Full Breakdown
Texas Favored Over Ohio State in Week 2 Rematch
9/8/2026, 3:17:20 AM
Preview of the Week 2 Showdown
The Texas Longhorns host the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second meeting of a home-and-away series that began with Ohio State’s 14-7 victory in Columbus last season and dates back to the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, the Longhorns’ most recent win over the Buckeyes. Both programs entered the 2026 season ranked in the top five of the CBS Sports power rankings, with Ohio State at No. 1 and Texas at No. 5.
Recent Performances
- Ohio State opened with a 56-3 rout of Ball State, amassing 671 total yards. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith recorded eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman Legend Bey contributed 74 yards of offense and a receiving touchdown despite a kickoff-return miscue.
- Texas posted a 59-7 victory over Texas State. Quarterback Arch Manning, a fourth-year senior, threw for 305 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Receiver Ryan Wingo added 121 yards and a touchdown on seven catches. Transfer running back Cam Coleman caught two touchdowns on three receptions.
Betting Outlook
DraftKings lists the matchup with an estimated total of 47.5 points and sets Texas as a 1.5-point favorite for the upcoming game. This modest edge reflects the Longhorns’ dominant offensive display and the perception that they can improve on last season’s loss.
Historical Context
- Last season’s meeting: Ohio State defeated Texas 14-7, holding the Longhorns scoreless through three quarters.
- Previous victories: Texas has not beaten Ohio State since the 2008 Fiesta Bowl.
Implications for Rankings
If Texas secures a win, the power-ranking gap between the two programs could narrow, potentially moving Texas higher in the top three and prompting a reassessment of Ohio State’s No. 1 status. Conversely, a Buckeyes victory would likely reinforce Ohio State’s top-rank position and maintain the existing hierarchy among the top-five teams.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The only quantitative forecast comes from DraftKings’ betting line; no alternative odds or expert projections appear in the available sources. Consequently, the extent to which analysts outside the betting market view Texas as the favorite remains unclear. Additionally, while the CBS Sports rankings place Ohio State at No. 1 and Texas at No. 5, the methodology behind these rankings is not detailed in the sources.
