One of the quirks of the Texas betting scene is the prediction markets and naturally how good the state of Texas could be at college football. While lawmakers and other politicians keep trying to come up with something for 2027, the PM arena will definitely fill the void. If one is wondering, while the offshore markets have their numbers, some prediction markets dangle the carrot well.
It has become clear that Texas will or cannot meddle much with the prediction markets. Most assumed that online betting sites are not going to be truly legal anytime soon. There was a little focus on trying to increase the age for prediction markets with the college football season about to begin. However, as of press time, nothing appears imminent with Week 0 a little over a week away.
Quite a few experts believed that prediction markets in Texas will not be an issue for the college football season. Any Supreme Court action would be later in 2027 at the earliest. Besides, the state and Attorney General appear not to be in a hurry to do much of anything.
The road remains far from easy for the Texas schools. It is murky and expected to get quite spicy as the summer transitions into fall. For bettors in the state of Texas, it is going to be quite the time from the SEC to the Big 12 and more.
The Texas schools naturally lead off with Texas. Yes, the hype is again there for the Longhorns as Arch Manning and Steve Sarkisian try to get off to a better start. Naturally, while Texas bettors cannot get a taste of the Las Vegas level, Texas has a team that bettors might be able to actually believe in.
As many keep talking, Texas expects to battle Georgia for SEC supremacy and more. Most forget the Longhorns did improve as the season went on and then dispatched on Michigan easily in the Citrus Bowl. Some think Texas really has a chance to go all the way after finishing last year 12th in the rankings.
The fact that Texas keeps coming up is encouraging. Obviously, this Texas team has been among the favorites several times over the past decade. Sarkisian surely feels the pressure and the offense surrounding Manning has improved dramatically compared to the 2025 season. While Texas is unlikely to go undefeated, a one-loss Texas team could be one to tab when it comes to the SEC title.
Again, Texas must overcome its own skeletons of years past. Georgia had to do it and maybe this is the year that the Longhorns find a way. Texas starts off with a huge clash at home in Week 2 against Ohio State. The Longhorns do not play Georgia and get Florida at home. Honestly, that 11-1 scenario going into the SEC title game is very possible. Expect Texas to be the favorite among teams from the state to have the most success.
Texas Tech still feels like it has done nothing wrong bur the consequences on the field could be something. Hey, people are not shocked that the Red Raiders remain a favorite of sorts when it comes to winning the Big 12. Again, their assessment is based simply on the perceived weakness of the conference. With various deposit methods at one’s disposal, Texas Tech might be a gateway possibility when it comes to conference/playoff aspirations.
Here lies the problem. Big 12 schools will remember what happened with Sorsby. It matters little that a different quarterback will be under center and the Red Raiders can still pile up the wins. However, can they overcome those road games? If they can, Texas Tech actually stands a chance of being undefeated heading into the college football playoff.
Fortunately, Joey McGuire inherits one of the best recruited teams period. Their defense is projected to be Top 5 in the nation. Add in that schedule as a springboard and the Red Raiders have a chance to sneak up on people. Some will ask should one wager on Texas Tech to win the National Championship? Hey, one can do that with better numbers especially via prediction markets.
Yes, what about any other Texas schools? This is something that might be a little interesting. Again, Texas A&M figures to be pretty good but most projections are pegging them for 8 or 9 wins. That would likely mean no college football playoff spot. Playing in the SEC does not help and going up against Texas, LSU, and Alabama for starters. Mike Elko boasts one of the better teams in the conference but again that gauntlet.
Now if Elko and the Aggies can find a way to spring an upset at LSU, things might get interesting. Again, what if Alabama is not quite what people are expecting? That would shorten Texas A&M’s numbers at the least. More than likely, Texas A&M just misses out on the playoffs.
One other team potentially in the mix might be SMU. The Mustangs had one of the odder seasons last year. SMU should have won 11 or 12 games but settled for 9-4 after early season defeats to Baylor and TCU. Worse, a late loss to Wake Forest might have been one of the worst defeats seen in years when it comes to college football. Rhett Lashlee and his squad could be undefeated heading to South Bend in November.
Some bettors like this team as a darkhorse but there is no room for error. Being 19th in the AP Poll is the lowest of these four Texas teams. Naturally, they have the longest numbers on prediction markets too.
