For the first time since Nov. 25, 2023, Ohio State could enter a game as an underdog this fall.
While the 2025 college football season ended last week and the 2026 season is seven months away, sportsbooks have already released some spreads for games next season. One of those games is Ohio State's showdown against Texas in Austin on Sept. 12.
The Buckeyes open as 2.5-point underdogs against the Longhorns, according to FanDuel. It could mark the first time since OSU's game against Michigan in 2023 – when Ohio State closed as a 3.5-point underdog and lost The Game, 30-24 – that the Buckeyes will be underdogs in a game.
While Ohio State lost plenty of talent from this past season, whether it be to the NFL draft or the transfer portal, the Buckeyes reloaded their roster through the transfer portal (17 players) and their 28-man recruiting class in 2026. OSU also returns the likes of Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, among many others.
Texas, meanwhile, returns the likes of Arch Manning and Colin Simmons, along with 22 players in the 2026 class and 18 acquisitions through the transfer portal.
Ohio State won last year’s matchup between the two teams, defeating Texas 14-7 in Columbus to begin the 2025 season. The Longhorns were favored in the matchup the day leading up to the season opener, but OSU closed as a 1.5-point favorite to win the game after opening as a 3-point favorite.
The Buckeyes hold a slight 3-2 edge over the Longhorns all-time, winning each of the last two games between the two programs (both of which were in 2025).
Texas has won eight straight home games. The Longhorns' last loss in Austin came against Georgia on Oct. 19, 2024.
The Week 2 game will not only likely be a top-5 matchup, but will most likely be a primetime game on ABC the night of Sept. 12.
