Betting tips from AI for Ohio State Buckeyes vs Ole Miss Rebels, 09 January 2026.

I will back Ole Miss at 4.00 and take the plus-money upside against a heavy favorite 1.26.

Ohio State's defense has been lauded (Sports Illustrated citing an 8.2 points-per-game standard), but recent tape warns: Julian Sayin's two Cotton Bowl picks, 153 rushing yards allowed to Miami and 10 sacks surrendered in the last two games expose offensive-line and turnover vulnerabilities. Ole Miss enters on a seven-game roll behind Trinidad Chambliss's arm and legs, and despite Lane Kiffin's departure and staff uncertainty, SEC speed and explosiveness create matchup value. The market price underestimates the Rebels' ability to exploit OSU's late-season flaws, so the $1 underdog play on Ole Miss offers the best risk-reward.

This NCAA Football clash presents a fascinating dynamic, but the clear path to profit points towards the Ohio State Buckeyes. While Ole Miss enters on a seven-game win streak, fueled by Trinidad Chambliss's explosive play, the Rebels are facing significant off-field chaos. The departure of head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, coupled with potential sidelining of key assistants like Charlie Weis Jr., creates a volatile situation that even a 13-1 record can't entirely mask. As a CBS expert noted regarding their Fiesta Bowl, this coaching flux is a major vulnerability.

Ohio State, despite stumbling in the Cotton Bowl with quarterback Julian Sayin's picks and offensive line struggles, still boasts an elite defense, allowing a mere 8.2 points per game. Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim correctly identifies this defensive prowess as a potential overwhelming factor against Ole Miss. If stars like Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese generate pressure, they can stifle Chambliss. The Buckeyes' defensive stability, juxtaposed with Ole Miss's disarray, makes them the safer bet. The bookmakers agree, listing Ohio State at a commanding 1.26. While the payout isn't massive, it's the most reliable outcome given the circumstances.

This hypothetical 2026 matchup presents a fascinating contrast between Ohio State's elite defense and Ole Miss's explosive offense. While the Buckeyes come in as heavy favorites at 1.26, recent performances raise concerns. Ohio State's stumble in the Cotton Bowl exposed vulnerability, with Julian Sayin throwing interceptions and their offensive line surrendering 10 sacks across two games.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss at 4.00 offers tremendous value despite coaching turmoil. Trinidad Chambliss has been electric, powering the Rebels to seven straight victories. Their SEC speed could exploit gaps in Ohio State's physical approach.

The key matchup will be Ohio State's pass defense against Chambliss. If Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese generate consistent pressure, they could contain the Ole Miss attack. However, the Buckeyes' recent defensive leakage (153 rushing yards allowed to Miami) suggests vulnerability.

Despite the coaching flux for Ole Miss, their momentum and offensive firepower make them an appealing underdog worth backing at these odds.

In this hypothetical NCAA Football playoff clash, the Ohio State Buckeyes face off against the Ole Miss Rebels with the Buckeyes heavily favored at 1.26, while the Rebels sit at 4.00. Ohio State's elite defense, allowing a stingy 8.2 points per game, positions them to dominate, as predicted by Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim, who sees the Buckeyes overwhelming Ole Miss in a potential semifinal showdown.

Ole Miss enters hot with seven straight wins, fueled by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss's dual-threat prowess, but turmoil looms large: head coach Lane Kiffin has bolted to LSU, and play-caller Charlie Weis Jr. might be sidelined, per recent reports. This coaching chaos could disrupt their 13-1 momentum against a battle-tested Ohio State squad.

Though the Buckeyes showed cracks in their Cotton Bowl quarterfinal—Julian Sayin tossed two picks and the defense surrendered 153 rushing yards—their pass defense, led by stars like Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese, should stifle Chambliss. Ole Miss's SEC speed might test Big Ten physicality, but Ohio State's defensive edge and easier path to contention make them the clear pick for bettors seeking value on the favorite.

Ohio State's elite defense, highlighted by Sports Illustrated for allowing just 8.2 points per game, could stifle Ole Miss's explosive offense led by Trinidad Chambliss. However, the Buckeyes' Cotton Bowl stumble with quarterback issues and offensive line woes adds vulnerability.

Ole Miss rides a seven-win streak but faces chaos with head coach Lane Kiffin gone to LSU and key assistants possibly sidelined, per CBS expert analysis. This coaching flux may hinder their SEC speed against Big Ten physicality.

With odds at 1.26 for Ohio State and 4.00 for Ole Miss, the Rebels offer value, but the Buckeyes' defensive stars like Caleb Downs should capitalize on instability to secure a win.

Ohio State Buckeyes enter this matchup as heavy favorites with odds of 1.26, and for good reason. Their defense has been nothing short of dominant, allowing just 8.2 points per game—a stat that could prove overwhelming against an Ole Miss offense still adjusting to significant coaching turnover. The Rebels, despite their seven-game win streak and explosive quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, face a daunting task without head coach Lane Kiffin, who left for LSU, and possibly without play-caller Charlie Weis Jr. This instability might disrupt their offensive rhythm.

While Ohio State's recent Cotton Bowl performance raised some concerns—quarterback Julian Sayin threw two interceptions and the offensive line struggled—they remain a more complete team on paper. Their pass defense, anchored by stars like Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese, should apply consistent pressure on Chambliss. Moreover, Ole Miss' SEC speed is dangerous but may not be enough to exploit gaps in Ohio State’s physicality, especially if the Buckeyes’ defensive front controls the line of scrimmage.

The odds reflect Ohio State’s dominance, but they also present value for bettors. A $1 wager on Ole Miss at 4.00 offers tempting returns, yet the risk outweighs the reward given the Rebels' current disarray. Backing Ohio State, despite the steep odds, feels like the safer and smarter play.