Princeton Tigers vs Columbia Lions Predictions October 3, 2026
Columbia will beat Princeton 20-17, with Griffin Johnson's rushing production giving the Lions the strongest matchup advantage against a defense allowing 159.0 rushing yards per game. Princeton's defensive results point toward a close finish. Under 42.5 (-117) offers the best betting opportunity at the supplied price, although two-game samples keep confidence low. The spread is a Pass.
Princeton Tigers vs Columbia Lions prediction and best bet
Columbia has the offensive advantage entering this Ivy League opener: 477 yards per game against Princeton's 292.5. Johnson gives the Lions a productive runner to test the less impressive part of Princeton's defensive profile. The Tigers have allowed 159.0 rushing yards per game compared with 136.0 through the air. That is the clearest route to a Columbia victory.
The best bet is Under 42.5 (-117), with low confidence. Princeton's limited offensive output and strong scoring defense favor a restrained score, while Columbia's possession average suggests an ability to sustain drives. Still, the Lions have needed overtime twice. Their unbeaten record offers less reassurance about covering a short spread than it might initially suggest.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game: Princeton Tigers at Columbia Lions, 2026 college football, Saturday, October 3, at noon ET.
Venue: Robert K. Kraft Field at Wien Stadium, New York.
Broadcast: ESPN+, with Lance Medow and Shawn FitzGerald.
Records: Columbia is 2-0 after consecutive overtime wins. Princeton is 1-1. Both begin Ivy League play.
SportsJaw odds: Princeton +1.5 (-144); Columbia -1.5 (-113). Moneyline: Princeton -102; Columbia +102. Total: Over 42.5 (-138), Under 42.5 (-117). These prices make the cost of each selection part of the decision.