NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Texas Longhorns vs Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview
The Texas Longhorns return to SEC action with momentum as they travel to face the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The matchup at Kroger Field in Lexington kicks off at 7:00 PM ET and airs nationally on ESPN.
Texas hasn’t visited the Bluegrass State since 1993, making this a rare meeting between two programs on different trajectories — the Longhorns climbing back into the Top 25 and Kentucky searching for stability after a slow SEC start.
Access 100+ Handicappers in One Place
Maximize Your Edge, Every Day
Texas Building Momentum After Statement Win
The Longhorns (4-2, 1-1 SEC) are coming off a commanding 23-6 victory over then-No. 6 Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. It was perhaps their most complete effort of the season, powered by a sharp defensive performance and improved poise from quarterback Arch Manning.
Manning completed 21 of 27 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, managing the game efficiently while extending plays when needed. “He’s continued to work at his craft,” coach Steve Sarkisian said. “He kept his eyes up, stayed poised, and made great third-down conversions.”
Running back Quintrevion Wisner contributed 128 total yards, while Ryan Niblett sealed the win with a 75-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter. Defensively, Texas was dominant — forcing three interceptions and five sacks while limiting Oklahoma to just 258 total yards.
This was a major turnaround from the previous week’s 29-21 loss to Florida. The Longhorns’ front seven returned to form, showing why they rank top 10 nationally in sacks and interceptions. Sarkisian emphasized that maturity and consistency are now the priorities: “It’s about what we do, not what’s said. This week is about proving our growth.”
Check the latest college football odds and totals for live market updates before kickoff.
Kentucky Looking for Reset After Bye
The Wildcats (2-3, 0-3 SEC) return from a bye week still searching for their first conference win since 2024. In their last outing, they fell 35-14 at Georgia, despite a solid effort from freshman quarterback Cutter Boley, who threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns.
Coach Mark Stoops said the bye week allowed his team to focus on self-correction. “We needed to get healthy and look at how we can put our players in better position to win,” Stoops said. “Sometimes it’s just execution — carrying things over from practice to game day.”
Kentucky has now dropped eight straight SEC games, but the Wildcats still see opportunities for progress. Running back Seth McGowan has been a bright spot, rushing for 431 yards and seven touchdowns, ranking among the conference’s most efficient red-zone scorers.
The Wildcats’ defense has talent but inconsistency, ranking in the top 10 nationally in interceptions yet struggling to contain the run. Against Georgia, they allowed 220 rushing yards and failed to generate sustained pressure. A sharper defensive performance will be essential against Texas’s balanced offense.
Dive deeper into matchup data and betting insight in the expert betting guide.
Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest college football picks, Texas opened as a 12-point favorite with a total of 42.5. The line has remained steady, reflecting confidence in the Longhorns’ defense but uncertainty around Kentucky’s offensive identity.
Current Odds:
- Texas -12.0 (-112)
- Kentucky +12.0 (-108)
- Total: 42.5 (Over -110 / Under -110)
Texas is 26-4 straight-up as a favorite in its last 30 games, while Kentucky has covered the spread in four straight games as an underdog.
Matchup Breakdown
Texas Longhorns Outlook
The Longhorns’ defensive resurgence has defined their season. They’ve allowed just 66 total points across six games and rank 27th nationally in scoring defense. Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. anchors a front seven that’s difficult to run against, holding opponents under 90 rushing yards per game.
Offensively, Arch Manning’s progress continues to be the story. With over 1,050 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, his efficiency has stabilized a unit that struggled early on. Expect Sarkisian to lean on the ground game to control tempo, particularly if C.J. Baxter Jr. is healthy enough to play.
Kentucky Wildcats Outlook
Kentucky’s offense has shown flashes but needs better execution to compete against elite defenses. Boley’s arm talent gives the Wildcats a vertical dimension, but the offensive line has struggled with protection, allowing multiple sacks in every conference game.
Defensively, Kentucky’s secondary has been opportunistic — ranking 7th nationally in interceptions — but inconsistent tackling has hurt them against high-powered SEC opponents. With home-field energy behind them, they’ll aim to contain Manning and force turnovers early.
Key Edge
Texas’ defensive front poses a major mismatch for Kentucky’s offensive line. The Wildcats allow 3.5 sacks per game, while Texas ranks 10th nationally in bringing pressure. If the Longhorns control the trenches again, this could be another low-scoring but comfortable win.
Betting Trends
- Texas is 26-4 straight-up as a favorite in its last 30 games.
- Texas is 12-3 straight-up in its last 15 road games.
- Kentucky has hit the over in four straight games as an underdog.
- Texas is 24-4 after a win in its last 28 games.
- Kentucky is 4-0 ATS in games with totals of 50 or more.
Best Bets and Prediction
Texas looks rejuvenated after its rivalry win and matches up well against a Kentucky team still finding its footing. The Wildcats’ offense will struggle against one of the nation’s most disciplined defenses, while Arch Manning continues his steady development.
Projected Score: Texas 28, Kentucky 10
Best Bet: Texas -12
Secondary Lean: Under 42.5
For full previews and weekly CFB coverage, visit ScoresAndStats College Football.
