College Football Week 2: Kentucky vs. Alabama Prediction Markets on Kalshi and Polymarket

Alabama's first SEC game of 2026 sends the No. 12 Crimson Tide to Lexington to face a Kentucky program beginning a new era under Will Stein. Both teams handled their season openers comfortably, but Saturday's 3:30 p.m. ET meeting at Kroger Field represents a rather dramatic step up in competition. Alabama is trading at $0.77 per share to defeat Kentucky on Kalshi, with the Wildcats at $0.24 per share. Kalshi and Polymarket also offer additional prediction markets surrounding Saturday's SEC showdown. Trade $25 and get a $25 bonus here with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS :

The matchup also provides an early measuring stick for two quarterbacks coming off productive debuts. Alabama's Keelon Russell accounted for 342 total yards against East Carolina, while Kentucky's Kenny Minchey threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns against Youngstown State. Trade $25 and get a $25 bonus here with the Kalshi promo code CBSSPORTS :

Kalshi promo code details

Kalshi Welcome Bonus

50% off $50 in Trades with Bonus Credits

Kalshi Promo Code

CBSSPORTS

Minimum Deposit

$10

Available States

Available nationwide for new users to sign-up

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.

*Sports contracts currently unavailable in MI, NV and WA

Promo Eligibility

New users physically located in a state where Kalshi prediction markets operate who complete the sign-up and identity verification process

Legal Age

18+

Trade Requirement

Trade $25 on event contracts within 30 days of completing the sign-up process

Key Terms

Bonus credits must be traded through before profits can be withdrawn and expire 7 days after issuance

Last Verified

September 12, 2026

18+. Void where prohibited. Must be located in the U.S. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. New customers only. Must use eligible promo code upon sign-up. The credit expires in 30 days and cannot be withdrawn. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it's appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. See kalshi.com for additional terms and more information. Offer subject to expiry. Sports contracts currently unavailable in NV. Sports contracts currently unavailable in NV, MI & WA.

Polymarket promo code details for Polymarket US

Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS Polymarket US welcome trading bonus Deposit $10, get a $50 trading bonus States Polymarket app is available  All U.S. states (except NV), Washington D.C. and U.S. territories Polymarket US minimum age 18 years or older and have a legal U.S. residential address within a state where Polymarket operates  Polymarket US available sports NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL, NCAA football, UFC, Golf, WNBA, World Cup soccer, Champions League soccer, Major League soccer, various European soccer leagues, ATP, WTA, ITF Tennis, IPL Cricket, Esports Polymarket US regulatory body U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Last verified September 11, 2026

*Some markets on the Polymarket.com global site may not be available on the Polymarket U.S. app.

Kentucky vs. Alabama predictions

Alabama got just about everything it could have wanted from Keelon Russell's first start. The sophomore produced 342 total yards, completing 18 of 30 passes for 256 yards and adding 86 yards and a touchdown on the ground in a 48-10 win over East Carolina. Better yet, Russell didn't have to carry the entire operation. Alabama piled up 227 rushing yards, and Ryan Coleman-Williams provided the explosive element outside with five catches for 130 yards. The defense looked equally comfortable, limiting East Carolina to 162 total yards and producing a touchdown of its own on Yhonzae Pierre's interception return.

Kentucky's opener supplied plenty of reasons for optimism, too. Kenny Minchey completed 18 of 27 passes for 301 yards and four touchdowns, distributing those scores to four different receivers in Will Stein's first game as a head coach. The Wildcats produced 506 total yards in the 45-13 win over Youngstown State, including 205 on the ground, and held a dangerous rushing quarterback to just 29 net yards. That balance matters against Alabama; Kentucky probably isn't surviving Saturday by asking Minchey to throw 45 times and hoping for fireworks.

Now comes the reality check for both. Alabama's roster speed is obviously a different universe from Youngstown State, but Kentucky also represents Russell's first road start and his first SEC defense as QB1. That's enough to make the matchup more interesting than the logos suggest.

The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts Alabama 30, Kentucky 21. Kalshi prices Alabama at $0.74 per share to defeat Kentucky, while the Wildcats are trading at $0.24 per share.  Sign up for the Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS and get a $50 trading bonus after a $10 deposit here :

Responsible Risk Management

Prediction markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) — an independent agency of the U.S. federal government.

Those who need responsible gaming assistance can contact the national helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.

Event contracts trading involves a risk of substantial loss and is not suitable for all investors. Participation in prediction markets is subject to applicable eligibility requirements. Participation may be restricted or prohibited in certain jurisdictions and participants are responsible for ensuring their participation complies with applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. Prediction markets content is not intended for individuals located in jurisdictions where they are prohibited.

Add CBS Sports on Google Join the Conversation comments

_Originally reported by [CBS Sports](https://www.cbssports.com/prediction/news/kentucky-alabama-predictions-picks-kalshi-polymarket-college-football-prediction-markets-week-2/)._