No. 1 Ohio State prepares to face No. 3 Texas on Friday
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 10:05 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
No. 1 Ohio State travels to Austin to face No. 3 Texas in a high-stakes nonconference game scheduled for September 12. The Buckeyes enter the matchup seeking to build on recent success, having held a combined 21-point margin in their last two meetings against the Longhorns. Ohio State offensive strategy hinges on finding secondary receiving options to complement Jeremiah Smith, who faces heavy coverage. Defensive focus remains on red-zone stability, a historical strength for the Buckeyes against Texas. Meanwhile, the Texas defense under coordinator Will Muschamp features an aggressive blitz package that pressured opponents frequently in Week 1. Julian Sayin will lead the Ohio State offense against a Texas pass rush that has shown improved protection metrics this season.
- •Ohio State holds a 21-point cumulative margin over Texas in their last two matchups.
- •Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp led a unit that blitzed 44% of dropbacks in Week 1.
- •The Buckeyes aim to replicate past success limiting Texas within the 20-yard line.
- •Arch Manning returns for Texas after being pressured on 35.6% of dropbacks against Ohio State last year.
- •Devin McCuin joins the rotation as a primary target alongside Jeremiah Smith.
- 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — How can Ohio State football beat Texas? 3 keys for Buckeyes' massive Week 2 showdown
"Ohio State heads to Texas for a high-stakes nonconference game. Here are the factors that could propel the Buckeyes to an early-season triumph.
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