One of Week 8's biggest games pits two top-15 college football teams. The #10 Utah Utes host the #14 Houston Cougars on Saturday, October 24, kicking off at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Utes are a 6.5-point favorite for the spread, via PrizePicks.
Utah has begun the 2026 season with a 6-0 record and escaped with a 30-27 win over Colorado in Week 7. Meanwhile, Houston has tallied a 6-1 record and has won four consecutive games, including a 35-32 win vs. Oklahoma State last week.
Below, we’ll break down our Houston vs. Utah prediction and picks for Saturday night’s game, including the spread, over/under, and player projections for PrizePicks.
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#14 Houston vs. #10 Utah Prediction, Spread, Over/Under – Saturday, October 24
Utah enters Saturday's game as a 6.5-point favorite against Houston, returning a 1.38x payout if it wins outright, via PrizePicks — or $138 on a $100 entry if you’re right.
Here are the full payouts for Houston vs. Utah on PrizePicks. PrizePicks data is live at the time of writing and is subject to change.
Make your Houston vs. Utah prediction on the spread on PrizePicks.
Utah has excelled under first-year head coach Morgan Scalley and has looked dominant throughout the 2026 season. The Utes have won by an average margin of +29.8 points in their first five games, but they needed to squeak out a 27-24 win against Colorado in Week 7.
For the second straight season, Utah’s offense is led by QB Devon Dampier, who has thrived since transferring from New Mexico in 2025. Dampier has thrown for 250+ yards in three of his last five games and tossed 12 TDs in that span.
One of Dampier’s top targets is WR Braden Pegan, who leads the team in receptions (32), receiving yards (422), and receiving TDs (6). Pegan has seen an uptick in volume in the past two games, tallying 15 catches for 128 yards and 2 TDs during that stretch.
Defensively, the Utes have been dominant, surrendering just 14.8 points per game this season. Utah’s defense has posted -0.08 EPA per play, ranking 20th out of 138 FBS teams, per Game on Paper.
Meanwhile, Houston has already been tested with two matchups against ranked teams already on its resume. Houston fell to Texas Tech in a 28-26 decision on September 18, but beat Oklahoma State last week.
The Cougars own an impressive offense and have averaged 485.1 total yards per game (fourth in the Big 12) this season. Houston is paced by star QB Conner Weigman, who has completed 67.7% of his passes for 1,771 yards and 20 TDs.
Houston relies on an incredibly talented pass-catching duo of WR Amare Thomas and TE Patrick Overmyer. Thomas has caught 36 passes for 487 yards and 6 TDs, while Overmyer has reeled in a team-leading 7 TDs.
The Cougars have been vulnerable against the pass, allowing 265.0 passing yards per contest this season. That could be a spot where the Utes thrive, given their sensational aerial attack.
The two teams have only met on five occasions all-time. Houston has won all five games, but the 2024 meeting was the only matchup in the last 48 years.
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Houston vs. Utah Prediction on Spread – 10/24/26
Here are the key stats and trends behind our Houston vs. Utah pick against the spread for Saturday, October 24.
- Utah is 5-1 against the spread this season, while Houston has struggled lately, going 1-3 ATS in its last four contests.
- The Utes have allowed 14.8 PPG this season, which is the ninth-lowest rate in the country.
- Utah has thrived defending the run, ceding just 88.7 rushing yards per game (12th nationally). Additionally, the defense has posted -0.14 EPA/rush allowed, which ranks ninth nationally.
- The Utes excel at being disruptive, recording a 20.5% havoc rate this season (tied for fifth nationally).
- Offensively, Utah averages 486.5 total yards per contest (third in the Big 12) and leads the Big 12 with 40.2 PPG.
- Utah has a stellar ground attack, averaging 220.2 rushing yards per contest (fifth in the Big 12). Star RB Wayshawn Parker leads the Utes with 597 yards (fourth in the Big 12) and 7 TDs, sporting 0.30 EPA/rush (33rd nationally).
- In addition to Parker, QB Devon Dampier thrives on the ground, with 198 rushing yards and 3 TDs, while also being an above-average passer.
Lock in your Houston vs. Utah prediction on PrizePicks before kickoff.
Houston vs. Utah Picks, Player Stats for PrizePicks: 10/24/26
Here are the top Houston vs. Utah picks to target on Saturday, October 24. Today’s college football picks for PrizePicks include TE Patrick Overmyer and QB Devon Dampier.
Houston TE Patrick Overmyer vs. Utah: 57.5 Rec Yards
- Overmyer leads the Cougars in receptions (38) and receiving TDs (7) and also carries 432 receiving yards (second in the country).
- The senior pass catcher has averaged 61.7 receiving yards per game, ranking fifth nationally among TEs.
- Overmyer has recorded at least 58 receiving yards in five of his seven games this season.
- Utah has allowed 214.5 passing yards per game, which ranks eighth in the Big 12.
Add Patrick Overmyer + Houston to win to your PrizePicks lineup now.
Utah QB Devon Dampier vs. Houston: 235.5 Pass Yards
- Dampier has completed 68.6% of his passes for 1,412 yards and 15 TDs with just 4 INTs.
- The Utah QB averages 235.3 passing yards per contest in six games this season.
- Dampier has posted 0.19 EPA per dropback, ranking 37th among QBs in the country.
- Houston surrenders 0.26 EPA/pass, ranking 115th nationally.
Pick Devon Dampier + Utah to cover the spread on PrizePicks!
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Make Houston vs. Utah Picks on PrizePicks
Behind a stout defense, Utah has been a well-oiled machine and remains undefeated this season. Can the Utes keep up their winning ways against a dangerous Cougars squad?
Don’t wait until kickoff — make your Houston vs. Utah picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.
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