Overview

• The matchup reprises January’s CFP semifinal that Ohio State won 28-14, with only 17 of 44 combined starters returning after 26 players from that game were drafted.
• Arch Manning makes his third career start for Texas, while Ohio State’s Julian Sayin earns his first start after winning the preseason competition.
• Betting markets have tightened from OSU -3 to as low as -1.5 at Caesars, with BetMGM listing -2.5, and bookmakers report one-way action on Texas plus strong ticket demand.
• ESPN’s College GameDay sets up in Columbus for Lee Corso’s final show, and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff airs the game with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Jenny Taft.
• Texas carries an 11-game true road winning streak into Ohio Stadium, Ohio State has won 25 straight openers, and the Buckeyes debut DC Matt Patricia with only three returning defensive starters including Caleb Downs.