Ohio State at Texas Preview

AUSTIN, Texas — College football’s spotlight shifts to Austin Saturday night as No. 1 Ohio State visits No. 4 Texas in a heavyweight nonconference showdown at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. The Buckeyes opened the season with a 56-3 demolition of Ball State, piling up 671 yards while quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns and added another score on the ground. Star receiver Jeremiah Smith immediately looked the part of one of the nation’s most dangerous weapons, catching eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, while the Ohio State defense surrendered only 165 total yards. Now Ryan Day’s team faces a considerably steeper challenge on the road against a Texas squad eager to end a two-game losing streak against the Buckeyes.

Texas was equally impressive in its opener, overwhelming Texas State 59-7 behind a sharp performance from quarterback Arch Manning. Manning passed for 305 yards and four touchdowns, Ryan Wingo collected seven receptions for 121 yards and a score, and the Longhorns showed the balance and explosiveness expected from a national championship contender. The matchup also carries a revenge element: Ohio State defeated Texas 14-7 in Columbus last season after knocking the Longhorns out of the College Football Playoff with a 28-14 semifinal victory following the 2024 season. With Sayin and Manning now more experienced and two talented defenses facing offenses loaded with NFL-caliber playmakers, Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC shapes up as an early-season measuring stick with significant College Football Playoff implications.