Miami (OH) vs Pittsburgh Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 5th, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 09/04/2026, 11:22 PM ET

Miami (OH) vs Pittsburgh Game Information

The Miami-OH RedHawks will open the 2026 season on the road Saturday afternoon with a 12:30 PM matchup against the Pittsburgh Panthers inside Acrisure Stadium. Miami-OH finished last season 7-7 overall after losing to Western Michigan in the MAC Championship and Fresno State in its bowl game. Pittsburgh also begins its new campaign Saturday following an 8-5 season in 2025. The Panthers dropped 3 of their final 4 games, including a 23-17 loss to East Carolina in the Military Bowl. For more College Football News, see our College Football Picks.

Miami (OH) Preview

Miami Ohio will turn the keys to the offense over to Thomas Gotkowski this season following the departure of Dequan Finn and Henry Hesson a year ago. Gotkowski completed 38 passes for 575 yards and 4 scores, along with 115 yards and 1 touchdown on 31 carries last season. D’Shawntae is the top ball carrier for Ball State this season after compiling 277 yards along with a team-leading 7 scores on 63 carries. Keith Reynolds is the leading receiver back from last season after compiling 352 yards and 1 score on 36 grabs.

Pittsburgh Preview

Mason Heintschel will again be at the helm for the Panthers offense in 2026. Heintschel led the team with 2354 yards and 16 scores on 201 completions last year, along with 88 yards and 2 touchdowns on 86 carries. Ja’Kyrian Turner was the leading running back for Pittsburgh last season and will return this year after 745 yards and 7 scores on 140 carries. Cataurus Hicks will likely see his role increase this season for Pittsburgh after 422 yards and 4 touchdowns on 24 grabs last season.

Miami (OH) vs Pittsburgh Pick

Pittsburgh is going to be the team in this matchup, and it will show from early on Saturday. Look for the Panthers to jump on Miami Ohio early and control things from the opening kickoff. Take the Panthers to start the 2026 season with a win and cover at home against the RedHawks.Β 

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  • Pick: Pittsburgh Panthers -16.5
  • Secondary: Over 47.5

Final Score Prediction: Pittsburgh Panthers win 42-17.

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