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Texas (0-0-0) at Ohio State (0-0-0)
- When: Aug 30 2025, 12:00 PM
- Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
- Where to watch: FOX
- Last Meeting: Ohio State 28-14, January 10th, 2025
(1) Texas vs (3) Ohio State Preview & Prediction
Spread: Ohio State 1.5
Moneyline: Ohio State -115
Total: 46.5
Texas Longhorns Betting Outlook
Texas heads into Columbus with plenty of intrigue. Last year’s semifinal loss to Ohio State still lingers, but this isn’t the same matchup. Instead of veteran Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns now lean on Arch Manning, who enters with just two career starts under his belt. Manning flashed potential with 939 yards and nine touchdowns last season, but his true test comes on the road against one of the best defenses in the country.
The Longhorns also have to replace four starters along the offensive line, which creates serious questions about how well they’ll protect Manning against Ohio State’s front seven. On the other side of the ball, Texas leans heavily on Colin Simmons, the reigning national freshman of the year. His pass rush could be a difference-maker, but Texas will need more than one standout to slow down Ohio State’s offense.
One key factor: Texas has won 11 straight true road games, showing their ability to handle hostile environments. Still, the Longhorns enter as 1.5-point underdogs, reflecting the uncertainty around their offensive line and inexperienced quarterback play.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Outlook
Ohio State isn’t defending a title, they’re chasing another one. Head coach Ryan Day has made that clear, emphasizing that this is a new roster with its own championship goals. The Buckeyes lost a significant chunk of talent to the NFL, including four defensive linemen, but they reload as well as anyone in the country.
The storyline to watch is redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, who makes his first career start. Sayin has drawn strong reviews from the coaching staff, but inexperience will be tested quickly against Texas. Luckily, he has elite weapons around him, including sophomore star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who posted 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Smith, however, struggled in last year’s meeting with Texas, registering just one catch for three yards. Expect Ohio State to make him a focal point this time.
Defensively, Ohio State boasts All-America safety Caleb Downs, arguably one of the best players in college football. He’ll be key in containing Arch Manning and forcing the Longhorns into difficult situations. Playing at home in Columbus only adds to the Buckeyes’ edge, which explains why oddsmakers have Ohio State listed as the slight favorite.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
The line has Ohio State favored by 1.5 points, with the total set at 46.5. Bovada Oddsmakers clearly expect a defensive battle rather than an offensive shootout, given the inexperienced quarterbacks and the high-end defensive talent on both sides.
Texas’ road streak is impressive, but Manning stepping into Ohio Stadium for his first high-profile start is a tall order. Ohio State’s defense, led by Caleb Downs, should create enough disruption to tilt the balance. At the same time, neither team is likely to run away on the scoreboard, making a grind-it-out style game more likely.
Final Score: Ohio State 24, Texas 20
Lean: Ohio State -1.5
Total: Under 46.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
