College Football Week 1 Predictions: Penn State Favored Against Marshall

The 2026 college football season kicks off with a full slate of games starting Thursday, featuring daily matchups through Labor Day. Notable games include Clemson facing LSU and Auburn taking on Baylor on Saturday, with Ole Miss playing Louisville on Sunday and SMU meeting Florida State on Monday.

According to SportsLine's model, Penn State is expected to defeat Marshall with a projected score of 39-11, making them a strong choice against the spread at -24.5. The model, which has been updated for the new season, simulates each game 10,000 times and has a successful track record on CFB money-line picks.

Marshall enters the game following a challenging season, finishing 5-7, and faces uncertainties in both their offensive line and defense. In contrast, Penn State's roster has been bolstered by transfers, including quarterback Rocco Becht, as they aim for a strong start under new coach Matt Campbell.