Several significant early-season matchups arrive in Week 2 of the college football season, including an anticipated clash between top-10 teams, Ohio State and Texas. The matchup could offer a glimpse of future College Football Playoff teams, with top draft prospect Arch Manning leading the Longhorns against the Buckeyes, featuring another potential top-five pick, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Game tickets are now commanding extremely high prices as fans clearly want to see the No. 1 team, Ohio State, clash with Manning and No. 4 Texas.
As of this writing, Joe Pompliano reported (via TickPick) that the average ticket price for the anticipated college football game is $822, while the lowest-priced tickets are $445. Based on those prices, fans will pay a premium to witness this game live and in person. More news: Bryce Underwood Urged to ‘Be Done’ With Michigan After Whittingham Comments In their first games of the season, both teams looked dominant, but they also faced opponents many would consider to be weaker competition.
Ohio State defeated Ball State, 56-3, behind a huge game from Jeremiah Smith. He finished with eight receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense did their part in holding Ball State to just a field goal.
Meanwhile, Manning and the Longhorns also won via a rout, blowing out the Texas State Bobcats, 59-7. Manning completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns, making his early push to claim this season's Heisman Trophy. With both teams undefeated, something will have to give when they meet in Week 2.
The two teams met last August, with neither Manning nor Sayin having an ideal performance. The Buckeyes left with a 14-7 win to start the 2025 season on the right foot, and they ultimately reached the CFP, while Manning and Texas failed to qualify. As of this report, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Longhorns as slight 1.5-point home favorites for their 2026 matchup.
However, Ohio State also looked impressive in their first game, and the top-ranked squad is likely to bring a serious test for Manning and Texas. More news: Miami HC Reveals WR Malachi Toney Underwent Major Offseason Transformation For more about college football, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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