Ticket prices are surging for Ohio State football’s highly anticipated Week 2 matchup against Texas on Sept. 12 at Darrell K. Royal Stadium in Austin, Texas, creating one of the most sought-after events of the 2026 college football season.
In 2025, the Buckeyes and Longhorns met in Week 1 for a premier clash of national heavyweights. No. 2 Ohio State took down No. 1 Texas 14-7 at Ohio Stadium, according to the 2025 US LBM Coaches Poll. Defense dictated the pace of that contest, though Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin managed to throw his first career touchdown pass during the defensive struggle. Tickets for that matchup started at $378 five days prior to kickoff.
Heading into the 2026 campaign, the landscape features even higher stakes. The Buckeyes secured the preseason No. 1 ranking in the Coaches Poll for the first time since 2015, while Texas enters the season slotted in at No. 4. Both Julian Sayin and Texas quarterback Arch Manning stand among the primary favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, according to BetMGM. Manning shares the best odds alongside Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr at +750, while Sayin ranks fifth at +1100 following a stellar campaign as a Heisman finalist last year.
Resale Market Rates and Seating Costs
With massive national attention focused on Austin, secondary ticket markets are reflecting fierce demand. Lowest-priced get-in tickets for the contest range from $552 to $595 across major resale platforms. Specific listings on Vivid Seats start at $552, SeatGeek lists entries at $554, Ticketmaster offers positions starting at $562, and StubHub features lowest-tier seats starting at $595. For supporters looking for a closer view, lower bowl tickets carry a heftier price tag, stretching anywhere from $965 to well over $2,000.
Coaching narratives also add intensity to the September fixture. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day holds a 2-0 record against Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. Most notably, the Buckeyes defeated Texas in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal on their path to capturing the national championship in 2025.
The 2026 Ohio State Schedule
The journey for the top-ranked Buckeyes involves a demanding slate of games. Below is the complete schedule for Ohio State’s 2026 season, with kickoff times listed where finalized:
- Sept. 5 vs. Ball State — 12:30 p.m., Big Ten Network
- Sept. 12 at Texas — 7:30 p.m., ABC
- Sept. 19 vs. Kent State — 12 p.m., FOX
- Sept. 26 vs. Illinois — Time TBD
- Oct. 3 at Iowa — Time TBD
- Oct. 10 vs. Maryland — Time TBD
- Oct. 17 at Indiana — Time TBD
- Oct. 31 at USC — Time TBD
- Nov. 7 vs. Oregon — Time TBD
- Nov. 14 vs. Northwestern — Time TBD
- Nov. 21 at Nebraska — Time TBD
- Nov. 28 vs. Michigan — 12 p.m., FOX
As kickoff approaches on Sept. 12, ticket availability is expected to fluctuate further based on early-season performances and national rankings. Football enthusiasts planning to attend the clash in Austin should monitor authorized ticket providers for real-time price adjustments and seating availability. Share your thoughts on this top-five clash in the comments below.
