Texas vs. Ohio State: Keys for Longhorns to Knock Off No. 1 Buckeyes

Texas gets its first true heavyweight test of the 2026 season Saturday night when the No. 4 Longhorns host No. 1 Ohio State at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

Steve Sarkisian’s team looked sharp in a 59-7 rout of Texas State, but beating the Buckeyes will require a much cleaner, more complete performance.

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As LonghornsWire wrote, the biggest question starts with balance.

Arch Manning was excellent in the opener, completing 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, while Ryan Wingo finished with seven catches for 121 yards and a score.

But Texas can’t turn this into a game where Manning is forced to throw 35 or 40 times. The Longhorns need enough production from Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown to keep Ohio State honest and prevent its pass rush from teeing off.

Smothers ran for 70 yards on 10 carries against Texas State, while Brown added 34 yards and two touchdowns. 

The second priority is disrupting Julian Sayin.

Ohio State’s quarterback was nearly flawless against Ball State, completing 21 of 25 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score in a 56-3 win.

Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, giving Texas a clear picture of what happens if Sayin gets comfortable. 

That puts major pressure on Colin Simmons, Lance Jackson and the Texas defensive front. The goal doesn’t have to be sacks on every series. Texas simply has to make Sayin reset his feet, move off his spot and speed up his decisions.

Then there’s the home-field advantage.

This is exactly why Texas wants games like this in Austin. A loud DKR crowd can affect Ohio State’s communication, create false starts and force the Buckeyes to burn timeouts or simplify protection calls. In a matchup this close, one or two free possessions could decide everything.

And finally, Texas may need Manning to win it late.

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These teams are talented enough that a fourth-quarter game feels likely. If that happens, Texas won’t need Manning to be perfect for four quarters. It will need him to be special for the final one.

The Longhorns have the weapons, the defense and the home crowd. Now they have to execute when the pressure is highest.