Texas @ Ohio State Picks & Props

With less time to look downfield, I expect Quintrevion Wisner to see a few more targets as a dump-off option or even in the screen game. He had six catches for 42 yards against Ohio State in the CFP semifinal, and had 21+ receiving yards in six of his last nine games last season. 

With Jeremiah Smith likely facing double coverage, and Carnell Tate and Max Klare drawing added attention by the Texas defense, there will be opportunities for Brandon Inniss to get overlooked. The offensive captain will be expected to step up, and he topped this yardage mark in all three games last season in which he caught at least two passes. 

Texas left tackle Trevor Goosby's arm is in a cast, and center Cole Hutson is in a new position making his first start since 2022. This makes it more likely that Arch Manning will utilize his legs to extend and make plays, and limit his ability to hit downfield passes. 

Coaching may be the biggest decider of this contest. Steve Sarkisian has been phenomenal when given extra time to prepare for an opponent, not to mention he’s one of the best in college football at halftime adjustments. In a matchup as tight as this one, that sort of advantage cannot be overlooked. Back Texas to get the win outright.

Peoples should get the most looks in the revamped Ohio State backfield.

The Longhorns lose their top three pass-catchers, who combined for 158 receptions with 2,313 yards and 21 touchdowns. Wingo’s the top returner and should thrive with heavier utilization.

This bet was first made in June, and belief in it has not wavered. Ohio State has talented recruits complementing the best receiver and the best defensive back in the country. The Buckeyes are a stellar team. But their defense is taking a massive step back after last season's dominance, and this is a miserable opponent to face in that situation. Not to mention, first-time starting quarterback Julian Sayin should not be asked to win a shootout on Day One.

Both teams are breaking in new starting quarterbacks and feature elite defenses, meaning points will be at a premium.

Steve Sarkisian has signed four consecutive top-5 High School recruiting classes and has arguably the most talented roster in the country, making the Longhorns an appealing short underdog.

Both teams have some question marks under center. I just like Texas's questions a little better. The Arch Manning Era begins, and while we didn't see him play against much top competition last season, at the very least, we know he's a tremendous athlete. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Justin Sayin won the starting job at Ohio State. But the biggest factor here is that I believe the Texas defensive line will do a better job when it comes to pressuring the young opposing QB. So give me the Longhorns to win this epic opener.

Ohio State built its 2024 championship roster by retaining talent. Players who could have been third- or fourth-round NFL draft picks instead stayed in Columbus. However, that bill comes due quickly, as those players are now indeed in the NFL. The Buckeyes need to replace their entire backfield, an All-American left tackle and their top four defensive linemen, along with four more defensive starters. Ohio State has the talent to fill those spots, but in Week 1 against a fellow national title contender with more established pieces, the Buckeyes may be in a tough spot to start the season. The hype will be centred around Archie Manning, but Texas could dictate the outcome of this game with its backfield, a page out of Ohio State's 2024 playbook.