Ohio State expert answers pressing questions about Buckeyes vs. Texas
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The No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes visit Austin this weekend to take on the No. 4 Texas Longhorns in the biggest non-conference matchup of the 2026 college football season. The Buckeyes and Longhorns have grown very familiar with each other over the past couple of years. This will be the third meeting between the two powerhouse programs since January of 2025.
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The game is a role reversal from last year's Week 1 contest in Columbus. Last year, it was Texas that was ranked No. 1, with the Buckeyes ranked No. 3. Texas was on the road and a rare top-ranked underdog. UT lost the game 14-7. This year, No. 1 Ohio State is also a rare top-ranked underdog, facing the No. 4 team on the road in Austin.
With this monster matchup looming, we asked our friends at Buckeyes Wire to give us their perspective on the game, the Longhorns program and what they think will be the result. We're thrilled to be joined by Phil Harrison, one of the industry's leading expert on all things Ohio State, to give us his thoughts on the game.
SEE: Longhorns expert answers questions about Ohio State-Texas
On Ohio State in 2026 compared to 2025
QUESTION: As Texas fans found out in Week 1, Ohio State had a great team last year. But the No. 2 seed in the college football playoff were upset in the quarterfinals by Miami. Do you think this Buckeyes team is better than last season?
ANSWER: Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire - I don't know about better, just different. Last year's team was driven by a historically good defense, and it feels like it leaned on that too much and didn't develop the weapons it had on offense enough during the season. This year, the offense is going to carry the team and rely on the defense -- which will still be very good -- to do enough to not allow other offenses to keep pace. There's still a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but look for the offense to be more dynamic.
Buckeyes fans perception of Texas
QUESTION: What is the perception of Texas by Ohio State fans? Is there a sense of mutual respect as another historic blue blood or is there hatred?
ANSWER: Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire - There is definitely a mutual respect. In some ways, the programs mirror each other with both being in a big city but the main ticket in town, a historical power, with a ton of resources. There was never a hatred with Texas other than maybe when Tom Herman was there, but that was more a dislike for him than the program. Ohio State fans know this is a huge challenge and know that the previous two matchups were donnybrooks and could have gone either way.
Ohio State's biggest worry about facing Texas
QUESTION: What has Ohio State fans most worried about facing the Longhorns? What are they most confident in?
ANSWER: Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire - The biggest worry would be stopping the offensive fireworks Texas has. The skill position players are great, and Arch Manning seemed to grow into more of what was expected of him at the tail end of last year. Couple that with a lot of new starters on defense, and Ohio State will have to find a way to get Texas off the field on third downs. As far as what fans are most confident about, I'd say the same. The offense's ability to move the ball with the dynamic weapons and Sayin at quarterback is going to be hard for Texas to stop on a consistent basis. I say that, but now watch this be a low-scoring game to surprise us all.
WR Jeremiah Smith's struggles against Texas
QUESTION: Even though the Buckeyes have beaten Texas twice in the last two years, WR Jeremiah Smith hasn't had a great game against UT. Do you think that changes Saturday?
ANSWER: Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire - I do think that changes, and I think it'll be because of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. He'll scheme up ways to get Smith the ball in non-traditional ways. He brings an NFL mindset of running different plays out of the same formations, and it'll be hard for Texas to know how and when he'll get the ball, and to have the right matchup set at all times.
Prediction for Ohio State vs. Texas: Who wins?
QUESTION: If you are comfortable, give us your score for the game and why?
ANSWER: Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire - It's going to be a close one, but I am going to go against being a homer here because I do think this is a talent-equated game. Both teams have so much talent on both sides of the ball, and both will make plays at times and also be frustrated at times. In the end, having the game in Austin, with the crowd and environment, will be the difference. Texas wins 24-21.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Ohio State expert answers pressing questions about Buckeyes vs. Texas