As two of college football’s most storied programs—No. 1 Texas and defending champion Ohio State—prepare to clash in Columbus, something remarkable has unfolded: the betting line has swung decidedly toward the Longhorns.
From Underdog to Co-Favorite (or Maybe Even Favorite)
When the betting opened, Ohio State was a 3-point favorite. Yet, heavy betting activity on Texas over the summer has loosened that gap. By Friday noon (ET), the spread had effectively shifted to a pick ’em, and at times even tilted in favor of Texas—highlighted by Circa sportsbook moving Texas to a 1-point favorite after a staggering $550,000 wager was placed on them .
The Money’s All on Texas
At ESPN BET, the public clearly favors the Longhorns—over 60% of moneyline bets, and a staggering 70% of the total money wagered so far—are on Texas . SB Nation also reports that Texas fans are overwhelmingly confident in an upset, noting that the line has narrowed from a 2.5-point opening to 1.5 points, driven by strong betting activity .
Why Bettors Are Leaning Longhorn Orange
There’s more at play than mere fandom. Betting analysts cite a combination of hype surrounding Arch Manning, perceived offensive continuity, and skepticism about Ohio State’s new coordinators and redshirt freshman QB. Meanwhile, Texas has the benefit of a stable system under Steve Sarkisian and a stout front seven that could disrupt OSU’s transition-heavy offense .
Tradition vs. Change: Lee Corso’s Final Pick
Adding emotional weight to the matchup, legendary “College GameDay” analyst Lee Corso made his final appearance this week—and capped it by donning a Buckeye headpiece, picking Ohio State over Texas in his iconic tradition .
The Stakes—Beyond the Scoreboard
Factor Implication
Betting Trends Heavy money on Texas signals confident, high-stakes support—even over expert projections.
Quarterback Hype Arch Manning brings buzz, but is relatively untested against the Buckeyes’ defense.
Tactical Variables OSU’s new schemes vs. Texas’s continuity makes this a true litmus test for early-season form.
Emotional Charge Corso’s farewell and historic pre-season ranking adds narrative gravitas to the showdown.
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Final Word
What began as a clear home-field advantage for Ohio State has evolved into one of the most balanced—and intriguing—Week 1 matchups in recent memory. Whether the betting public’s confidence in Texas is validated, or Ohio State’s experience and adjustments prevail, remains to be seen.
