Texas Longhorns defeat Ohio State Buckeyes 24-23: Recap, Betting Results & AiQ Picks

Sat, Sep 12, 2026 · NCAAF · Ohio State Buckeyes 23, Texas Longhorns 24

Texas defeated Ohio State 24–23, with Ohio State covering as a +2 underdog while the total fell short at 47 points against a 50.5 line.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns final score and game recap

Ohio State controlled the first half, scoring 10 points in the first quarter and 10 more in the second to reach 20–3 at halftime. Ohio State scored 3 points in the third quarter to extend the lead to 23–3. Texas scored 3 points in the second quarter and 21 points in the fourth quarter to win 24–23. The Longhorns' late surge erased what had been a commanding Buckeye advantage.

Who covered the spread in Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns?

Ohio State covered the spread as a +2 underdog despite the loss. Texas opened as a –1.5 favorite and closed at –2. The Buckeyes' one-point defeat meant they beat the closing line, while the favorite fell short.

Did Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns go over or under the total?

The game finished under 50.5 with 47 combined points. The total opened at 49.5 and rose to 50.5, yet the low-scoring affair—driven by Ohio State's early dominance and Texas's late-game explosion—stayed below the closing number by 3.5 points.

How did AiQ's Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns predictions do?

AiQ finished 1–2 across its graded picks.

The model correctly identified the winner but missed both the margin and the scoring total. Despite high confidence on the spread and total picks, the fourth-quarter Texas rally and the defensive nature of the contest contradicted expectations.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns odds: sportsbook value and line movement

At closing, the moneyline stood at Ohio State +109 and Texas –129, implying a 46% win probability for the Buckeyes and 54% for the Longhorns after removing the sportsbook's 4.2% margin. AiQ's pre-game model valued Texas at –142, a negative-expected-value price. The model liked the side but found the offered odds insufficient to justify a wager. The spread shifted half a point toward Texas, yet Ohio State's cover showed the market movement did not align with the outcome. The total's rise from 49.5 to 50.5 missed the game's defensive character.

Ohio State stands 1–1 overall, 1–0 at home and 0–1 away. In their single game with a recorded spread, the Buckeyes covered, giving them a 1–0 against-the-spread record. Their one total recorded an under, leaving them 0–1 on over/under. Texas is 2–0 overall and 2–0 at home. In their sole spread-recorded game, they failed to cover, sitting 0–1 against the spread. Their one total also went under, yielding a 0–1 over/under record. Both teams have played only two games, so early trends warrant caution.

What's next for Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns?

Ohio State hosts Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday, September 19. Texas hosts UTSA Roadrunners on the same day.