Pick details
| MATCHUP | Ohio State Buckeyes | BYU Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +3.5 -110 | -3.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +136 | -162 |
| Total | Over 160.5 (-105) | Under 160.5 (-115) |
| Where | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT | |
| When | Monday, November 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FS1 | |
Ohio State vs BYU Prediction
Ohio State will be in the mix to get a bid to the big dance, but there’s a lot of roster turnover, and it’s going to take time to really hit the ground running. BYU lost its top player from last season, but you can argue this team is even more talented. There’s a great recruiting class coming in, and Robert Wright is one of the top players in the Big 12. BYU is in fr better position to have success early due to the returning production. This game is also in Utah, so while it’s considered a neutral site, it’s pretty much a home game for the Cougars. This line feels soft. I’ll lay the small number with BYU.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Preview
Ohio State made the big dance last season with 21 wins and enters year four under coach Jake Diebler. Ohio State has won 20 or more games in 7 of the last 9 seasons.
John Mobley Jr. returns after averaging 15.7 points and 2.4 rebounds, while Amare Bynum averaged 9.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. Braylen Nash returns after playing in 7 minutes last season. Only three returning players, but the Buckeyes did snag Justin Pippen from Cal and a McDonald’s All-American in Anthony Thompson. Josh Ojianwuna also returns from injury, which is a nice boost for the Buckeyes. It might take time for all of these new faces to gel, but there’s talent on this roster and no excuse not to make the NCAA Tournament. You can argue there’s serious pressure on Diebler to make the most of this roster.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
BYU has made the big dance the last three seasons and enters year three under coach Kevin Young. BYU has won 20 or more games in 6 of its last 7 seasons.
Robert Wright III returns after averaging 18.1 points and 3.5 rebounds, while Dawson Baker averaged 7.5 points and 1.7 rebounds. Khadim Mboup averaged 5.1 rebounds per game and played in 530 minutes. BYU watched AJ Dybantsa leave for the NBA, but Wright is a preseason All-Big 12, and Baker returns from injury. Bruce Branch III is a five-star freshman, and Jaxon Kohler comes over from Michigan State. Replacing elite talent is never easy, but BYU has legit talent, and it gives the Cougars a high ceiling. BYU should be a tournament team and could make an even deeper run with improved depth.
Why the BYU Cougars will win
- BYU has won each of its last seven night games against non-Conference opponents.
- Ohio State has lost each of its last three games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues.
Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win
- Ohio State has won nine of its last 10 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of Ohio State’s last 11 games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
- Each of BYU’s last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Delta Center have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- BYU ranked T8th for turnovers per game (7.0) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
- BYU ranked 22nd among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game last season (29.5).
- Ohio State ranked T8th for turnovers per game (7.0) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Ohio State ranked T8th for opponent points per game (66.0) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
