, baby.

Where Maiden lands

North Texas Mean Green, 75% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Pittsburgh Panthers at Virginia Tech Hokies

Drew’s pick: Pittsburgh Panthers

We have Pittsburgh, undefeated, going to Virginia Tech. That Pittsburgh defense, baby, has only allowed 34 points in four games this season. Virginia Tech, well, they looked sloppy last week against Boston College. So you know what? Give me Pittsburgh on the road, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Liberty Flames at Delaware Blue Hens

Drew’s pick: Liberty Flames

We have 3-1 Liberty going to Delaware. Give me Liberty on the road, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Penn State Nittany Lions at Northwestern Wildcats

Drew’s pick: Northwestern Wildcats

We have Penn State traveling to Northwestern in a battle of one-loss teams. Northwestern looked great. Penn State looked terrible last week. But you know what? That Chip Kelly offense and Aidan Chiles are making big splashes out there in Illinois. So give me Northwestern at home, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Penn State Nittany Lions, 68% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at North Carolina Tar Heels

Drew’s pick: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Jump forward to Saturday. We got the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame going up against the Tar Heels of North Carolina, baby. As much as I want to root on Coach Belichick and his hot 20-something-year-old girlfriend, we're going with the Fighting Irish, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 92% to win — the same side Drew has.

Alabama Crimson Tide at Mississippi State Bulldogs

Drew’s pick: Mississippi State Bulldogs

In one of the games of the week, we have the Crimson Tide of Alabama traveling to face undefeated Mississippi State, baby, at home. Kamario Taylor looking like a true Heisman candidate. Will he beat Bama at home? Come on, everybody, it's still Mississippi State. It's not going to happen. But guess what? This year's different, baby. Give me Mississippi State at home.

Where Maiden lands

Alabama Crimson Tide, 70% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

UCF Knights at Houston Cougars

Drew’s pick: Houston Cougars

We have 3-1 UCF going to visit No. 20 Houston. Will the Knights pull it off in Houston? Not this week, baby. Give me the Cougars.

Where Maiden lands

Houston Cougars, 62% to win — the same side Drew has.

Boston College Eagles at SMU Mustangs

Drew’s pick: SMU Mustangs

We have Boston College traveling to SMU. Give me the Ponies, baby. SMU at home.

Where Maiden lands

SMU Mustangs, 88% to win — the same side Drew has.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Kansas Jayhawks

Drew’s pick: Kansas Jayhawks

We have Middle Tennessee going to Kansas, baby. Give me the Jayhawks all day at home.

Where Maiden lands

Kansas Jayhawks, 91% to win — the same side Drew has.

West Virginia Mountaineers at Iowa State Cyclones

Drew’s pick: West Virginia Mountaineers

We have 3-1 West Virginia traveling to Iowa State. This is going to be a close game. Iowa State is favored by 3, but I like West Virginia, baby, on the road.

Where Maiden lands

Iowa State Cyclones, 80% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Stanford Cardinal at Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Drew’s pick: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

We have 2-2 Stanford traveling to 3-1 Wake Forest, with a huge upset last week against Louisville. Wake Forest is for real, baby. Give me Wake Forest at home.

Where Maiden lands

Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 80% to win — the same side Drew has.

Syracuse Orange at UConn Huskies

Drew’s pick: UConn Huskies

We have 1-2 Syracuse heading over to UConn. It's hard to trust Syracuse at this point, baby. Give me UConn and give me the Huskies at home.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Michigan Wolverines at Minnesota Golden Gophers

Drew’s pick: Michigan Wolverines

We have Michigan traveling to Minnesota in a Big Ten battle. Minnesota with the upset of Washington. Michigan with the last-play loss to Iowa. Who's going to pull it off? Give me the Wolverines, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Michigan Wolverines, 60% to win — the same side Drew has.

Navy Midshipmen at Air Force Falcons

Drew’s pick: Air Force Falcons

Then we have a battle of the military academies. We have Navy traveling to Air Force. I like Air Force at home, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Michigan State Spartans at Wisconsin Badgers

Drew’s pick: Wisconsin Badgers

We have Michigan State traveling to Wisconsin, who won big, baby, last week with the upset at Penn State. I like Wisconsin, baby. They will keep it rolling like Limp Bizkit in 1999.

Where Maiden lands

Wisconsin Badgers, 67% to win — the same side Drew has.

Vanderbilt Commodores at Georgia Bulldogs

Drew’s pick: Georgia Bulldogs

We got Vanderbilt heading to undefeated Georgia. Give me the Bulldogs, baby. Is that even a real question?

