College Football Betting: Texas vs Ohio State Odds and Picks, Arch Manning Takes on the Defending Champs

NCAAF
August 21, 2025

Texas vs. Ohio State: A Week 1 Clash with College Football Playoff Implications

 

Get ready for gridiron fireworks as the Texas Longhorns clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday at Ohio Stadium in Columbus! This isn’t just another game; it’s a battle with national championship implications that has the college football world buzzing and bettors flocking to the lines.

With both teams entering the season ranked in the top 3, this Week 1 showdown is a prime example of why college football is the most exciting sport in America. The stakes are immense, the talent is undeniable, and the NFL betting lines are already heating up.

 

Game Background & Key Players

 

The No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns enter the season with sky-high expectations, following a 13-3 season that saw them reach the College Football Playoff semifinal. While they lost key contributors to the NFL Draft, their returning talent and coaching stability under Steve Sarkisian have them poised for another deep run.

Meanwhile, the No. 2-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off a national championship season, and they are determined to prove that the loss of key defensive players won’t slow them down.

This is a matchup of two perennial powerhouses with a short but storied history. The two teams met in a thrilling CFP semifinal in the Cotton Bowl just last season, where Ohio State emerged victorious with a 28-14 win. Texas will be looking to avenge that loss and prove they belong at the top of the college football landscape, while Ohio State aims to defend their home turf and start their title defense with a statement win.

 

Putting the Strategy on the Field

 

On the field, the game will be a star-studded affair. All eyes will be on Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who is a Heisman Trophy front-runner and is expected to lead a dynamic Longhorns offense. He’ll face a formidable Buckeyes defense anchored by unanimous All-American safety Caleb Downs, a versatile and disruptive force in the secondary.

For Ohio State’s offense, the focus will be on their new starting quarterback, Julian Sayin, who won a tight position battle and will be looking to get the ball into the hands of one of the nation’s most explosive offensive weapons, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. On the defensive side of the ball for Texas, All-American linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. will be a one-man wrecking crew, aiming to slow down the Buckeyes’ attack.

Coaching and injuries will also play a significant role. Steve Sarkisian and Ryan Day are two of the best offensive minds in the sport, and this game will be a chess match between them. Texas will be without a notable offensive tackle, Andre Cojoe, who suffered a season-ending knee injury, which could test their depth and provide an opening for Ohio State’s relentless pass rush. Ohio Stadium, known as “The Shoe,” will be packed with a raucous crowd, providing a distinct home-field advantage for the Buckeyes that could influence the outcome.

 

Odds Breakdown & Smart Betting Angles

 

For this pivotal matchup, BUSR has the Ohio State Buckeyes as -2 point favorites (-135 Moneyline), with the Texas Longhorns at +2 points (+102 Moneyline), and the over/under projected at 48 points.

This is a classic “sharps vs. the public” scenario. Despite being ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls, Texas is a slight road underdog, reflecting the oddsmakers’ respect for Ohio State’s home-field advantage and talent. The line has seen some movement in favor of Texas, indicating heavy public money on the Longhorns to cover the spread, which can sometimes signal value on the opposing side for sharp bettors.

Given the elite defensive talent on both sides, Ohio State’s defense led the nation last year, and Texas returns several All-Americans, the under at 48 points presents excellent value. Both teams will likely rely on their defenses and running games to control the pace, leading to a lower-scoring affair. A $100 bet on the under 48 points at BUSR would net you a profit of $90.91 if the final score is 47 points or less, plus your original stake back.

 

How & Where to Bet NCAA Football Online

 

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Don’t Miss Your Chance to Bet on College Football with BUSR

 

As game day approaches, the anticipation for this epic Texas vs. Ohio State showdown is palpable, offering numerous thrilling betting opportunities. From the point spread to the player props, every angle presents a chance for a winning wager. Don’t just watch the action unfold; be a part of it! Head over to BUSR now to make your picks and elevate your college football experience to a whole new level.

 

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