Ohio State and Texas are in for a hot Saturday night in Austin, with temperatures expected to be in the upper 90s around kickoff tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC) from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Heat remains the main concern, although a small chance of showers and thunderstorms has entered the forecast around kickoff. Our Ohio State vs Texas weather report breaks down the forecast and what it could mean for the game and prediction markets.
Ohio State vs Texas weather forecast
The National Weather Service forecasts a Saturday high near 102 degrees at the stadium with afternoon heat index values reaching 109. Austin remains under a heat advisory until 7 p.m. CT, extending through the scheduled 6:30 p.m. local kickoff.
The latest hourly forecast calls for 99 degrees at 6 p.m. CT and 96 at 7 p.m., with feels-like temperatures of 107 and 103, respectively. Temperatures should fall to around 93 by 8 p.m. and 88 by 10 p.m.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms before 7 p.m. CT, followed by a slight chance of showers until 9 p.m. The hourly rain chance is 15% from 6 through 8 p.m., falling to 4% at 9 p.m. and 2% at 10 p.m. The broader evening forecast lists a 20% precipitation chance.
South to southeast winds should hold around 8 mph during the game, with occasional evening gusts reaching 18 to 20 mph. Mostly clear skies are expected overall.
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How weather could impact Ohio State vs Texas
Managing the heat is the main concern for both teams, especially if these teams exchange sustained drives in what profiles as a heavyweight fight in Week 2.
The forecast gives neither offense an obvious reason to abandon its passing game, though there should be sustained winds and occasional gusts that could affect a longer throw or field-goal attempt.
For fans attending, Texas says 19 free water stations will be available inside the stadium. Each fan may also bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle of up to one liter.
How weather could impact Ohio State vs Texas prediction markets
Kalshi currently gives Texas a 53% market-implied probability of winning, compared with 47% for Ohio State. The heat offers little reason on its own to favor either side.
The market for more than 50.5 total points shows a 51% probability. That's a contract on the teams combining for at least 51 points, with traders viewing that outcome as roughly a coin flip.
Heat could become a factor if either defense struggles to recover during long drives, but it doesn't guarantee more scoring, either. In fact, it could slow the pace of this game as both teams weather the elements.
How to watch Ohio State vs Texas
| Location | Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX |
| Date | Saturday, September 12, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT |
| TV | ABC |
