Rasheem Biles never forgot Ohio State passing on him. Now Texas’ disruptive linebacker gets a Week 2 shot at the Buckeyes with plenty of motivation in Austin.
Rasheem Biles and Texas football already had plenty riding on their Week 2 showdown with Ohio State. Now add some genuine bad blood.
Biles grew up in Pickerington, Ohio, practically in the Buckeyes’ backyard. But when he was coming out of Pickerington Central in 2023, Ohio State didn’t offer the three-star linebacker.
Pitt and West Virginia were his primary Power Four options, and Biles ultimately headed east to Pittsburgh.
Three years later, Ohio State apparently liked him a whole lot more.
By the time Biles entered the transfer portal, he had developed into one of the ACC’s most productive defensive players.
The Buckeyes were viewed as an obvious landing spot for the Columbus-area native, but Biles had no interest in a homecoming.
He hasn’t forgotten who wanted him before he became a star.
“I ain't trying to be a Buckeye,” Biles told reporters Thursday, pointing directly to Ohio State’s decision not to recruit him out of high school.
That’s the kind of quote that turns an already massive nonconference game into something a little nastier.
Biles earned that second round of recruiting attention with three highly productive seasons at Pitt.
The 6-1, 220-pound linebacker totaled 185 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three interceptions, 13 pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
He also scored four defensive touchdowns and blocked three kicks while becoming a two-time All-ACC selection.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian hasn’t exactly tried to lower expectations since Biles arrived in Austin.
Sarkisian has repeatedly called Biles a “problem,” praising his ability to create havoc as a pass rusher, linebacker and special-teams contributor.
Biles has also landed on the Butkus Award watch list heading into the 2026 season.
That versatility could make him one of the most important pieces of Texas’ defense.
And then there’s Ohio State.
The Buckeyes will visit Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Week 2 for one of college football’s biggest early-season games.
For Texas, it’s a major College Football Playoff measuring stick. For Biles, there’s an additional layer.
Ohio State once decided the hometown prospect wasn’t good enough.
Now it gets to deal with the finished product. Biles doesn’t need to manufacture motivation for this one. The Buckeyes supplied it years ago.
