The college football season is right around the corner, and for these two legitimate National Championship contenders, there's no easing themselves into the mix.
The 2025 season opens with a certified Game of the Century: No. 1 Texas vs. No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus, and there are storylines aplenty.
Arch Manning. The Buckeyes' quest to defend their title. A clash of bluebloods with playoff implications before September even starts.
The college football odds see the Buckeyes as early favorites at home, but with Manning under center and Texas looking for revenge, I don’t expect that number to stay still for long.
Ohio State vs Texas odds
This line opened up with the Buckeyes laying -3, but has since been bet down slightly to -2.5. For those of you who know football, that's a big move, as it gets under the key number of three, and a potential push could turn into a win if you favor the hosts. With the uncertainty surrounding both teams' QBs, I believe the public will fall for the Arch Manning hype and push this game closer to a pick'em at kick-off.
Ohio State vs Texas storylines
Ohio State's QB battle: Who will lead the Buckeyes into the fire?
The defending national champs return plenty of firepower, except at the most important position on the field.
With Will Howard now in the NFL, Ohio State enters Week 1 against No. 1 Texas still searching for its starting quarterback. Sophomore Julian Sayin and junior Lincoln Kienholz are locked in a battle for the job, but neither has meaningful experience.
Sayin completed just 5 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in limited 2024 action, while Kienholz — who didn’t play last season — was 10-for-22 for 111 yards back in 2023.
Ryan Day hasn’t tipped his hand, and likely won’t until just before kickoff. Regardless of who gets the nod, he’ll have elite weapons at his disposal, headlined by sophomore superstar Jeremiah Smith at wide receiver.
All eyes on Arch: The face of Texas football takes center stage
To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man, and Arch Manning is stepping into that spotlight from the opening whistle.
All eyes are on the sophomore quarterback as he takes over the reins of a Texas team ranked No. 1 in the nation and loaded with sky-high expectations. The name alone brings pressure, but Manning’s not just a legacy. He’s the early Heisman Trophy favorite and the engine behind a team sitting atop the National Championship odds.
With a stacked offense and a defense that returns most of its core, Texas has the pieces to make another deep run. Now it’s on Arch to deliver.
He’s got the arm. He’s got the pedigree. He’s got the platform. And if he can lead the Longhorns to a season opener win in Columbus, the conversation won’t be about whether he can handle the moment — it’ll be about whether anyone can stop him.
Ohio State vs Texas prediction
There is no shortage of storylines coming into this massive Week 1 showdown, but none are bigger than that of the quarterback uncertainty.
For Ohio State, you have two guys who have a combined 34 pass attempts over the last two seasons. Regardless of how many weapons you have around them, the game speeds up, and the lack of experience is something I can't overlook.
With that said, I'm not rushing to bet Texas for a similar reason. Arch Manning has the potential. Will it translate? It should, but The Shoe is a tough place to play for even the most experienced players.
With two veteran head coaches leading the way, I look for them to slow the game down and put their QBs in a position to succeed, rather than have them go out and win the game on their own.
I expect a more conservative approach from both sides, and I truly believe a close, low-scoring loss for either team would serve them well in the grand scheme of the College Football Playoffs.
My Pick: Under 48.5 (-110 at bet365)
Game of the Century history
| Year | No. 1 Team | Score | No. 2 Team | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Georgia | 27–13 | Tennessee | Athens, GA |
| 2012 | Alabama | 21–17 | LSU | Baton Rouge, LA |
| 2011 | LSU | 9–6 (OT) | Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL |
| 2006 | Ohio State | 42–39 | Michigan | Columbus, OH |
| 2005 | USC | 34–38 | Texas | Pasadena, CA |
| 1996 | Florida | 52–20 | Florida State | New Orleans, LA |
| 1993 | Florida State | 31–24 | Notre Dame | South Bend, IN |
| 1991 | Florida State | 14–17 | Miami (FL) | Tallahassee, FL |
| 1987 | Oklahoma | 20–26 | Miami (FL) | Miami, FL |
| 1986 | Miami (FL) | 23–45 | Penn State | Tempe, AZ |
| 1971 | Nebraska | 35–31 | Oklahoma | Norman, OK |
| 1969 | Texas | 15–14 | Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR |
| 1966 | Notre Dame | 10–10 (tie) | Michigan State | East Lansing, MI |
| 1945 | Army | 32–13 | Navy | Philadelphia, PA |
🧠 Notes:
- Some years (e.g. 1996, 2005, 2011) featured these matchups in the BCS Championship or major bowls.
- The 1966 Notre Dame vs. Michigan State tie remains infamous, with Notre Dame running out the clock to secure the national title.
- The 2005 Texas vs. USC Rose Bowl is often considered the greatest college football game ever.
- 2022 Georgia vs. Tennessee was dubbed the "Game of the Year" due to both teams being undefeated, and Georgia proving its dominance en route to another national title.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
