For the first time in program history, the Texas Longhorns will open a season ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25—but they won’t be favored in their debut. Oddsmakers have listed No. 3 Ohio State as a 2.5-point favorite for their matchup in Columbus, marking the first time since at least 1978 that a preseason No. 1 team has been an underdog in Week 1.
The game is a rematch of last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal, where Ohio State defeated Texas 28–14. Early betting trends show significant interest in the Longhorns despite the line, with most wagers and money-line action leaning toward Texas. The matchup promises an early-season test for both teams and could have major implications for the playoff race.
