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last mo.

No. 1 Ohio State Visits No. 5 Texas in Primetime Top-Five Clash

The outcome will force voters and scouts to reassess each team’s playoff outlook after soft Week 1 opponents.

Texas defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) attempts to hit the ball out of the hands of Texas State receiver Tucker Cusano (13) during the game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sep. 5, 2026 in Austin.
Sep 5, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Texas State Bobcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Both teams opened with blowouts in Week 1, as Ohio State beat Ball State 56-3 and Texas routed Texas State 59-7, but analysts say those wins do not test either defense or quarterback enough.
  • Ohio State coach Ryan Day emphasized that playing a Week 1 tune-up gave the Buckeyes a preparation and film-study edge Houston reporters say Texas lacked last year.
  • The Buckeyes travel to Austin to play on Saturday, Sept. 12, in a nationally televised night game that has College GameDay in town and unusually high ticket and viewership interest.
  • Early betting markets show a razor-close line with Texas about a 1-point favorite and an over/under near 48.5 points, reflecting expectations of a tight contest.
  • Texas will be without backup running back Derrek Cooper because of an ankle injury, and the matchup will center on the quarterback duel between Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Texas’s Arch Manning with recruiting and early-season playoff implications on the line.