The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 4 Texas Longhorns meet for the third consecutive season on Saturday night, this time bringing two top-five teams to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Saturday’s rematch puts Julian Sayin and Arch Manning back on opposite sidelines after Ohio State won last year’s season opener in Columbus, 14-7. Both quarterbacks return with another year of experience and opened the 2026 season with dominant performances, adding even more intrigue to Week 2’s most anticipated college football game.
Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns as Ohio State cruised past Ball State, 56-3. The Buckeyes scored 42 points in the first half and finished with 671 total yards, allowing Sayin and several other starters to rest in the second half.
Texas had a similarly comfortable start, beating Texas State 59-7 behind four touchdown passes and 305 passing yards from Manning. The Longhorns led 42-7 at halftime and 49-7 when Manning’s day ended during the third quarter.
Saturday provides a far more significant test for both quarterbacks, particularly after their meeting in Columbus last season. Manning was making his first season-opening start and completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Texas moved the ball at times but was held scoreless through three quarters as Ohio State protected its lead and came away with a seven-point victory.
That result continued Ohio State’s run of recent success against the Longhorns. The programs also met in the College Football Playoff semifinal following the 2024 season, when the Buckeyes won 28-14 at the Cotton Bowl. Jack Sawyer delivered the decisive play late in the fourth quarter, returning a Quinn Ewers fumble 83 yards for a touchdown as Texas threatened to tie the game.
This year’s matchup shifts to Austin, where Manning will have an opportunity to face Ohio State with a much deeper résumé than he carried into Columbus a year ago. Texas has also added another major target to its offense in Auburn transfer Cam Coleman, while Ryan Wingo returns as another weapon in the Longhorns’ passing game.
Ohio State counters with an offense built around Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and running back Bo Jackson. Sayin threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, while Jackson surpassed 1,000 rushing yards. Smith remains one of the country’s premier receiving threats and gives the Buckeyes a matchup problem regardless of opponent.
Saturday will be the sixth all-time meeting between Ohio State and Texas. The Buckeyes own a 3-2 advantage in the series after winning the last two, but the Longhorns return home as a slight favorite for the latest chapter.
Ohio State vs. Texas Odds
Texas has a 1.5-point edge at home for Saturday night’s top five matchup at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:
- Point Spread: Ohio State +1.5 (-110) | Texas -1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Ohio State +100 | Texas -120
- Total: Over 49.5 (-110) | Under 49.5 (-110)
Referenced odds subject to change.
Best Bet for Ohio State vs. Texas
Texas Moneyline (-120): Ohio State has controlled this matchup in each of the last two seasons, but the version of the Buckeyes arriving in Austin is different in the area that caused Texas the most trouble.
Ohio State’s defense repeatedly came up with the biggest plays in those victories, particularly when the Longhorns approached the end zone. Much of that experienced group is now gone, with seven defensive starters selected in the NFL Draft. Saturday represents the first real opportunity to see how the rebuilt unit responds against an offense capable of challenging it across the field.
Texas is also much better positioned to take advantage than it was a year ago. Manning has a full season as the starter behind him, and Steve Sarkisian added more explosiveness around his quarterback during the offseason.
The location matters, too. Ohio State has won the last two meetings at AT&T Stadium and Ohio Stadium, but the series now comes to Austin for the first time since 2006. A Saturday night kickoff at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium gives the Longhorns much-needed home-field advantage in a matchup the odds suggest is otherwise extremely close.
With a more experienced Manning, an improved collection of playmakers and Ohio State bringing a reworked defense into its first major road test, Texas has an opportunity to finally flip this matchup on its home field.
- Best Bet: Texas Moneyline (-120)
Betting Splits at Hard Rock Bet
Players at Hard Rock Bet are leaning toward the Buckeyes on the moneyline:
- Moneyline: Ohio State has drawn 63.8% of all moneyline tickets and 68.1% of the handle.
- Spread: Texas -1.5 has picked up 50.7% of the tickets, while the Buckeyes account for 64.1% of the money.
- Total: Over 49.5 has attracted 77.6% of the bets and 75.6% of the handle.
Ohio State vs. Texas Game Info
- 🏟️ Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium – Austin, Texas
- 📅 Date: Saturday, September 12
- ⏰ Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: ABC
More Ways to Bet
Looking for more ways to stay in the action? Florida players can find Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, available exclusively on Hard Rock Bet, a lineup of fast, engaging real money games you can jump into anytime while you follow your bets.
Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-833-PLAYWISE. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT. In AZ, OH, & VA, call 1-800-MY-RESET.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1‑800‑GAMBLER (CO, IL, MI, NJ, TN)
