The Week 5 board
| Game | Line | When / TV |
|---|---|---|
| No. 7 Alabama at No. 16 Mississippi State | Alabama -4.5 | Sat noon · ABC |
| No. 5 Ohio State at No. 14 Iowa | Ohio State -14.5 | Sat 3:30 · CBS |
| No. 8 Florida at No. 25 Missouri | Florida -4.5 | Sat 3:30 · ABC |
| No. 4 Miami at Clemson | Miami -16.5 | Sat |
| No. 3 Notre Dame at North Carolina | Notre Dame -21.5 | Sat |
| No. 10 BYU at TCU | BYU -6.5 | Sat night |
| Washington at No. 18 USC | USC -8.5 | Sat |
| Auburn at No. 17 Tennessee | Tennessee -8.5 | Sat |
| Penn State at Northwestern | Penn State -2.5 | Sat |
| Michigan at Minnesota | Michigan -6.5 | Sat |
Rankings and lines as published by CBS Sports on Sept. 30. Kickoff times in ET where announced.
Alabama at Mississippi State: the quarterback duel of the year so far
Two unbeaten SEC teams, two of the best quarterbacks in the country. Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor has been a revelation, and Alabama's Keelon Russell has been just as good since a multi-turnover day against Kentucky. The matchup to watch is Alabama's pass rush, ninth nationally with a 40% pressure rate, against a Bulldogs line that ranks top 20 in pass blocking. Alabama's secondary has been beaten through the air before, including by Florida State, so this could turn into a shootout. Both CBS writers picked Alabama 37-31. The line is Alabama -4.5 with a total around 60.
Ohio State at Iowa: can Iowa's offense keep up?
Iowa is 0-2 against Ryan Day's Ohio State, losing by an average of 36 points. This Iowa team is better on offense (37th nationally in yards per play) and just won at Michigan. The problem is that Ohio State has Heisman frontrunner Jeremiah Smith, and one or two of his big plays can decide a low-scoring game. Ohio State is favored by 14.5 with a total of 45.5, so Iowa's best chance is controlling the clock and keeping it ugly.
Florida at Missouri: the line that looks wrong
Florida just ran for 302 yards against Ole Miss under first-year coach Jon Sumrall, behind running back Jadan Baugh and quarterback Aaron Philo. Missouri lost at Mississippi State last week and misses running back Ahmad Hardy, though Ole Miss transfer QB Austin Simmons has played well. The Gators are only 4.5-point favorites. Missouri is 19th nationally in yards allowed per carry, so if it slows Baugh, this stays close.
Four more to watch
Miami at Clemson (Miami -16.5). Clemson is 2-0 in the ACC but has struggled to score with Tait Reynolds at quarterback, and Miami allows under two yards a carry. A big Miami win would change how the country sees the Hurricanes.
BYU at TCU (BYU -6.5). BYU is unbeaten and coming off a bye. TCU is 2-2, 0-2 against Power Four teams, and the pressure on Sonny Dykes is rising. A classic trap-game spot.
Penn State at Northwestern (Penn State -2.5). Northwestern opens an $875 million stadium on national TV, and Penn State is coming off a loss to Wisconsin. The smallest spread among the big games.
Auburn at Tennessee (Tennessee -8.5). Tennessee gave up 10 sacks to Texas, and freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon needs a cleaner day against an Auburn defense that likes to blitz.
The athlete angle
Every one of these teams lifts during the season. College programs usually keep two shorter strength sessions a week in-season, built on squats, hinges, presses and carries, to hold strength through November. Our functional fitness workout uses the same building blocks.
Quick answers
What are the biggest college football games in Week 5 2026?
No. 7 Alabama at No. 16 Mississippi State, No. 5 Ohio State at No. 14 Iowa, No. 8 Florida at No. 25 Missouri, and No. 4 Miami at Clemson.
What is the Alabama vs Mississippi State spread?
CBS Sports listed Alabama as a 4.5-point favorite on Sept. 30.
Who is favored in Ohio State vs Iowa?
Ohio State by 14.5 points, with a total of 45.5.
Who are the quarterbacks in Alabama vs Mississippi State?
Keelon Russell starts for Alabama and Kamario Taylor for Mississippi State.
Is Jeremiah Smith the Heisman favorite?
CBS Sports calls the Ohio State receiver the Heisman frontrunner heading into Week 5.