But as Texas prepares for another marquee home game in Austin, the heat will be a major part of the story, too.

Last Saturday, more than 12 people were taken out of Texas’ home opener against Texas State because of heat, according to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, as temperatures reached 102 degrees. This week, Texas fans are facing another day of triple-digit heat, though Ohio State arrives for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff rather than last week’s 2:30 p.m. start.

The heat was visible off the field, too. A widely viewed post on X showed fans crowded into an indoor concourse at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium during last Saturday’s game.

Austin is expected to have sunny skies Saturday, with a high of 102 degrees and heat index values that could reach 109 degrees. Current National Weather Service forecasts vary slightly by location, with some Austin points reaching 103 degrees and a heat index of 111.  

Temperatures will ease slightly by kickoff, but dangerous heat will remain a concern, especially inside a stadium packed with more than 100,000 fans.

Here’s what to expect from the weather, how Saturday compares with last week’s game and how fans can stay safe in extreme heat.

Ohio State vs. Texas game day forecast

A shorter look at the day:

How heat compares with last Saturday during Texas vs. Texas State

Saturday’s forecast high is again around 102 degrees, similar to the air temperature during last Saturday’s Texas-Texas State game. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said the field temperature reached 160 degrees during that game.

The biggest difference this week is timing: Ohio State kicks off at 6:30 p.m., two hours later than last week’s 2:30 p.m. start. That means fans who arrive early for tailgating and College GameDay will still face the hottest part of the day, but conditions should be improving by kickoff.

Even the most hardcore fans have their concerns about the weather.  Here’s how fans are reacting to the Ohio State-Texas heat. 

Texas and Buckeyes fans may want to guzzle beers throughout the day, but drinking alcohol can increase the risk of dehydration in extreme heat.