Ohio State head coach Ryan Day holds up the College Football Playoff semifinal trophy after the 28-14 win over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Jan. 10 in Arlington.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day holds up the College Football Playoff semifinal trophy after the 28-14 win over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Jan. 10 in Arlington.

Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman

Even though a handful of teams played this past Saturday, the college football season really gets going this week.

The Week 1 schedule features top-10 tussles between No. 4 Clemson against No. 9 LSU and No. 6 Notre Dame against No. 10 Miami. But all eyes will be on Ohio Stadium where Ohio State is set to host the Texas Longhorns Saturday. In the Associated Press’ preseason poll, Texas and Ohio State were respectively ranked first and third.

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This game is taking place less than 10 months after Texas and Ohio State played in the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State recorded a 28-14 victory in what was also a semifinal game in the College Football Playoff.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanOffensive linemen Connor Stroh (79) and Daniel Cruz (51) cool off during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Offensive linemen Connor Stroh (79) and Daniel Cruz (51) cool off during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive backs Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23), Graceson Littleton (29) and Wardell Mack (27) watch a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive backs Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23), Graceson Littleton (29) and Wardell Mack (27) watch a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian takes notes during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian takes notes during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Rett Andersen (35) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Rett Andersen (35) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Parker Livingstone (35) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Parker Livingstone (35) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanA running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanA running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanLinebacker Brad Spence (14) watches a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Linebacker Brad Spence (14) watches a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) chats with tight end Jack Endries (88) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) chats with tight end Jack Endries (88) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian runs across the field with the quarterbacks during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian runs across the field with the quarterbacks during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanQuarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesmanduring a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesmanduring a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Jaime Ffrench (2) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Jaime Ffrench (2) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) runs drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) runs drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanWide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas football players huddle during a practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas football players huddle during a practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Justus Terry (15) drinks water during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) drinks water during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) does drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) does drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanQuarterbacks, including Joe Tatum (18) and Arch Manning (16) run across the field during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Quarterbacks, including Joe Tatum (18) and Arch Manning (16) run across the field during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off to running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off to running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanRunning back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025. during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025. during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanRunning back Christian Clark (6) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Running back Christian Clark (6) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanPlayers including defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) run to a new drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Players including defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) run to a new drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanDefensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanRunning back Jerrick Gibson (9) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Running back Jerrick Gibson (9) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanRunning back CJ Baxter carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Running back CJ Baxter carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanQuarterback Arch Manning (16) gets ready to throw during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Quarterback Arch Manning (16) gets ready to throw during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.

Sara Diggins, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) adjusts his helmet as he speaks with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) adjusts his helmet as he speaks with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) smiles during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) smiles during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) practices hits during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) practices hits during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) run a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) run a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman (94) practice drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman (94) practice drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Joe Tatum (18) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Joe Tatum (18) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Luke Dunham (25) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Luke Dunham (25) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns edge Zina Umeozuku (9) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns edge Zina Umeozuku (9) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Bryce Chambers (48) catches a pass during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Bryce Chambers (48) catches a pass during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes to a teammate during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes to a teammate during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball forward during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball forward during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-StatesmanTexas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman

Here are five things to know about the Buckeyes:

1. Ohio State is the NCAA defending champion

After beating Texas last season, Ohio State then secured the ninth title in the program’s history with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame. Since 2000, only one team has opened its title defense with a loss. LSU was beaten by Mississippi State in its 2020 opener.

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Granted, not too many defending champions open the following season against the top-ranked team in the AP’s preseason poll. In fact, Ohio State becomes just the sixth team to face a ranked opponent in its first game after winning a national title.

• 2003: No. 2 Ohio State def. No. 17 Washington 28-9

• 2012: No. 2 Alabama def. No. 8 Michigan 41-14

• 2016: No. 1 Alabama def. No. 20 USC 52-6

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• 2021: No. 1 Alabama def. No. 14 Miami 44-13

• 2022: No. 3 Georgia def. No. 11 Oregon 49-3

2. Ohio State will have a first-time starter at quarterback

When Texas last saw Ohio State, quarterback Will Howard threw for 289 yards against the UT secondary while completing 24 of his 33 passes. A few months later, he was selected by Pittsburgh in the sixth round of the NFL draft. To replace Howard, Ohio State will turn to second-year quarterback Julian Sayin. Ohio State announced earlier this month that Sayin had beaten out junior Lincoln Kienholz for the job.

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Texas vs Ohio State: Longhorns’ Steve Sarkisian recruited new Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin

Sayin was the top-rated quarterback in the 2024 recruiting cycle. He originally signed with Alabama but transferred to Ohio State following Nick Saban’s retirement. During his first year with the Buckeyes, Sayin appeared in four games and took 27 snaps.

3. Despite NFL losses, Ohio State retained plenty of talent

NFL teams stockpiled their rosters with 14 Buckeyes at April’s draft, but the cupboards at Ohio State are not bare. Receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs both earned first-team nods on the AP’s preseason All-American team this month while tight end Max Klare was a second-team honoree. Smith and Downs were joined by linebacker Sonny Styles on the Big Ten’s 15-player preseason honor roll.

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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) looks to evade Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) in the fourth quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025.

Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) looks to evade Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) in the fourth quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

4. Defense wins championships (at least at Ohio State)

Last season, Ohio State boasted the best defense in college football. The Buckeyes ranked first among the 133 FBS-level teams in scoring defense (12.9 points per game) and total defense (254.6 yards per game). Just two teams allowed fewer passing yards on a per-game basis than Ohio State, and teams didn’t have any more luck against OSU’s No. 3 rushing defense.

Downs, who was a Thorpe Award finalist, is back. Ohio State also returns Styles, who totaled 100 tackles last season, and cornerback Davison Igbinosun, who is nearing the 40th start of a college career that also included a year at Ole Miss. Former NFL head coach Matt Patricia is the Buckeyes’ new defensive coordinator.

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Golden: Why being the underdog shouldn’t deter No. 1 Texas football at Ohio Stat

5. How often has Texas played Ohio State?

This is the fifth meeting between Texas and Ohio State, and this will also serve as a tiebreaker for this split series. Texas’ two victories over Ohio State were recorded during its 2005 championship season and the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. In addition to last season’s CFP semifinals, Ohio State topped Texas during the second week of the 2006 season in a meeting between the AP poll’s top-two teams.

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