Ohio State vs. Texas Odds, Prediction, & Best Bets

The No. 3-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes will open their national title defense at home versus the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday, August 30th. The Week 1 clash will be a rematch of last year’s Cotton Bowl and an early-season litmus test for two programs that are expected to compete for a national championship in 2025. This time around, the spotlight is on two new faces under center, as both programs turn the page to a new era. 

Ohio State vs. Texas Odds

Ohio State enters as 2.5-point favorites in Columbus, Ohio in a rematch of the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Last year, the Buckeyes dismantled the Quinn Ewers-led Longhorns 28-14 to earn a berth in the CFP National Championship Game.

The total for Saturday’s top-five showdown is set at 47.5 points with the over favored at -115, indicating that this could turn into a high-scoring game.

Both programs suffered plenty of roster turnover in the offseason, including under center, where college football fans will get their first true look at Arch Manning as the unquestioned starter for Texas. 

On the other hand, Julian Sayin will get the nod after winning the Ohio State QB competition during training camp. Sayin, a consensus five-star prospect, was the top-ranked player in California and one of the best quarterback recruits in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports, On3, and ESPN.

Can Julian Sayin Outduel Arch Manning In Week 1?

Julian Sayin originally committed to Alabama before transferring to Ohio State following Nick Saban’s retirement. Last year, he had the privilege of sitting behind Will Howard and watching him lead the Buckeyes to a national title.

Sayin has all the tools that you want to see from a top recruit — a lightning-quick release, terrific arm strength, and the accuracy to fit the ball into tight windows. He also has a terrific supporting cast around him, which should help make life easier for the true sophomore. 

The Ohio State offense has a veteran offensive line, along with arguably the best wide receiver room in the country. 

Led by Heisman hopeful Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes have no shortage of weapons in the passing game. Carnell Tate, slot receiver Brandon Inniss, and tight end Max Klare give Sayin a versatile mix of targets ensuring he has options to attack every level of the defense.

Ryan Day just wants his quarterback to focus on winning the game, but in a battle of highly-touted quarterbacks, this game could come down to more than just talent.

Sayin has the odds stacked against him. Quarterbacks making their first career start versus the No.1-ranked team in the country are a combined 0-18 over the last 20 years.

Texas Defense Could Be The Difference In Season Opener

Last season, the Longhorns had one of the best defenses in the nation, ranking near the top of the country in points allowed, total defense, and passing yards allowed per game. Texas brings back nearly two-thirds of its production on the defensive side of the ball and the Longhorns defense has playmakers at all three levels. 

On the defensive line, Ethan Burke and Colin Simmons have the ability to be game-wreckers and could give Sayin nightmares in his first career start. Texas has the talent to win in the trenches and make life difficult for the Ohio State offense. 

Anthony Hill Jr. has already established himself as one of the top linebackers in the country and the Longhorns’ secondary boasts a trio of difference-makers in Jelanie McDonald, Michael Taaffe, and Derek Williams Jr., making this one of the most complete units in the country.

OSU vs. Texas Prediction & Best Bet

Winning on the road in Columbus is no easy task but it’s hard not to like Texas’ chances in this game. The Longhorns still have plenty of players on the roster that competed in last year’s CFP Semifinal loss to Ohio State, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 

The defense has already proven it can keep Jeremiah Smith in check, and if the Longhorns can replicate that success, the Buckeyes’ offense could be forced to lean heavily on their young quarterback. With Julian Sayin making his first career start against one of the nation’s most complete defenses, the edge tilts toward Texas pulling off the early-season upset. 

Look for the Arch Manning era to get off to an incredible start with a victory on the road against the defending national champs.

Best Bet: Texas ML (+106)

Prediction: Texas 31 Ohio State 24