A bettor in Las Vegas walked away nearly $945,000 richer after Texas erased a 20-point deficit to beat top-ranked Ohio State 24-23, cashing what was likely the largest single wager on the game.
The Longhorns and Buckeyes met in Austin in a Week 2 showdown widely seen as a test of whether Texas could hang with the nation’s No. 1 team. Bettors clearly believed they could: 79 percent of the money wagered on the moneyline at Caesars Sportsbook went to Texas before kickoff, including a $1.2 million bet placed by someone in Las Vegas.
That confidence looked misplaced early. Texas fumbled on the very first play of the game, less than 10 seconds in, when quarterback Arch Manning overthrew a wide-open Cam Coleman on what should have been an easy completion. Coleman’s diving attempt at a catch instead put the ball into the hands of Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain. A separate drop by Ryan Wingo cost Texas another likely touchdown, forcing a field goal instead. Ohio State built a 20-3 halftime lead.
The deficit grew to 23-3 with about five minutes left in the third quarter, with Texas pinned deep in its own territory. That is when the game turned.
Texas answered with a 15-play, 91-yard drive capped by a Manning-to-Wingo touchdown pass. The defense then forced a three-and-out, and the offense drove 72 yards on 13 plays to cut the margin to 23-17. Ohio State had a chance to push the lead back to two possessions but missed a 45-yard field goal, handing Texas the ball again. The Longhorns responded with a 73-yard, 12-play drive, taking the lead on a touchdown from Hollywood Smothers and the extra point from Gianni Spetic.
Ohio State’s final possession ended when a Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete, sealing Texas’ 24-23 win and a 21-unanswered-point comeback.
The payout
For the bettor who put $1.2 million on Texas at -127 odds through Caesars Sportsbook, the finish delivered a profit of $944,881.89. Caesars confirmed the win publicly, noting the Longhorns’ rally from a 23-3 deficit.
Other bettors cashed in as well. One wagered $10,000 live on Texas at +700 odds during the game and won $70,000 when the comeback held.
