Ohio State vs Texas Prediction: It Just Means Everything
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Ohio State vs Texas always matters, and that’s even a huge understatement.
The two college football superpowers have only played five times. In 2005, the 25-22 Texas win in Columbus propelled Vince Young and the Longhorns to the national championship. In 2006, Ohio State returned the favor with a 24-7 win in Austin on the way to a perfect regular season and a national title appearance.
The 24-21 Texas win in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl was one of the best games of the season, and then there were the last two meetings.
Steve Sarkisian is now 0-2 against Ryan Day, with his team fumbling away the College Football Playoff Semifinal thriller to the eventual national champion. And last year, had the Longhorns played Ohio instead of Ohio State to start the season, they would have been in the CFP – and Miami would’ve likely been out.
As the SEC likes to say, “It Just Means More.” Ohio State vs Texas? It just means everything.
Ohio State vs Texas: Quick Hits
- The loser isn’t out of the College Football Playoff hunt by any means, but considering the committee has always taken 10-2 teams over those who go 9-3, the loser has a lot of work to do.
- Ohio State gets Kent State after this, but it still has road games against Indiana, USC, and Iowa to deal with, along with home games against Oregon, Michigan, and Illinois. It’s a far tougher schedule than last year’s.
- Texas lost last year, went 9-3, and was left out of the CFP. It plays UTSA next, but still has games away from home against Oklahoma, Tennessee, LSU, Missouri, and Texas A&M, with home dates against Ole Miss and Florida.
How To Watch Ohio State vs Texas
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
Why Ohio State Will Win
Ohio State was pinned at the one-yard line early on against Ball State. The first two runs went for minimal gains, and then, it was on.
Julian Sayin hit Devin McCuin with a laser beam for a big play. Bo Jackson gashed a first down run, followed it up with another good run, and it all set up a 48-yard touchdown pass to a covered Jeremiah Smith for what would be the winning score less than nine minutes into the game.
The Buckeyes are almost unfairly talented at the skill spots, and when they find that groove, forget it.
Defensively, the Ohio State secondary will have its issues with the Longhorn receiving corps, but the Texas running game still has to prove it – averaging 4.3 yards per carry against Texas State isn’t good enough.
Why Texas Will Win
Texas State has one of the most dangerous offensive styles of any Group of Six team. Brad Jackson is a dangerous do-it-all quarterback who’ll be a statistical star, and Texas kept him and the Bobcats under wraps, allowing just one lonely touchdown in the 59-7 win.
Texas State isn’t Ohio State offensively, but the Buckeyes weren’t rock solid up front for a full 60 minutes against Ball State. Boo hoo, the ground game averaged almost seven yards per carry, but the Buckeye line allowed a few too many plays in the backfield.
The Texas defensive front should pounce all over the Ohio State ground game from the start. And speaking of unfairly talented offensive skill parts, wide receiver Cam Coleman is a projected top ten pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
Fellow receiver Ryan Wingo, running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, and that Arch Manning guy – who might go No. 1 overall – are all next-level talents.
Ohio State vs Texas Prediction, Betting Lines
It’ll be another classic thriller between these two. Either Ohio State cements its spot at No. 1, or Texas shows that it’s the team to beat this season.
Both defenses will take their respective games up a few notches, but the superstars will shine. Texas will try to power away with the ground game early on – and it’ll stop working fast. Ohio State will try to power away with the ground game early on – and it’ll stop working fast.
Just like last year, Arch will have the ball in his hands at the end, and it’ll be up to the Ohio State defense to come up with the stop to save the day.
Ohio State 26, Texas 23
Latest Consensus Line: Texas -1.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 5
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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