In one of the most hyped matchups of the season, Ohio State came out on top with a hard-fought 14-7 win over #1-ranked Texas. Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin made his first official start for the Buckeyes and, while the play-calling stayed conservative, he flashed the poise and talent that made him a top-tier recruit.

Ohio State leaned heavily on the ground game and let their defense set the tone, relentlessly pressuring Heisman hopeful Arch Manning and keeping the Longhorns’ offense in check. Manning struggled to find a rhythm as the Buckeyes’ front seven consistently brought pressure and disrupted passing lanes.

Star wideout Jeremiah Smith had a quiet day due to the run-heavy approach and his dropping two passes, but Ohio State didn’t need fireworks to secure the win. While the game wasn’t a high-scoring affair, it was a showcase of elite defensive football and a big statement to start the season for Ryan Day’s squad.