Texas Longhorns @ Ohio State Buckeyes Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 8/30/2025 12:00 PM EDT

We have your Texas Longhorns @ Ohio State Buckeyes prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Texas Longhorns hit the road to face the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Texas Longhorns @ Ohio State Buckeyes Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: Texas Longhorns (-110) at Caesars
Best Spread Odds: Ohio State Buckeyes -1.5 (-112) at DraftKings
Best Total Odds: Over 46.5 (-110) at FanDuel

Game Info

Date: 2025-08-30
Time: 12:00 PM EDT
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
TV: -

Texas Longhorns @ Ohio State Buckeyes Preview

This Week 1 showdown features two of college football's perennial powerhouses, with the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns traveling to face the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes. This highly anticipated matchup pits two teams with significant changes at key positions against each other. Texas, coming off a 13-3 season, will be led by new starting quarterback Arch Manning, who enters the season with immense hype and Heisman expectations. The Longhorns' defense, which ranked among the nation's best last season, returns significant talent and looks to continue its disruptive play. They led FBS in yards per play allowed (3.99), yards per pass attempt allowed (5.15), and EPA/play allowed (-0.033), while also leading the nation with 22 defensive interceptions.

Ohio State, the defending national champions, will also feature a new signal-caller in redshirt freshman Julian Sayin, who makes his first career start. The Buckeyes lost 14 players to the NFL Draft, including key offensive and defensive talent, and will also debut new offensive and defensive coordinators. Despite the turnover, Ohio State's defense was the top unit in the country last season, allowing just 12.9 points and 254.6 yards per game. Their ability to generate pressure and smother coverage will be tested by Manning and the Longhorns' offense. This game is expected to be a defensive battle, with both teams looking to establish their new identities early in the season.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

The all-time series between the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes is tied at 2-2. Their most recent encounter was in last season's CFP semifinals, where Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14, evening the series. Prior to that, the teams met in a home-and-home series in 2005 and 2006, and again in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. Texas secured a 25-22 victory at Ohio Stadium in 2005, while Ohio State returned the favor in 2006. Texas also won the 2009 Fiesta Bowl with a 24-21 score. Notably, neither team has won on their home field in the all-time series, a trend the Buckeyes will look to break in this matchup.

Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes Moneyline

While Texas enters this game as the No. 1 team and has seen significant betting action, the Ohio State Buckeyes at -122 on the moneyline via DraftKings presents strong value. Ohio State has an impressive 37-3 straight-up record in home games since Ryan Day took over in 2019, trailing only Alabama for the most home wins in college football. They also boast a 25-game winning streak in season openers. The Buckeyes are the defending national champions and, despite significant roster turnover, still possess elite talent, particularly on defense with players like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. While Arch Manning is a highly touted quarterback, this will be his first career road start in a hostile environment, and none of his 95 career pass attempts have come in away stadiums. Ohio State's top-ranked scoring defense from last season will pose a significant challenge for the young Longhorns' offense, especially with Texas's offensive line having only one returning starter. The Buckeyes' ability to leverage their home-field advantage and defensive prowess should give them the edge in this tightly contested opener.

Top Player Prop Picks

Arch Manning Over 236.5 Passing Yards

Texas quarterback Arch Manning's passing yards prop is set at 236.5. Despite this being his first true road start, Manning has shown a propensity to push the ball downfield, and the Longhorns' offensive scheme under Steve Sarkisian is known for its potent passing attack. In competitive games against elite competition, Sarkisian tends to lean on the passing game. Manning is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with two full years of experience in the system. Ohio State's defense, while talented, lost its defensive coordinator and a significant amount of talent from its national title squad, particularly in pressure generation. This could create opportunities for Manning to exploit. Given his aggressive play style and the offensive philosophy, Manning is poised to exceed this line. You can find the best odds for Arch Manning Over 236.5 Passing Yards at FanDuel.

Ryan Wingo Over 50.5 Receiving Yards

Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo is expected to ascend to a prominent role in the Longhorns' offense, especially with Stanford transfer Emmett Mosley potentially questionable to play. Wingo should see a significant target share, likely in the range of 8-10 targets, which is ample opportunity in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive game. His ability to contribute significantly in the passing game makes the Over 50.5 Receiving Yards a compelling pick. You can find the best odds for Ryan Wingo Over 50.5 Receiving Yards at FanDuel.

First Half Under 23.5 Total Points

While both teams possess explosive offenses, the total for this game is set at 47.5, suggesting a lower-scoring affair than typical for these high-powered programs. The First Half Under 23.5 points is a strong consideration. Both new starting quarterbacks, Arch Manning for Texas and Julian Sayin for Ohio State, are making their first starts in a high-pressure environment. There will likely be early jitters and a cautious approach from both offenses as they try to establish rhythm. Ohio State might lean on its run game early to ease Sayin into the game, and Texas will face a formidable Buckeyes defense that led FBS in scoring defense last season. This could lead to a more conservative first half before the offenses potentially open up in the second. You can find the best odds for First Half Under 23.5 Total Points at BetMGM.