No. 1 Ohio State has taken a commanding halftime lead in their early season showdown against No. 4 Texas at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.
After forcing a fumble on Texas’ first possession of the game, Buckeyes kicker Connor Hawkins hit a 26-yard field goal to give Ohio State an early 3-0 lead.
On the next possession, Ohio State’s Jaylen McClain intercepted a pass that ricocheted off the body of Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman. A few plays later, Buckeyes running back Ja’Kobi Jackson scored from eight yards out to give Ohio State a 10-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
After it stopped Ohio State on fourth down deep in their own territory, the Longhorns drove the ball deep in Buckeyes territory, but were forced to settle for a field goal. Texas kicker Gianni Spetic hit from 37 yards out to make it 10-3 midway through the second quarter.
On its next possession, Hawkins hit another field goal from 30 yards out to make it 13-3 with less than two minutes remaining in the first half.
Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin hit Jeremiah Smith on a 19-yard TD pass with 10 seconds remaining to give Ohio State a 20-3 halftime lead.
Ohio State (1-0) beat Ball State last week, while Texas beat Texas State.
The Buckeyes beat the Longhorns 14-7 last season at Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (10) warms hip before an NCAA college football game against Texas in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Eric Gay – AP
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Ohio State in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Eric Gay – AP
Ohio State fans arrive for an NCAA college football game between Texas and Ohio State in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Eric Gay – AP
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day watches players warm up before an NCAA college football game against Texas in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Eric Gay – AP