Where Maiden lands

Georgia Bulldogs, 88% to win — the same side Drew has.

Western Michigan Broncos at Buffalo Bulls

Drew’s pick: Western Michigan Broncos

We got Western Michigan traveling to Buffalo, both teams 2-2. A lot of people had high hopes on Western Michigan after they almost took out Michigan at the Big House. Will they pull it off this week on the road at Buffalo? Absolutely, baby. Give me Western Michigan.

Where Maiden lands

Western Michigan Broncos, 68% to win — the same side Drew has.

Toledo Rockets at Ball State Cardinals

Drew’s pick: Toledo Rockets

We have Toledo at Ball State. Give me Toledo, baby, and give me Toledo big.

Where Maiden lands

Toledo Rockets, 90% to win — the same side Drew has.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Iowa Hawkeyes

Drew’s pick: Ohio State Buckeyes

We have Ohio State at Iowa. Ohio State 3-1. Iowa looks for real, but let's be real, baby, they're not going to be able to put up points on that Ohio State defense. And that Ohio State offense, Jeremiah Smith is on fire, baby. Give me Ohio State big.

Where Maiden lands

Ohio State Buckeyes, 69% to win — the same side Drew has.

Florida Gators at Missouri Tigers

Drew’s pick: Florida Gators

In another battle of ranked teams, we have No. 8 Florida traveling to No. 25 Missouri. Florida is for real. Florida is for real, baby. Give me the Gators on the road.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Auburn Tigers at Tennessee Volunteers

Drew’s pick: Tennessee Volunteers

We have Auburn traveling to No. 17 Tennessee. Alex Golesh, the former OC at Tennessee, is back, but this time as the head coach of the Tigers, baby. But you know what? The Vols are gonna be way too much defense for that Auburn offense, baby. Give me the Volunteers at home.

Where Maiden lands

Tennessee Volunteers, 73% to win — the same side Drew has.

California Golden Bears at UNLV Rebels

Drew’s pick: California Golden Bears

We have Cal traveling to the struggling Runnin' Rebels of UNLV, baby. Give me Cal on the road.

Where Maiden lands

UNLV Rebels, 61% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Louisville Cardinals at NC State Wolfpack

Drew’s pick: Louisville Cardinals

We have Louisville going to NC State. NC State still reeling from one of the worst losses this century two weeks ago, fumbling in the end zone at the end of the game against Vanderbilt. How are they gonna look this week? They're still feeling the effects, baby. Give me Louisville on the road.

Where Maiden lands

Louisville Cardinals, 57% to win — the same side Drew has.

Virginia Cavaliers at Florida State Seminoles

Drew’s pick: Virginia Cavaliers

We have Virginia traveling to the Florida State Seminoles. This is the dagger that will end Mike Norvell's tenure at Florida State, baby. Give me the Cavaliers and say bye-bye to the Mike Norvell era at Florida State. Good riddance.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Memphis Tigers at Charlotte 49ers

Drew’s pick: Memphis Tigers

We got Memphis traveling to Charlotte, baby. Give me Memphis on the road.

Where Maiden lands

Memphis Tigers, 88% to win — the same side Drew has.

Wyoming Cowboys at North Dakota State Bison

Drew’s pick: North Dakota State Bison

We have Wyoming heading to undefeated North Dakota State. Undefeated in their first year in FBS, they are for real, baby, and they are looking like a legitimate candidate to make the playoff as the Group of Six team. Give me North Dakota State, baby.

Where Maiden lands

North Dakota State Bison, 83% to win — the same side Drew has.

Akron Zips at Central Michigan Chippewas

Drew’s pick: Akron Zips

We have Akron traveling to Central Michigan. Give me Akron, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Central Michigan Chippewas, 64% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Eastern Michigan Eagles at Massachusetts Minutemen

Drew’s pick: Massachusetts Minutemen

We have Eastern Michigan traveling to undefeated UMass, the worst team in college football over the last 20-some-odd years. UMass undefeated, are they for real? Yes they are, baby. Give me UMass at home as the streak continues.

Where Maiden lands

Massachusetts Minutemen, 62% to win — the same side Drew has.

Ohio Bobcats at Kent State Golden Flashes

Drew’s pick: Ohio Bobcats

We have Ohio traveling to Kent State, both teams 2-2. Give me Ohio on the road, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Ohio Bobcats, 79% to win — the same side Drew has.

