It’s another Big 12 vs. SEC match up in Week 2 of the college football season as Utah hosts Arkansas on Saturday in Week 2 of the 2026 season. The Utes blew out Idaho in Week 1 66-14, to start 1-0, while Arkansas handled North Alabama 31-14, to also begin the season at 1-0. Both programs are led by new head coaches. Utah saw Morgan Scalley take over after being the coach-in-waiting behind Kyle Whittingham, while Arkansas turned to Ryan Silverfield, following his run at Memphis.
Utah and Arkansas are playing in the late-night slot on ESPN, with a 9:15 CT kick off. These two programs are meeting for the first time in history on Saturday night, with Big 12 vs. SEC bragging rights on the line. With Utah expected to be a competitor in the Big 12, while Arkansas is considered to be in rebuilding mode, the pressure in this game is squarely on the Utes. Here’s a prediction, preview and pick for the game.
Utah vs. Arkansas Odds
- Spread: Utah -12.5
- Over/Under: 54.5
- Moneyline: Utah -520/Arkansas +390
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Will Utah Control the Tempo on Offense?
Arkansas has a ton of new pieces, including some talent, on its defense, that is going to take time to gel. And it’s not clear how talented that side of the ball is, as they get their first real test of the season. Arkansas allowed 31 points or more nine times last season and is 1-17 over the last three years when allowing that many or more. And while none of that was under Silverfield, we should note that Memphis gave up 31 or more in five of the last seven games last season. Kevin McGiven and the Utah offense looked like it hasn’t missed a beat from last season, as Devon Dampier led a dominant Utah offense in the opener that threw for 269 yards and rushed for 364 yards, good for 7.4 yards per carry. Utah’s offense can set the pace of this game early, and putting Arkansas in a hole early, with a new quarterback in KJ Jackson, on the road, is going to be a tough uphill battle for the Razorbacks.
Utah vs. Arkansas Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Utah 38, Arkansas 20
This game is going to be all Utah, as the Utes are the more complete and veteran team, while also being at home in one of the more underratedly-tough places to play in college football. Utah’s running attack is going to make it a long night for Arkansas, but let’s not forget a passing game that continues to develop under Dampier, and the weapons are plentiful, with Utah State transfer Braden Pagen, who led the team with 81 receiving yards and one touchdown in Week 1, to join forces with senior Larry Simmons, Noah Bennee, Ricky Johnson and others.
Arkansas does have some strengths, possibly along the offensive line, and talent at running back with Sutton Smith (Memphis transfer), Braylen Russell and Jasper Parker (Michigan transfer) giving the new coaching staff something to work with. But they’re not going to out-Utah, Utah, especially not on the road with a relatively green quarterback in KJ Jackson.
