SEC Betting Preview: Why to Fade the Texas Hype

By Pamela Maldonado

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns are once again in the spotlight. With back-to-back playoff appearances under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have cemented their national relevance. However, the question now shifts from "Are they back?" to "Can they stay?"

The Arch Manning Era

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning is the new face of the program. Despite his pedigree and potential, Manning has only 90 career pass attempts. His limited action last season showed flashes of talent but also revealed areas needing improvement, such as decision-making under pressure.

A Challenging Schedule

Texas faces a significantly tougher schedule in 2025. The season opener against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus will be a stern test for Manning and the Longhorns. Later in the season, Texas travels to Athens to face Georgia, a team that has been nearly unbeatable at home since 2017.

Key Games:

• Ohio State Buckeyes (Season Opener): Manning's first career road start against the No. 1 defense in the country.
• Georgia Bulldogs: Georgia's depth, defensive talent, and coaching stability make them one of the toughest opponents in college football.

Betting Insights

The market has Texas listed at 10.5 wins with heavy juice to the under at -220. This suggests that despite the hype, there are significant concerns about the Longhorns' ability to navigate their challenging schedule.

Key Bets:

• Under 10.5 Wins (-220): With two near-certain losses and potential upsets, this bet holds value.
• Texas to Miss the College Football Playoff (+225): Even a 10-2 finish might not be enough in a loaded SEC.

Other Teams to Watch

Georgia Bulldogs (+360 to win SEC): Kirby Smart's program reloads with a vastly improved receiver corps and a deep, nasty defensive front.

South Carolina Gamecocks (+2200): A sleeper team with momentum from last season's six straight wins and an electric quarterback in LaNorris Sellers.

Conclusion

While the Texas Longhorns have the potential for a strong season, their challenging schedule and lack of veteran experience make them a risky bet. Fading the Longhorns on season-long markets could be a smart move for bettors.