Ohio State's new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is gearing up to showcase his innovative play-calling in a highly anticipated matchup against the Texas Longhorns in Week 2 of the 2026 College Football season. This marks Ohio State's first Power 4 clash of the year, and fans are eager to see how Smith's strategies will unfold.
Both teams are set to feature their second-year quarterbacks, Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Texas' Arch Manning. Despite the excitement surrounding these talented signal-callers, Vegas oddsmakers have set the over/under line at 47.5, suggesting a competitive but not overly high-scoring affair. Texas enters as a slight favorite with a -2.5 spread.
The game is expected to be a tight contest, with Smith's offensive schemes and Sayin's leadership matching up evenly against Steve Sarkisian and Manning's talents. The line reflects a coin-flip scenario, especially considering last year's 14-7 Ohio State victory when they were favored by 1.5 points. This time, with the game in Austin, Texas holds a narrow edge.
Both teams are eyeing national title contention, and fans are hoping for more offensive fireworks compared to last season's defensive battle. With a full season under their belts, Manning and Sayin are poised to unlock more of their respective playbooks.
Despite the presence of marquee quarterbacks, the odds don't predict a scoring frenzy, given the strength of both defenses. Ohio State faces the challenge of integrating new defensive talent after significant NFL departures, making this an early test of their ability to reload quickly.
Looking ahead to Week 1, Ohio State's matchup against Ball State could offer some early challenges for Smith's offense. While the Buckeyes are expected to win comfortably, the first-half spread might be worth watching, as new systems often experience growing pains. This game likely won't reveal the full extent of Smith's playbook, which will be reserved for the showdown against Texas.
Expect Ball State to hang tough in the first half, but Ohio State's depth and talent should prevail in the second half, setting the stage for a thrilling Week 2 encounter in Austin.