Since August 20th, the betting spread for the game has been alternating between Ohio State -1.5 and Ohio State -3 based on both the bookmaker's feelings on the game, and where current bettors have been placing their money.
Though the aforementioned reasons are "huge" when it comes to pre-game line movement, things like weather, injuries, and rivalries or team history also play into it. Seeing as this is an enormous revenge game for the Longhorns, the line has been moving more than usual for ths matchup.
Depending on the sportsbook, the line may only move once or twice before each game. This one has been moving almost non-stop since the beginning of August. As of right now, it looks like the official line is Ohio State -2.5 according the Fanduel.com, America's #1 sportsbook.
No. 1 Texas is a 2.5-point underdog to No. 3 Ohio St. for their Week 1 showdown in Columbus.
— Kyle Umlang (@kyleumlang) August 12, 2025
The Longhorns become the first top-ranked team to be an underdog in Week 1, according to ESPN Research data dating back to 1978.
What starts here changes the world#ThisIsTexas #HookEm
How crazy is that? (In reference to the tweet above).
I'm willing to bet that it's the first time in history as well, not just dating back to 1978. The thought of a higher-ranked team by more than just one spot in the AP Poll being the "underdog" in a betting spread is wild, especially since there's not much history between the two teams.
There's still a slight chance that the line could move again if the public thinks that it's a "safe" bet to take Ohio State -2.5, because that means the Buckeyes only have to win by a field goal or more. If people start hammering that number as we get closer to game time, it might bump the line out to Ohio State -3, in which case, the sportsbook might think that it'll even out the money and encourage people to take Texas +3 or Texas on the moneyline.
Regardless of line movement, this is going to be an incredibly good and most likely close game on Saturday.