College Football is preparing to kick off week one with several big matchups; however, most fans will tune into the game of the week: the Texas Longhorns vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Texas Longhorns are currently the top-ranked team in the nation, and the Buckeyes are not far behind them, sitting at number three. However, the Buckeyes are coming off an incredible season where they won their ninth college football national championship.
The Longhorns will also have to travel to Columbus to retain their top ranking, which is no easy feat. The last time the Buckeyes lost at home was in 2023 when they fell to Michigan 30-24. The loss ended a 30-game home winning streak.
Below, we will cover the two teams in more detail and discuss why online college football betting sites are giving a slight edge to the Buckeyes for the season opener.
Longhorns
Texas fans are excited to see QB Arch Manning get the helm as the season starter. After sitting two years behind Quinn Ewers, Manning is finally assuming the role of captain. Last year, the Longhorns made it all the way to the semifinals, where they lost to the Buckeyes 28-14 at the Cotton Bowl Classic.
This year, the Longhorns will be looking to avenge their 2024 campaign by delivering a loss to the Buckeyes in week one. The one thing the Longhorns have going for them is that Manning has seen the field. Last year, Manning started two games against Mississippi State and UL Monroe.
Buckeyes
The Buckeyes might be ranked number three in the polls, but they can flip that ranking in week one. However, the Buckeyes will have to do it with a new quarterback. Red-shirt freshman Julian Sayin was recently named the starter for the team.
The Buckeyes have a slight advantage on the odds boards because the game is at home. However, many analysts are also picking Texas, with Paul Finebaum claiming the Longhorns will put the Buckeyes away with ease.
Online Sportsbooks
Online football betting sites are favoring the Buckeyes, but the lines are tight. Betting on college football, especially week one, is risky as teams try to find their rhythm. Fortunately, game lines offer three ways to bet on the competition, and you don’t necessarily have to bet on who will win the contest.
Below are the current game line odds and some futures found at Bovada’s online sportsbook for this season.
Texas (#1) vs. Ohio State (#3)
- Spread, Texas: +2.0 (-110), Ohio State: -2.0 (-110)
- Win, Texas: EVEN, Ohio State: -120
- Totals, Texas: O47.5 (-110), Ohio State: U47.5 (-110)
National Championship Game Winner
- Texas (#1)+525
- Penn State (#2)+600
- Georgia (#5)+700
- Ohio State (#3)+700
- Alabama (#8)+1000
SEC Championship Game Winner
- Texas (#1)+275
- Georgia (#5)+325
- Alabama (#8)+525
- LSU (#9)+650
Big Ten Conference Championship Game Winner
- Ohio State (#3)+190
- Penn State (#2)+225
- Oregon (#7)+450
- Michigan (#14)+700
- USC+1500