Texas football enters its Week 2 matchup against Ohio State as a slight 1.5-point favorite in a high-stakes revenge rematch hosted in Austin, according to DraftKings data via Yahoo Sports. With a projected point total sitting at 47.5, the betting market anticipates a tightly contested battle between two perennial heavyweights holding top-5 rankings and national championship aspirations.
The Stakes of a Columbus Fallout
Last season, the Buckeyes handed the Longhorns a stark 14-7 defeat in Columbus, systematically locking down the Texas offense and holding them scoreless through three quarters. Texas hasn’t managed a victory against Ohio State since the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, adding historical weight to an already volatile early-season fixture.
Both programs opened their 2026 campaigns with decisive, blowout victories that did little to quiet the national hype. Texas dismantled its Interstate-35 neighbor Texas State in a 59-7 rout, fueled by veteran quarterback Arch Manning. Entering his fourth year as a senior, Manning carved up the defense for over 300 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.
Dominant Openers Set the Stage
Ohio State proved equally ruthless on opening weekend, hammering Ball State into a 56-3 submission on Saturday. Buckeye star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith terrorized the secondary, hauling in eight receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
Yet, historical ghosts do not vanish easily in college football.
What Lies Ahead in Week 2
As the countdown to kickoff ticks away, the pressure shifts squarely onto execution under the lights in Austin. Will Manning leverage his senior experience to rewrite the script against a formidable Buckeye defense, or will Ohio State extend its historical dominance over the Longhorns? Grab your coffee, settle in, and let me know how you see this elite clash playing out in the comments below.
