For the first time in college football history, Week 1 will feature a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup (depending on what pre-season poll you abide by), as Texas travels to Columbus to face Ohio State. The defending national champs meet the top-ranked Longhorns in what feels like a College Football Playoff game in August.
Here are five things you need to know heading into next Saturday…
1. First regular-season meeting since 2006
Ohio State and Texas haven’t squared off in the regular season since 2006, when Troy Smith and the top-ranked Buckeyes marched
into Austin and beat No. 2 Texas, 24–7. That night, Colt McCoy, making his first start for the Longhorns, threw for just 154 yards with a costly interception.
The Buckeyes would ride the win over No. 2 Texas all the way to a national title game appearance.
2. NFL factories on display
The national champion Buckeyes had 14 players drafted in 2025, tying an all-time school record. Texas, not far behind, had 12 players drafted in 2025. Last year’s Cotton Bowl was loaded with future pros, and while this rematch brings plenty of new faces, it won’t lack star power.
3. Both teams will be breaking in a new quarterback
Last year’s Cotton Bowl featured veteran quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Will Howard. This time, both teams are turning the page.
For Ohio State, five-star Julian Sayin will make his first career start after a year of seasoning under Ryan Day. On the other side, Arch Manning has two career starts (UTSA, Mississippi State), but has never faced a defense as talented as Ohio State’s.
4. Matt Patricia’s first game as a college defensive coordinator
While most football fans are familiar with Patricia’s run as the New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator, where he won two Super Bowls, Patricia has never been a college DC. Patricia’s defense gets to face off against likely the most talented offense it will face all season.
Ohio State had the No. 1 defense last season, allowing just 12.9 points per game. Patricia has high expectations to live up to, and many eyes will be on his defense in Week 1.
5. Rare air: A No. 1-ranked underdog in Week 1
While it seems antithetical, the No. 1-ranked Longhorns will walk into Columbus as underdogs. This marks the first time in college football history that the No. 1-ranked team is an underdog in Week 1.
Most sportsbooks have Ohio State as 2.5-point favorites despite their No. 3 ranking.
This matchup also marks the first time that the No. 1 and No. 2-ranked teams in the pre-season coaches poll will square off in Week 1.
