Ohio State vs Texas Prediction 9/12/2026 Today’s College Football Picks

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns meet in week 2 college football action from Mackay Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns Prediction.

Ohio State Buckeyes Recap

The Ohio State Buckeyes come into this game looking to add on to their 56-3 win over Ball State last time out to sit at 1-0 on the year. After this game, Ohio State will head home for a game against Kent State.

Buckeyes Looking For Marquee Road Win

Julian Sayin led the Buckeyes’ passing attack with 320 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 of 25 passing, while Luke Fahey added 62 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, and Tavien St. Clair added 52 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Ja’Kobi Jackson with 83 yards and a touchdown, and Bo Jackson with 83 yards and a touchdown paced the backfield, with Julian Sayin also running for a score. Jeremiah Smith dominated through the air, catching 8 passes for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Devin McCuin, Legend Bey, and Chris Henry Jr. each caught a touchdown pass as well. On defense, Riley Pettijohn logged a team-high 6 total tackles, Epi Sitanilei recorded the team’s only sack, and Tarvos Alford picked off the lone interception.

Texas Longhorns Recap

The Texas Longhorns come into this game looking to add on to their 59-7 win over Texas State last time out to sit at 1-0 this season. After this game, Texas will take on UTSA at home.

Longhorns Looking For Revenge Win At Home

Arch Manning threw for 305 yards, 4 touchdowns, and an interception on 20 of 27 passing, while Karle Lacey Jr. added 55 passing yards on 6 of 7 passing. Hollywood Smothers led the Longhorns in rushing with 70 yards on 10 carries, while Raleek Brown scored 2 rushing touchdowns and James Simon added a rushing touchdown. Ryan Wingo paced the receiving corps with 121 yards and a touchdown on 7 catches, Cam Coleman hauled in 2 touchdown passes, and Hollywood Smothers added a receiving touchdown. On defense, Jelani McDonald logged a team-high 8 total tackles, Maraad Watson recorded a sack, and Graceson Littleton scored a defensive touchdown. Rasheem Biles contributed 5 total tackles and picked off Texas’s only interception.

Ohio State Buckeyes @ Texas Longhorns Betting Trends: Week 2

Why the Texas Longhorns will win

• Texas has won each of its last 14 September home games as an AP-ranked team.
• Ohio State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six September games against AP-ranked teams.
• Texas has covered the spread in nine of its last 10 September games against AP-ranked teams.
• Texas has won the first quarter in each of its last 10 games in September.
• Texas has won the first half in each of its last 14 games in September.

Why the Ohio State Buckeyes will win

• Ohio State has won each of its last 17 games in September.
• Texas has lost each of its last three games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
• Texas has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against a top-10 AP-ranked team.
• Ohio State has covered the spread in six of its last seven games against top-5 AP-ranked teams.
• Ohio State has won the first quarter in 11 of its last 13 September games as a top-5 AP-ranked team.
• The team ranked 1st in the AP Poll has won the first half in each of its last 16 games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Ohio State’s last five road games have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Each of Texas’ last five games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.

Texas Longhorns Player Prop Facts

• Heading into Week 2, Hollywood Smothers ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.

Ohio State Buckeyes Player Prop Facts

• Julian Sayin has recorded a 120.0+ passer rating in 15 consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS.

Matchup/League Facts

• Texas ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
• Texas ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
• Ohio State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
• Ohio State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns Prediction

I’m leaning towards Texas here. It’s a double revenge spot for the Longhorns and while I kind of need both QBs to prove it to me on the big stage, I think that Texas can do enough here with a better running back room than what they had in 2025, to be able to take care of business here against Ohio State. I’ll rock with the Longhorns in this one.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Texas -1.5