Texas vs Ohio State Same-Game Parlay Picks for Big Noon Kickoff (Aug. 30)

• Check out my Texas vs Ohio State same-game parlay picks for Big Noon Kickoff today
• This is a rematch after Ohio State beat Texas (28-14) in the College Football Playoffs
• Read below for Texas vs Ohio State same-game parlay picks, paying out at +400 odds

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What an absolute treat to have a rematch of last year’s Cotton Bowl to kick things off in Week 1. In that College Football Semifinal game, Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14, securing their ticket to the National Championship game, where they eventually overcame Notre Dame 34-23. 

Both teams are led by new, inexperienced quarterbacks, but still have legitimate championship aspirations. Can the Longhorns enact revenge at The Shoe, or will the Buckeyes put them in their place once again?

Check out my Texas vs Ohio State Same-Game Parlay for the top college football matchups of Week 1.

Texas vs Ohio State Same-Game Parlay Picks

Texas vs Ohio State Same-Game Parlay Pick #1: Ohio State ML

It feels like everyone is riding the revenge angle with the underdog in this matchup, pushing the spread to a consensus +1.5 for the Longhorns.

I get it – outside of Buckeyes fans, nobody wants to see the reigning champion keep rolling. And with Archie Manning, a fan favorite and the Heisman frontrunner, there’s no better way to kick off his campaign than stealing a road win against the champs.

But that’s the catch: this will be Manning’s first career road start. That’s concerning enough, but doing it in one of the most hostile venues in college football is a major red flag.

Arch Manning talks about his mindset for his first road start: pic.twitter.com/91aD52znml

— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) August 19, 2025

On the flip side, Ohio State’s new quarterback, Julian Sayin, is even more untested, with just 12 career pass attempts heading into his first start. He’ll face what could end up being the best defense in the country.

Still, the Buckeyes aren’t short on talent – despite sending 14 players to the NFL Draft. Jeremiah Smith headlines the receiving corps, alongside Carnell Tate and Purdue transfer tight end Max Klare. The offensive line remains solid, too.

There’s also turnover on the sideline, with Ryan Day bringing in Matt Patricia to run the defense and promoting former wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to call the offense. Obviously, these aren’t inexperienced guys, and both should be able to fit in accordingly.

Caleb Downs discusses difference between Matt Patricia and Jim Knowles.

Says they are being taught more with Matt P, playing faster pic.twitter.com/i3wjcObotS

— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) August 28, 2025

Say what you want about Day – and believe me, I’ve been critical – but the guy knows how to recruit and develop quarterbacks. It shouldn’t be a shock if Sayin, a five-star from the 2024 class, manages this game efficiently.

To Day’s credit, he’s proven he can win big games. Ohio State has gone 6-0 both straight up and against the spread in its last six matchups against ranked opponents. There have certainly been some rough losses before that, but with the title-pressure monkey finally off his back and another loaded roster around him, Day should be able to execute. 

I’m not expecting a championship hangover here. The Buckeyes know the Longhorns have had this one circled since the semifinal loss, but they’ve had the entire summer to prepare just the same. I’m fading the public darling and expecting Manning to struggle in his first college road start. 

• Big Noon Parlay Pick: Buckeys ML (-120 at Caesars)

Longhorns vs Buckeyes SGP Pick #2: 1st Half Total Under 24.5 

The full-game total opened as high as 50 at some shops, but it’s already dipped to a consensus 47.5. However, rather than playing the full-game number, I’m focusing on the first-half total.

Texas could wind up having the best defense in the country. Last season, the Longhorns led the nation with 22 interceptions and allowed just 5.7 yards per pass attempt. That’s not the kind of matchup you want when you’re breaking in a new quarterback and replacing several key offensive pieces – regardless of how talented they may be. 

With 5️⃣ days until kickoff, here's the projected defensive depth chart for the Texas Longhorns via @EricNahlin pic.twitter.com/rrunruIqrI

— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) August 25, 2025

On the other side, Ohio State will have eight new defensive starters but is anchored by star safety Caleb Downs. This is also Manning’s first road start, and in a hostile environment like this, Texas may look to lean on the ground game early. That could be an issue, considering they managed just two yards per carry in last year’s semifinal against the Buckeyes. 

With two new quarterbacks and some level of uncertainty on both offenses, a sloppy, low-scoring start feels likely. I’d rather not sweat second-half adjustments or late fireworks, so I’m banking on the first half staying under. At Caesars, you can grab an alternate first-half total, so I’ll take the number above the key 24 mark and lay a little extra juice.

• Big Noon Parlay Pick: 1st Half Total Under 24.5 (-170 at Caesars)

Week 1 Same-Game Parlay Pick #3: James Peoples Anytime Touchdown Score

With TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins off to the NFL, sophomore James Peoples now gets his chance to take over the Buckeyes’ backfield.

As a freshman, Peoples logged 49 carries for 197 yards (4.0 per attempt) and two touchdowns. It was a limited sample, but he showed the traits of a reliable, top-tier running back and should be primed for a huge role this season.

While Texas has a strong defensive front, it’s worth noting that they allowed more rushing touchdowns (15) than passing scores (12) last year. And sticking with the theme of two inexperienced quarterbacks, if Ohio State finds itself in the red zone, it wouldn’t be surprising if Sayin looks shaky early and the Buckeyes lean heavier on the run game.

• SGP Pick: James Peoples Anytime TD Scorer (+115 at Caesars)