Best College Football Player Props: Longhorns vs Buckeyes Odds and Best Passing Props Bets on August 29, 2025

The times, as Bob Dylan once sang, are a-changin'. The old college football we knew is no more. In its place is a sport that makes far more sense.

On Saturday, week one of the CFB season features a marquee matchup between two of football's most prestigious schools. The Texas Longhorns are in Columbus to face the reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.

This matchup between an SEC powerhouse and a Big 10 juggernaut is something football fans have clamored for: an early season meaningful matchup between schools with championship hopes.

It's also a rematch of last year's College Football Playoff semifinal, which OSU won 28-14 at the Cotton Bowl.

My first betting article for the College Football season has three picks for the quarterbacks and passing performances in the Texas vs OSU game scheduled for Saturday, August 30. The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports at Noon ET.

Arch Manning to throw for 250+ yards: +116

Texas football fans are finally getting what they want: a Manning in the backfield in charge of the offense. The 21-year old sophomore is the starter for the Longhorns after two years backing up Quinn Ewers.

There's a world of difference between a Manning and an Elwers

Now, football fans will get to see if the third generation of Manning's will be as successful as the previous two.

“I'm excited,” Arch said ahead of the opener against OSU. “This is what I've been waiting for. I spent two years not playing, so might as well go have fun, right?"

Fun means throwing the football: that's what a Manning does

With two Hall of Fame QB's in the family, and another Manning QB who has a pair of Super Bowl titles and may one day also be inducted in Canton, Arch has the genes to become a legend. Now is the time to start showing it.

Last season in two starts, Arch averaged 291 yards through the air

While the Buckeyes will try to pressure Manning, I think Arch will have plenty of protection from his behemoth offensive line. Texas may not win on Saturday on the road against a Big 10 power, but Manning should put up good numbers.

WAGER: Bet $100 on Manning to throw for 250 yards or more, and if he does, your wager earns $216, including your stake. These odds are from FanDuel sportsbook.

Julian Sayin to throw for at least 200 yards: -210

The Longhorns will score points against the Buckeyes, who have had trouble in recent years stopping the short passing game and running game against elite teams.

Sure, OSU allowed just 14 points against Texas in the Cotton Bowl about eight months ago. But, the Longhorns have a better QB and a stronger O-line.

If Texas scores, that means Sayin will be required to toss the football a lot in his first start in college football.

That means the 200 yards passing should be attained by the new Buckeye quarterback

If Sayin defeats the Longhorns on Saturday it will be only the second time in college football history that a quarterback has beaten a No. 1 ranked team in his first career start.

The only QB to do it? Michigan's Jim Harbaugh. Take, that Buckeyes.

WAGER: Bet $52.50 on -210 odds and if Julian Sayin passes for at least 200 yards against Texas, you win $25. That should be an easy win to pad your betting account on Week 1.

Manning to record 100+ passing yards in each half: +152

Arch Manning is the favorite to win the Heisman trophy: +700 according to futures odds from FanDuel. This kid is 6'4, chiseled, and he's quarterback royalty.

The blood that courses through Arch's veins carries oxygen that has a direct connection to Archie and Elie and Peyton. There's never been a "can't miss" like this one.

The Buckeyes have four new starters on defense

The Buckeyes are the hunted, the defending champs. The Longhorns want revenge. The New Manning will throw the football: and 100 yards passing in each half is a nice player prop, with odds that make sense.

WAGER: Bet $100 and if Arch Manning accumulates at least 100 yards passing in both the first and second half of UT/OSU, you win $152 plus your stake.