<\/p>\n
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day holds up the College Football Playoff semifinal trophy after the 28-14 win over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Jan. 10 in Arlington.<\/p>\n
Aaron E. Martinez\/American-Statesman<\/p>\n
Even though a handful of teams played this past Saturday, the college football season really gets going this week.<\/p>\n
The Week 1 schedule features top-10 tussles between No. 4 Clemson against No. 9 LSU and No. 6 Notre Dame against No. 10 Miami. But all eyes will be on Ohio Stadium where Ohio State is set to host the Texas Longhorns<\/a> Saturday. In the Associated Press’ preseason poll<\/a>, Texas and Ohio State were respectively ranked first and third.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n This game is taking place less than 10 months after Texas and Ohio State played in the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State recorded a 28-14 victory in what was also a semifinal game in the College Football Playoff<\/a>.<\/p>\n Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Offensive linemen Connor Stroh (79) and Daniel Cruz (51) cool off during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive backs Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23), Graceson Littleton (29) and Wardell Mack (27) watch a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian takes notes during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver Rett Andersen (35) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver Parker Livingstone (35) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Linebacker Brad Spence (14) watches a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) chats with tight end Jack Endries (88) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian runs across the field with the quarterbacks during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver Jaime Ffrench (2) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) runs drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas football players huddle during a practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) drinks water during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) does drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Quarterbacks, including Joe Tatum (18) and Arch Manning (16) run across the field during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off to running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025. during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Running back Christian Clark (6) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Players including defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) run to a new drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Running back Jerrick Gibson (9) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Running back CJ Baxter carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Quarterback Arch Manning (16) gets ready to throw during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) adjusts his helmet as he speaks with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) smiles during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) practices hits during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) run a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman (94) practice drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Joe Tatum (18) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Luke Dunham (25) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns edge Zina Umeozuku (9) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Bryce Chambers (48) catches a pass during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes to a teammate during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball forward during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.<\/p>\n Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n Here are five things to know about the Buckeyes:<\/p>\n 1. Ohio State is the NCAA\u00a0defending champion<\/p>\n After beating Texas last season, Ohio State then secured the ninth title in the program’s history with a 34-23 win over Notre Dame. Since 2000, only one team has opened its title defense with a loss. LSU was beaten by Mississippi State in its 2020 opener.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Granted, not too many defending champions open the following season against the top-ranked team in the AP’s preseason poll. In fact, Ohio State becomes just the sixth team to face a ranked opponent in its first game after winning a national title.<\/p>\n \u2022 2003: No. 2 Ohio State def. No. 17 Washington 28-9<\/p>\n \u2022 2012: No. 2 Alabama def. No. 8 Michigan 41-14<\/p>\n \u2022 2016: No. 1 Alabama def. No. 20 USC 52-6<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u2022 2021: No. 1 Alabama def. No. 14 Miami 44-13<\/p>\n \u2022 2022: No. 3 Georgia def. No. 11 Oregon 49-3<\/p>\n 2. Ohio State will have a first-time starter at quarterback<\/p>\n When Texas last saw Ohio State, quarterback Will Howard threw for 289 yards against the UT secondary<\/a> while completing 24 of his 33 passes. A few months later, he was selected by Pittsburgh in the sixth round of the NFL draft. To replace Howard, Ohio State will turn to second-year quarterback Julian Sayin<\/a>. Ohio State announced earlier this month that Sayin had beaten out junior Lincoln\u00a0Kienholz for the job.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Texas vs Ohio State:<\/strong> Longhorns’ Steve Sarkisian recruited new Buckeyes QB Julian Sayin<\/a><\/p>\n Sayin was the top-rated quarterback in the 2024 recruiting cycle. He originally signed with Alabama but transferred to Ohio State following Nick Saban’s retirement. During his first year with the Buckeyes, Sayin appeared in four games and took 27 snaps.<\/p>\n 3. Despite NFL losses, Ohio State retained plenty of talent<\/p>\n NFL teams stockpiled their rosters with 14 Buckeyes at April’s draft, but the cupboards at Ohio State are not bare. Receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs both earned first-team nods on the AP’s preseason All-American team this month<\/a> while tight end Max Klare was a second-team honoree.\u00a0Smith and Downs were joined by linebacker Sonny Styles on the Big Ten’s 15-player preseason honor roll.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) looks to evade Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) in the fourth quarter as the Texas Longhorns play the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 10, 2025.<\/p>\n Sara Diggins\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n 4. Defense wins championships (at least at Ohio State)<\/p>\n Last season, Ohio State boasted the best defense in college football. The Buckeyes ranked first among the 133 FBS-level teams in scoring defense (12.9 points per game) and total defense (254.6 yards per game). Just two teams allowed fewer passing yards on a per-game basis than Ohio State, and teams didn’t have any more luck against OSU’s No. 3 rushing defense.<\/p>\n Downs, who was a Thorpe Award finalist, is back. Ohio State also returns Styles, who totaled 100 tackles last season, and cornerback Davison Igbinosun, who is nearing the 40th start of a college career that also included a year at Ole Miss. Former NFL head coach\u00a0Matt Patricia is the Buckeyes’ new defensive coordinator<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n