College football betting: How to bet Texas-Ohio State - ESPN
The Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes open the 2025 season with one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Both teams enter with College Football Playoff aspirations, but both face significant changes with new quarterbacks, rebuilt lines and, for Ohio State, an overhauled coaching staff.
Based on how these rosters match up, here's a look at how it could play out.
Editor's Note: The line has moved since this story was published, and Texas is now favored.
Texas Longhorns (-1.5) at Ohio State Buckeyes
Saturday, noon ET, Fox
Opening Line: Ohio State; -1.5, O/U 47.5
Money line: Texas (-115), Ohio State (-105)
Over/Under: 47.5 (O -115, U 105)
Arch Manning has been waiting for this moment. After two seasons behind Quinn Ewers, the Manning era officially begins, and he steps into a Steve Sarkisian offense with plenty of terrific options.
Texas finished 13th in passing offense last season but lost its top three targets in receiving yards. Depth becomes critical with Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr. returning and Stanford transfer Emmett Mosley V joining the mix. If Manning settles in quickly, this passing attack has the potential to test any defense.
The running game adds balance with Quintrevion Wisner, who quietly rushed for 1,064 yards and caught 44 passes last season. His versatility gives Sarkisian options to attack Ohio State's aggressive fronts and keep drives alive.
Defensively, Texas might hold the bigger edge. The front seven has the speed and power to control the game. Linebackers Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill Jr. combined for 17 sacks in 2024 and now face an Ohio State offensive line still adjusting under new line coach Tyler Bowen. With the Buckeyes starting freshman Julian Sayin at quarterback,