Bowling Green Falcons at Miami (OH) RedHawks

Drew’s pick: Miami (OH) RedHawks

We got a winless Bowling Green team and Eddie George traveling to Miami of Ohio. Eddie George, what are you doing, baby? Give me Miami of Ohio.

Where Maiden lands

Miami (OH) RedHawks, 83% to win — the same side Drew has.

Old Dominion Monarchs at Georgia State Panthers

Drew’s pick: Georgia State Panthers

We have Old Dominion, struggling at 1-3, heading to Georgia State at a surprising 3-1. Georgia State has been rolling, baby, and this week they're at home in Hotlanta. Give me the Georgia State Panthers, and give me them big.

Where Maiden lands

Old Dominion Monarchs, 56% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Marshall Thundering Herd at James Madison Dukes

Drew’s pick: James Madison Dukes

We got 3-1 Marshall heading over to 4-0 James Madison. Billy Napier is showing why he has been the Sun Belt king. James Madison looks great, baby. Will they pull off the win at home against Marshall? Hell yeah, baby. Give me James Madison, and give me James Madison big.

Where Maiden lands

James Madison Dukes, 90% to win — the same side Drew has.

Maryland Terrapins at Nebraska Cornhuskers

Drew’s pick: Nebraska Cornhuskers

We have a struggling Maryland team, 2-2, heading over to Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are 4-0. Are the Cornhuskers for real? Absolutely not. But want to know who else is not for real? The Terrapins. Give me the home team, Nebraska, in a low-scoring affair.

Where Maiden lands

Nebraska Cornhuskers, 80% to win — the same side Drew has.

UTEP Miners at New Mexico Lobos

Drew’s pick: New Mexico Lobos

We have UTEP traveling to 3-1 New Mexico. Jason Eck has New Mexico rolling, baby, and they'll continue to roll and win this week.

Where Maiden lands

New Mexico Lobos, 92% to win — the same side Drew has.

Kentucky Wildcats at South Carolina Gamecocks

Drew’s pick: South Carolina Gamecocks

We got Kentucky, 24th in the nation, traveling to South Carolina. Shane Beamer's seat is getting hot, baby, but he's gonna cool it off this week. Give me South Carolina at home.

Where Maiden lands

South Carolina Gamecocks, 62% to win — the same side Drew has.

Purdue Boilermakers at Illinois Fighting Illini

Drew’s pick: Illinois Fighting Illini

We got Purdue traveling to Illinois. The Boilermakers, they're not winning this week, baby. Give me Illinois at home.

Where Maiden lands

Illinois Fighting Illini, 85% to win — the same side Drew has.

Oregon State Beavers at Colorado State Rams

Drew’s pick: Oregon State Beavers

We got 2-2 Oregon State traveling to Colorado State. This is going to be a high-scoring affair, baby. Give me Oregon State on the road.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

BYU Cougars at TCU Horned Frogs

Drew’s pick: BYU Cougars

We got BYU traveling out to TCU. This is going to be a Big 12 battle, baby, but No. 10 BYU will get the dub. Give me BYU on the road.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Arkansas Razorbacks at Texas A&M Aggies

Drew’s pick: Texas A&M Aggies

We have the battle of the 2-2 SEC teams, with Arkansas traveling to Texas A&M. Texas A&M has not looked good this season. Marcel Reed is not himself. But you know what? It's Arkansas. Does anyone really think the Hogs will win at College Station? Not this week. Give me Texas A&M at home.

Where Maiden lands

Texas A&M Aggies, 83% to win — the same side Drew has.

UTSA Roadrunners at Rice Owls

Drew’s pick: UTSA Roadrunners

We have 3-1 UTSA going up against Rice. Give me UTSA, baby.

Where Maiden lands

UTSA Roadrunners, 77% to win — the same side Drew has.

Georgia Southern Eagles at Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Drew’s pick: Georgia Southern Eagles

We have Georgia Southern at 1-3 traveling to 1-3 Coastal Carolina. This is going to be another high-scoring affair. Give me Clay Helton, give me Georgia Southern.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

UL Monroe Warhawks at South Alabama Jaguars

Drew’s pick: South Alabama Jaguars

We got UL Monroe at 0-4 traveling to South Alabama, who has actually, believe it or not, don't look at the record, looked good so far this season. Major Applewhite, the head coach, former quarterback at Texas, has put in a major upgrade on that offense, baby. Give me South Alabama at home.

Where Maiden lands

South Alabama Jaguars, 88% to win — the same side Drew has.

