No. 1 Ohio State, No. 4 Texas Set for Primetime Showdown in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas — The lights will be bright, the stakes will be enormous, and two of college football’s biggest brands will collide Saturday night when No. 1 Ohio State travels to Austin to battle No. 4 Texas at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

It may only be September, but this has the atmosphere of a College Football Playoff game.

Ohio State and Texas enter the showdown coming off dominant victories. The Buckeyes dismantled Ball State 56-3 at Ohio Stadium, while the Longhorns rolled past Texas State 59-7. Now comes a much different challenge for both programs.

A year ago, Ohio State outlasted Texas 14-7 in a defensive battle at Ohio Stadium. This time, the Longhorns get the Buckeyes on their home turf, and Texas will undoubtedly be fired up for an opportunity to avenge that defeat.

While Saturday is important for both programs, the spotlight will shine especially bright on the two quarterbacks — Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Texas’ Arch Manning.

Sayin and Manning Take Center Stage

Both quarterbacks are in their second seasons and entered their college careers surrounded by enormous expectations. Neither had a perfectly smooth first year, but both now have an opportunity to show how much they have grown on one of the biggest stages of the season.

Sayin looked extremely comfortable against Ball State, completing 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns despite playing just one half. The competition increases dramatically Saturday night.

Texas will bring pressure, athleticism and a hostile environment unlike anything Sayin has experienced so far this season. His ability to remain poised, protect the football and make quick decisions could determine whether Ohio State leaves Austin with another marquee victory.

Manning carries just as much pressure on the opposite sideline.

One of the most recognizable names in college football, Manning has spent his young career dealing with enormous expectations. He showed what his right arm is capable of against Texas State, throwing for more than 300 yards and four touchdowns as the Longhorns overwhelmed the Bobcats.

But Ohio State’s defense represents a completely different test. The Buckeyes have been stingy defensively, and the biggest question for Texas may be whether the Longhorns can establish their running game. If Ohio State makes Texas one-dimensional and forces Manning to repeatedly throw against its defense, the Buckeyes could put the young quarterback in some uncomfortable situations.

The stakes are also significant for Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. Coach Sark has built Texas back into one of college football’s premier programs, but expectations in Austin extend beyond simply being competitive. Longhorn supporters want championships, and they want Texas to win games like this one.

In many ways, Sarkisian is experiencing pressure similar to what Ryan Day faced at Ohio State in 2024.

Day dealt with intense criticism and questions about whether he could win the biggest games before ultimately leading Ohio State on a championship run. Sarkisian now finds himself trying to push Texas over that same final hurdle.

A home victory over the nation’s No. 1 team would certainly send a message.

Day, meanwhile, continues to emphasize weekly improvement. Ohio State’s ultimate goal is another deep postseason run and an opportunity to bring another national championship back to Columbus, but that journey requires taking care of the opponent directly in front of them.

This week, that opponent happens to be one of the best teams in America.

Is This Jeremiah Smith’s Breakthrough Against Texas? Ohio State may also need its biggest offensive weapon to change the narrative against the Longhorns. Jeremiah Smith is one of the most dangerous players in college football, but Texas has done an impressive job limiting the star receiver in their previous meetings.

In two games against the Longhorns, Smith has totaled just seven receptions for 46 yards.

Those are stunning numbers considering Smith’s ability to take over football games.

Saturday night presents another opportunity.

If Texas once again devotes significant defensive attention to Smith, Sayin will need to take advantage of favorable matchups elsewhere. But Ohio State will undoubtedly look for ways to get No. 4 involved early and prevent the Longhorns from taking him out of the game.

A big night from Smith could completely change the complexion of this matchup.

Perhaps the most important matchup will take place away from the quarterbacks and receivers.

Ohio State’s offensive line must hold up against a talented Texas pass rush. Sayin looked outstanding when given time against Ball State, but Texas will attempt to make him uncomfortable from the opening possession. The Buckeyes cannot consistently allow free rushers or put Sayin into obvious passing situations.

Keeping the pocket clean will be critical.

The same battle exists on the other side.

Texas needs to prove it can run the football against Ohio State’s defense. If the Buckeyes control the line of scrimmage and force Manning to carry the offense through the air, Ohio State will have a chance to dictate the game defensively.

For all the attention surrounding Sayin, Manning, Smith and the other stars on the field, Saturday night could ultimately be decided by which team controls the trenches.

Ohio State enters Austin as the No. 1 team in the country, yet the Buckeyes find themselves in the unusual position of being the road underdog.

Texas has revenge on its mind. Ohio State has championship aspirations.

Manning has an opportunity to deliver a signature victory for the Longhorns, while Sayin has a chance to prove he can lead the Buckeyes into one of college football’s most intimidating environments and come home with a win.

And after Texas held Jeremiah Smith in check during their previous meetings, one of the sport’s biggest stars will be looking to finally deliver his signature performance against the Longhorns.

Two top-four teams. Two young quarterbacks. Two championship-caliber programs.

Saturday night in Austin has all the ingredients for an epic college football showdown.