College Football Picks: Ohio State vs Texas Best Bets
Ohio State and Texas meet for just the fifth time in the history of these storied programs and for the third time since 2025. Ohio State is 2-0 in the last two meetings, most recently beating Texas in last year's season opener 14-7.
Both teams have a different look this season, as many big-name defensive players have moved on to the NFL for both teams.
Ohio State will look to an experienced offense led by Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith to steady the ship for them, while an extremely talented but young defense aims to quickly settle in after losing eight starters from a year ago.
For Texas, it is a bit of a similar story: the talented offense led by Arch Manning in year two as the starter now has plenty of experience under his belt and is paired with an extremely talented wideout in Cam Coleman, who transferred over from Auburn. Texas will also be replacing much of their defense from a year ago, as they had five starters head to the NFL.
Texas returns a bit more, but as we see from these lines, it should be a tight affair as Ohio State heads to Darrel K Royal Stadium for the final bout of this home-and-home series.
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Ohio State vs Texas Betting Odds for Week 2
Spread: Ohio State +1.5 (FanDuel Sportsbook); Texas -1.5 (BetMGM)
Moneyline: Ohio State +105 (BetMGM); Texas -105 (FanDuel Sportsbook)
Total: Over 49.5 (BetMGM); Under 49.5 (FanDuel Sportsbook)
Ohio State vs Texas Betting Picks for Week 2
This game spread sits at 1.5 across the board, so no need to shop around for a line if that is what you are looking to play here. If you are an over bettor in this one, Hard Rock has a big disparity in this one, so take advantage of the extra two points off from every other book.
Ohio State vs Texas Expert Pick: Ohio State +105 (BetMGM)
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Ohio State vs Texas Predictions for Week 2
This game looks extremely evenly matched, as two experienced offenses face off against less experienced defenses. Both teams feature some of the best talent in the nation, as plenty of NFL scouts will be in attendance for this one. With little to go off of outside of one game against far inferior competition, it is hard to get a barometer for each of these teams.
Both Ohio State and Texas handled their less-than-stellar opponents rather easily, with Ohio State taking down Ball State 56-3, and Texas taking down Texas State 59-7.
The one takeaway from this game that concerns me is that the Texas defense allowed 349 total yards, including 165 rushing yards, and Texas State went 8/14 on third-down conversions. In comparison, the Ohio State defense allowed just 165 total yards, 45 rushing yards, and Ball State was just 3/14 in third-down conversions.
I may be putting a bit too much stock in last week's performance, but to me, Texas's 3rd-down and rushing defense are very concerning, especially with a new unit trying to figure out how to play together. This could be the biggest difference in the game; I think Ohio State takes this one.
Ohio State vs Texas Player Props for Saturday, September 12th
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Over 83.5 Receiving Yards (PrizePicks)
Smith is the top receiver in the nation, and after two of the worst games of his career against Texas, I think he will be looking to flip the narrative in this one. This is simply a gut check play I think the competitor in Smith will have him geared up for a big game in this one.
Cam Coleman, WR, Texas Over 57.5 Receiving Yards (Underdog)
As was stated in the game breakdown, I definitely believe the offenses are ahead of the defenses in this one. We should see a higher-scoring game than we have seen in past affairs. Coleman will more than certainly be the top target for Manning; this receiving total feels rather low.
