Texas -120 3% play
This is the ultimate revenge spot under the lights in Austin. Ohio State knocked Texas out of the 2024 playoffs on their way to a national title, then escaped with a misleading 14-7 victory in Columbus to open last season.
Despite the score in that 2025 matchup, Texas actually outgained the Buckeyes 336-203 on their own turf—they were simply forced to play from behind. Since then, Arch Manning has matured into a premier, Heisman-caliber decision-maker. Texas tuned up for this spot by crushing a solid Texas State program 59-7 in Week 1, displaying an elite defense and an explosive offense feature-starring NC State transfer Hollywood Smothers and a loaded receiving corps.
Ohio State's 56-3 win over a cellar-dwelling Ball State team tells us nothing. What does matter is their massive offseason turnover:
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Coaching Staff Transition: Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline departed for USF, leaving Arthur Smith to work through early growing pains.
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Massive Defensive Losses: The Buckeyes lost 7 NFL Draft picks (including 3 first-rounders) and their top five tacklers from last year, returning just four defensive starters.
Expect Arch Manning to carve up an inexperienced Buckeye secondary in front of a raucous prime-time home crowd. Steve Sarkisian’s group has spent the entire offseason prepping for this moment.
The Play: Back the home crowd, the superior trenches, and the elite QB continuity. Take Texas on the Money Line.
