Betting tips from AI for Ohio State Buckeyes vs Texas A&M Aggies, 01 January 2026.

Ohio State's defense is the clearest edge here — Sports Illustrated highlights a unit allowing just 8.2 points per game and a red‑zone stinginess that converts roughly one-third of opponent trips into touchdowns. That kind of defensive ceiling, plus a 4-0 history against Texas A&M and national-title momentum, makes the Buckeyes the safer investment at 1.32.

Texas A&M is dangerous on paper and CBS called them a live underdog, but mixed form — including Miami's 10-3 shocker in College Station — exposes inconsistencies. For a $1, the low-variance play is Ohio State: the matchup favors them and the price, while steep, is justified by elite defense and matchup history.

The Ohio State Buckeyes enter this matchup as heavy favorites at 1.32, a testament to their formidable season. Their defense is truly elite, allowing a mere 8.2 points per game and boasting the nation's top ranking in yardage allowed. This unit, described by Sports Illustrated as capable of smothering opponents, also features a stingy red-zone defense that converts just one-third of opponent trips into touchdowns. History also favors the Buckeyes, holding a perfect 4-0 record against the Aggies.

While CBS Sports' Thomas Casale suggests Texas A&M is dangerously under-seeded and could be a 'live underdog' within five points, their recent performance paints a different picture. Miami stunning the Aggies with a gritty 10-3 first-round win, largely due to a sack-heavy pass rush, highlights potential vulnerabilities. Podcast analyst Brad even projects a 27-20 overtime victory for the Buckeyes over A&M, solidifying Ohio State's path to a potential national title. Given Ohio State's defensive prowess and A&M's recent struggles, the Buckeyes are poised for a decisive win.

Ohio State enters this quarterfinal matchup as a significant 1.32 favorite, and for good reason. The Buckeyes' elite defense has been suffocating opponents, allowing just 8.2 points per game while leading the nation in total yardage allowed. This defensive dominance will be the difference-maker.

While CBS Sports' Thomas Casale considers Texas A&M dangerously under-seeded and a live underdog within five points, the Aggies' offensive struggles were exposed in their previous game. Ohio State's perfect 4-0 historical record against Texas A&M adds another psychological edge.

The Buckeyes come in well-rested and prepared, with Brad's podcast analysis suggesting they're primed for a second straight national title run. Though the 3.45 odds on Texas A&M offer tempting value, Ohio State's defensive prowess in the red zone—allowing touchdowns on just one-third of opponent trips—will ultimately contain the Aggies' attack.

Expect Ohio State to control the tempo and pull away in the second half, though it may remain competitive into the fourth quarter.

The stage is set for a College Football Playoff quarterfinal thriller between the top-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies on New Year's Day. Ohio State enters as the betting favorite at 1.32, reflecting their dominance with the nation's elite defense that allows just 8.2 points per game and smothers offenses like no other. Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim highlights how this unit will stifle the Aggies, paving the way for a deep run.

Texas A&M, at 3.45, comes off a gritty but stunning 10-3 first-round loss to Miami—no, wait, they were upset by the Hurricanes in College Station, thanks to a sack-heavy pass rush that exposed vulnerabilities. CBS Sports' Thomas Casale calls them a live underdog within five points, but Ohio State's stingy red-zone defense, converting only one-third of opponent trips to touchdowns, looms large. The Buckeyes' perfect 4-0 history over the Aggies adds weight, and with a rested squad boasting the top defense in yardage allowed, they're primed to advance.

Podcast analyst Brad even forecasts a 27-20 overtime win for OSU, echoing their path to a second straight title. While A&M's seeding feels undervalued, the Buckeyes' defensive prowess tips the scales in this matchup.

Ohio State's elite defense, allowing just 8.2 points per game, makes them formidable favorites at 1.32. Sports Illustrated predicts this unit will smother Texas A&M, whose offensive woes were exposed in a 10-3 loss to Miami.

CBS Sports tags the Aggies as a live underdog, but Ohio State's 4-0 series dominance and top-ranked red-zone defense provide a crucial edge. With analysts backing the Buckeyes for a title run, they are the profitable pick.

Ohio State Buckeyes enter this matchup as heavy favorites with odds of 1.32, and for good reason. Their defense has been nothing short of spectacular, allowing just 8.2 points per game—a stat that could prove decisive against a Texas A&M offense that struggled to find rhythm in their narrow first-round escape against Miami. Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim highlights the Buckeyes' ability to smother high-caliber opponents, suggesting they're primed for a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, CBS Sports’ Thomas Casale notes that while Texas A&M is under-seeded and dangerous, Ohio State’s elite red-zone defense—converting only one-third of opponent trips into touchdowns—adds another layer of difficulty for the Aggies.

On paper, Texas A&M’s odds of 3.45 make them an enticing underdog pick, but history isn’t on their side. The Buckeyes boast a perfect 4-0 record against the Aggies, and their recent performances suggest they’ve only grown stronger. Podcast analyst Brad even envisions a gritty 27-20 overtime win for Ohio State, underscoring the team’s resilience and championship pedigree. While Texas A&M may have the potential to keep it close early, Ohio State’s combination of defensive dominance and balanced offense should ultimately prevail.

Betting $1 on Ohio State at 1.32 might not yield massive returns, but it’s a safer, more reliable wager given their consistent excellence and favorable matchups.