Texas and Ohio State will meet Saturday night in one of the biggest early-season games of the 2026 college football schedule, with the No. 4 Longhorns hosting the No. 1 Buckeyes in Austin. Both programs opened the season with convincing victories, and the matchup also gives Texas another shot at a team that has beaten it in each of the past two seasons.
Texas enters after a 59-7 win over Texas State in which Arch Manning threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns. Ohio State was equally dominant in a 56-3 victory over Ball State, with Julian Sayin throwing for 320 yards and three scores. With both quarterbacks coming off strong openers, the betting market at college football sportsbooks is treating this as close to a toss-up.
Texas vs. Ohio State Betting Line
Texas is a narrow 1.5-point favorite at Bovada, with the Longhorns priced at -105 against the spread. Ohio State is getting +1.5 at -115.
Ohio State +1.5 (-115)
Texas -1.5 (-105)
Ohio State Moneyline: EVEN
Texas Moneyline: -120
Over 49.5 (-115)
Under 49.5 (-105)
The spread suggests oddsmakers see little separation between the two teams. Texas has the advantage of playing at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, but bettors backing Ohio State can take the Buckeyes with a small cushion or simply play the No. 1 team in the country at even money.
The total of 49.5 is also noteworthy after both teams scored more than 50 points in their openers. Last season’s meeting was very different, though, with Ohio State holding Texas to seven points in a 14-7 win. That makes the total a bet on whether the improved offenses can finally force a higher-scoring script.
Why Texas Can Beat Ohio State
Texas has a stronger case than it did a year ago if Manning’s Week 1 performance carries over. He completed 20 of 27 passes against Texas State and spread the ball around efficiently, while receivers Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman give the Longhorns explosive targets capable of challenging an Ohio State secondary facing a much tougher assignment than it did in the opener.
The bigger edge may be location. Ohio State is making its first road trip of the season into what should be one of the most difficult environments on its schedule, giving Texas an opportunity to force Sayin into uncomfortable third-down situations. If the Longhorns protect Manning, avoid turnovers, and finish drives with touchdowns instead of field goals, laying only 1.5 points is a manageable number.
Why Ohio State Can Beat Texas
Ohio State’s argument starts with a defense that has repeatedly made life difficult for Texas. The Buckeyes held the Longhorns to seven points in last year’s meeting and opened 2026 by limiting Ball State to only 165 total yards. That gives Ohio State a proven formula: control the line of scrimmage, prevent explosive plays, and make Manning sustain long drives.
The Buckeyes also have arguably the most dangerous individual pass catcher in the matchup. Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the opener, while Sayin looked comfortable pushing the ball downfield. Ohio State also received 83 rushing yards apiece from Bo Jackson and Ja’Kobi Jackson, giving the offense enough balance to keep Texas from focusing exclusively on Smith.
At +1.5, Ohio State does not need much margin for error. If the Buckeyes create pressure without sacrificing coverage and get Smith isolated for a few explosive plays, an outright Ohio State road win is very realistic.
Bovada Sportsbook (Sports Betting Legal Bovada Review) | CBS Sports
