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Texas at Ohio State odds: Early point spread released for 2025 matchup

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/21/25•

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Steve Sarkisian, Ryan Day
Steve Sarkisian, Ryan Day (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Not too long ago, we saw Ohio State and Texas facing off at the Cotton Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal. A rematch will take place in just a few months, with the two teams opening the 2025 season with one another. Ohio State with a national championship under their belt and Texas looking for revenge.

An early point spread for the game has been released by FanDuel, favoring the home Buckeyes. Ohio State opened as a 4.5-point favorite while being -176 on the money line. Texas, on the other hand, is +146 with the game’s total being set at 51.5.

A bundle of storylines will be discussed with this game in the coming months. One of which is the roster turnover Ohio State is about to experience. Well over double-digit players will be leaving Columbus in favor of the 2025 NFL Draft. Some experts believe a record number of players from a single team could be selected from Green Bay.

It’s a testament to how talented Ohio State was during their national championship run. At the same time, a lot of inexperience will be stepping into the lineup against Texas.

But who returns will be discussed just as much with safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Arguably the two best players in college football regardless of position, Downs and Smith will be preseason All-Americans for Ohio State.

Texas has a good amount of star power coming back too, specifically on the defensive end. Linebacker Anthony Hill enters his junior season on the 40 Acres while EDGE Collin Simmons only looks to improve as a sophomore. Those two were critical for the Longhorns through the CFP run but now have an extra chip on their shoulder after the semifinal loss.

One name is going to dominate the offseason in Austin, though — Arch Manning. One of the more highly followed recruits in the modern era, Manning is finally taking over as the Texas starting quarterback. Quinn Ewers has left the program after three years and Steve Sarkisian hands the keys over to No. 16.

There might not be a better way for Manning to officially start his college football career than facing Ohio State in the Shoe. However, early on, the oddsmakers are rolling with the national champions.