Texas favored to beat Ohio State Week 1

Texas moves from underdog to favorite ahead of a Week 1 clash with Ohio State, signaling strong betting interest.

Texas favored to beat Ohio State in Week 1

Texas opened as a 3-point underdog to Ohio State, but the line has swung toward the Longhorns. DraftKings lists Texas as a 1.5-point favorite, while most other major sportsbooks show a tight line around pick’em to a one-point edge for Texas. The kickoff is set for noon on Saturday, and bookmakers expect a big opening-week handle as fans line up to watch the matchup.

Texas began the season ranked No. 1 after a CFP semifinal loss to Ohio State, while Ohio State earned its first national title in the Ryan Day era with a win over Notre Dame. Texas features Heisman hopeful Arch Manning, while Ohio State counters with star receiver Jeremiah Smith, a top Heisman contender. The betting dynamic adds a new layer of drama before teams take the field.

The line movement shows how betting markets are shaping the season’s early narrative. A rapid swing can lift attention and push more bets, creating a feedback loop with media coverage. That dynamic matters because it tests the balance between on-field form and market sentiment.

This clash also illustrates how star power amplifies interest. Manning and Smith give fans reasons to care beyond the matchup itself, turning Week 1 into a national betting story. The downside is that big bets can outpace what happens on the field in the first game, risking overreactions that shape public perception for the next few weeks.

Highlights

Markets set the tempo for the season, not just the scoreboard.