Eastern Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Prediction 9/5/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Eastern Kentucky Colonels and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks meet Saturday in college football action from AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville. Here’s an Eastern Kentucky vs Jacksonville State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Eastern Kentucky vs Jacksonville State pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Eastern Kentucky Colonels Betting Preview

The Colonels were on the cusp of a .500 season last year but couldn’t quite get there. Eastern Kentucky ended up finishing 5-7 overall with a 3-5 run in United Athletic Conference games. The Colonels finished behind Abilene Christian, Tarleton State, Southern Utah, West Georgia and Austin Peay with that effort. After a 3-3 start, Eastern Kentucky went just 2-4 to close out the year.

This year the Colonels kicked off their campaign versus Western Carolina. In that one Eastern Kentucky had a 14-10 lead by the end of the first half. After giving up 35 more points from there however, the Colonels had a 45-21 loss. Tyler Travers had a 22-of-34 line for 305 yards, three scores and an interception in the losing effort.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview

Over on the Jacksonville State side, they had a decidedly better campaign in 2025. The Gamecocks went 9-5 overall and a smooth 7-1 in the Conference USA games. That effort would leave the team behind only Kennesaw State (to whom they fell in the conference championship game) in the standings. After an invite to the Salute to Veterans Bowl, Jacksonville State finished the campaign with a win over Troy 17-13 in a thriller.

The Gamecocks played North Dakota State in their opener on August 29. Jacksonville State managed to give up points in all four quarters during a 33-7 blowout loss. Caden Creel posted a 12-of-23 line for 85 yards and a pick but did also score a rushing TD. Deondre Johnson led the receivers with two catches for 26 total yards.

Eastern Kentucky Colonels @ Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Trends: Week 1

Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win

• Jacksonville State has won each of its last eight games as a favorite in Alabama.
• Jacksonville State has covered the spread in four of its last five games in Alabama.

Why the Eastern Kentucky Colonels will win

• Jacksonville State has failed to cover the spread in six of its last eight games in September.

Total Points Facts

• Four of Jacksonville State’s last five games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks Player Prop Facts

• Deondre Johnson led the league for yards per reception (24.1) last season.

Matchup/League Facts

• Jacksonville State ranked T124th among FBS teams for 1st downs against last season (293).
• Jacksonville State ranked 122nd among FBS teams for passing yards per game last season (162.0).

Eastern Kentucky vs Jacksonville State Prediction

I’ll stick with Jacksonville State but I’m not touching it. Neither team did well in their respective openers. The Gamecocks posted just 170 total yards (85 passing) with 14 first downs, 2-of-10 on third downs and two turnovers in their loss to North Dakota State. Jacksonville State gave up 209 rushing yards and 20 first downs on defense.

As for Eastern Kentucky, they gave up a whopping 508 yards (320 passing), 6.8 yards per play and 28 first downs (with zero takeaways) in the loss to Western Carolina. The offense generated 305 passing yards but only went a tepid 5-of-13 on third downs and had two turnovers. There’s a lot of stuff both teams need to clean up ahead of this game.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Jacksonville State Gamecocks -20.5