Youngstown State vs Kentucky Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 5th, 2026

Youngstown State vs Kentucky Game Information

Youngstown State will be on the road for the first time this season Saturday afternoon for a 1:00 PM matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats inside Kroger Field. The Penguins come into the game undefeated after opening the year with a 9-point victory over Mercyhurst last week. Kentucky will make its 2026 debut Saturday, looking to recover from a 5-7 season a year ago. The Wildcats won 3 straight games late in the year before finishing the season with back-to-back blowout losses against Vanderbilt and Louisville. Stay in the news with our College Football Picks.

Youngstown State Preview

The Youngstown State offense was dominant in Game 1 of the year, pouring in 43 points, including 29 in the first half, on 484 total yards. Defensively, Youngstown State did just as well, allowing just 10 points on 241 yards and forcing 2 turnovers in the win. Beau Brungard led the way for Youngstown State a week ago, with 232 yards and 3 scores on 20 completions, along with a team-leading 21 carries for 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jaden Gilbert added 89 yards and 1 touchdown on 5 carries. Antuan Gardner led the team with 52 yards on 2 catches. Bryan Hunt added 41 yards and 1 touchdown on 4 catches, while Lynn Wyche-El added 41 yards and 1 score on 6 grabs.

Kentucky Preview

Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey will take over the season as the starting quarterback for Kentucky. Minchey has compiled 212 yards on 23 completions during his 3-year college career coming into 2026. Jason Patterson is the top ball carrier returning this season for Kentucky after 225 yards and 1 touchdown on 57 carries last year. Willie Rodriguez returns to Kentucky this year as the leading receiver back from last season after compiling 23 catches for 310 yards and 1 score.

Youngstown State vs Kentucky Pick

Kentucky’s SEC-level size and athleticism should be too much for Youngstown State to handle over 4 quarters. The Penguins could compete early, but the Wildcats should eventually take complete control at the line of scrimmage. Look for Kentucky to wear down Youngstown State and pull away convincingly, leading to the win and cover at home Saturday.

• Pick: Kentucky Wildcats -22.5
• Secondary: Under 62.5

Final Score Prediction: Kentucky Wildcats win and cover 42-10.

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