Miami Hurricanes at Clemson Tigers

Drew’s pick: Miami Hurricanes

The ACC banger of the week: No. 4 Miami travels out to Death Valley. Clemson, baby. Miami will win, and Miami will win big, but Clemson will put up a fight, and then they'll give up in the second quarter. Give me the Hurricanes, baby. Category five incoming.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Texas Tech Red Raiders at Colorado Buffaloes

Drew’s pick: Colorado Buffaloes

We got 4-0 Texas Tech traveling to 2-2 Colorado. Coach Prime, that seat is getting hot, baby. But you know what? Texas Tech is gonna get shown up in Boulder. New starting quarterback, Zach Wilson's little brother, it's gonna look like Zach Wilson, baby. Give me Colorado. Give me the Buffaloes to roll, and they'll finally break the losing streak.

Where Maiden lands

Texas Tech Red Raiders, 80% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Washington Huskies at USC Trojans

Drew’s pick: Washington Huskies

We got Washington traveling to No. 18 USC. Ladies and gentlemen, USC looked terrible and became the laughing stock of college football last week after that cheap shot on Dante Moore. Will USC continue to shit the bed this week? I think so, baby. Give me the Huskies with the minor upset, and look for Lincoln Riley to be on a nuclear hot seat, baby.

Where Maiden lands

USC Trojans, 70% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Utah State Aggies at Boise State Broncos

Drew’s pick: Boise State Broncos

Utah State traveling out to Boise State. Well, as much as I love Bronco Mendenhall, he's not winning this one at Boise State, baby. Give me Boise State on the blue turf.

Where Maiden lands

Boise State Broncos, 83% to win — the same side Drew has.

Temple Owls at South Florida Bulls

Drew’s pick: South Florida Bulls

We got Temple traveling to undefeated South Florida, baby. Give me the Bulls. Brian Hartline continues to roll.

Where Maiden lands

South Florida Bulls, 83% to win — the same side Drew has.

Army Black Knights at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Drew’s pick: Army Black Knights

We have 2-1 Army traveling to Louisiana Tech. Give me Jeff Monken and Army, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Indiana Hoosiers at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Drew’s pick: Indiana Hoosiers

We got 4-0 Indiana going up against 1-3 Rutgers. Indiana wins big, and I can see Greg Schiano getting fired after the game, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Indiana Hoosiers, 94% to win — the same side Drew has.

Arkansas State Red Wolves at Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

Drew’s pick: Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns

We got Arkansas State traveling to the Ragin' Cajuns of Louisiana. Give me Louisiana, baby.

Where Maiden lands

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, 66% to win — the same side Drew has.

Fresno State Bulldogs at Washington State Cougars

Drew’s pick: Washington State Cougars

We got Fresno State traveling to Washington State. Washington State 1-3 on the season, Fresno State 3-1, but Washington State takes this at home.

Where Maiden lands

Washington State Cougars, 60% to win — the same side Drew has.

Baylor Bears at Arizona State Sun Devils

Drew’s pick: Baylor Bears

We have Baylor at Arizona State, 3-1 Baylor, 2-1 Arizona State. This is going to be a slobberknocker, baby. Give me Baylor with the win as they roll to 4-1.

Where Maiden lands

Arizona State Sun Devils, 60% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

Texas State Bobcats at San Diego State Aztecs

Drew’s pick: San Diego State Aztecs

We got Texas State traveling out to San Diego State, who sit at a surprising 1-3. Texas State will shit the bed in San Diego, baby. Give me San Diego State.

Where Maiden lands

Our model published no call on this game: it did not clear the 55% confidence floor, so there is no Maiden number to compare. Drew’s pick still gets graded.

Cincinnati Bearcats at Arizona Wildcats

Drew’s pick: Cincinnati Bearcats

We have Cincinnati, 4-0, traveling to 3-1 Arizona. I think Arizona takes the L, baby. Give me Cincinnati on the road.

Where Maiden lands

Arizona Wildcats, 62% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

San José State Spartans at Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors

Drew’s pick: San José State Spartans

Finally, in the nightcap, we have 2-2 San Jose State traveling to Hawai'i at 1-3. Hawai'i has not looked like itself, baby, and they will not look like themselves this week either. Give me San Jose State on the road.

Where Maiden lands

Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors, 64% to win — the other side. Drew is going against our number here.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is Week 5 of college football. See you in Week 6, baby.

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Every college football prediction our model published for Week 5, 2026 is on the Week 5, 2026 board.