Ohio State will need impact play from a handful of key players against Texas on Saturday. Here are three Buckeyes to watch against the Longhorns. 

The Buckeyes will travel to Austin, Texas this Saturday for a marquee matchup with potential playoff implications. Both teams have been preparing for this primetime clash throughout the entire offseason. Following game one, these are my three key difference makers for Ohio State to watch for this weekend.

Devin McCuin

The East Texas native played high school football just a few hours from Austin and grew up wanting to be a Longhorn. After spending three years at UTSA and amassing 1,696 yards and 16 touchdowns, Devin entered the transfer portal. This past spring, he joined an extensive transfer portal class for OSU and became the first wide receiver transfer the Buckeyes have taken in the portal.

McCuin’s potential impact became fully realized early on in fall camp with his standout performances. The quick and savvy route runner continued this against Ball State with 6 receptions, 97 yards, and a touchdown. Devin seems to have established himself as a dependable WR2, which takes pressure off of the coaching staff and the rest of the wide receiver room.

With McCuin’s ability to slice through coverages, defenses shouldn’t be able to key in on Jeremiah without having to worry about him on the other side or the slot. He also aids receivers like Brandon Inniss, who can work the middle of the field and give Sayin another option in crunch time.

Texas has a less experienced secondary than in years past when these two schools have matched up. If Devin can keep the defense honest with his skillset, it will bode well for Ohio State’s aerial attack and offense as a whole against the Longhorns. Look for him to show up and show out against his favorite childhood team.

Phillip Daniels

Daniels was not a name thrown around much during camp, as the understanding was that he had the Right Tackle spot locked up. His experience and track record, for the most part, gave Day and the staff confidence in him to do so. However, Daniels had a handful of worrisome reps against Ball State. The first of two sacks for the Cardinals resulted from Phillip getting immediately beat off the edge as QB Julian Sayin had no choice but to step up into the pocket where a free-blitzer was waiting for the sack.

The outside running game was also an issue for OSU, particularly in the first half. Setting and keeping the edge on stretch runs is an essential part of that right tackle position. In a more pro-style offense led by Arthur Smith, consistently executing runs like this is important to the overall effectiveness of the game plan. Even though OSU was able to air the ball out against Ball State, teams like Texas won’t be nearly as vulnerable to a game plan like that.

Ryan Day postgame speaking on the Ohio State running game agreed that the first half was not up to par but “that’s why you play the whole game.”

Buckeyes were much better in the second half and broke off a couple long TD runs. pic.twitter.com/uwsKipFC5H

— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) September 5, 2026

With establishing a run game early a priority and protecting Sayin a topic since last season, Daniels’ role on the line is paramount to the offense’s success. He’s been consistent and dependable in the past, even against Texas. If Phillip can study the tape and bounce back for the Buckeyes this Saturday, it would go a long way in keeping the offense on track against a talented defense.

Qua Russaw

The defense played exceptionally well against Ball State and boasted elite depth. 21 players took snaps for the silver bullets, and the young talent jumped off the screen. However, surprisingly, one player did not make an appearance. That player was Qua Russaw.

Russaw hasn’t been reported as injured or unable to perform. From what Day and the staff have said throughout camp, Qua is supposed to play an important role on the defense in the hybrid backer position, most recently occupied by Arvell Reese. Russaw also spent a vast majority of fall camp working exclusively with Larry Johnson to refine his pass rushing. With edge rushing being somewhat of a question mark aside from Kenyatta Jackson, Qua profiles as a strong candidate to answer that question.

Although it’s conjecture, the decision to hold off on playing Russaw in his new role could be a way for Ryan Day to keep his unique edge threat fresh and under the radar before Texas. Qua’s raw athleticism is apparent, and he undoubtedly has the potential to make a difference on defense right away.

If he’s able to do so, guys like Kenyatta Jackson will be able to take advantage of fewer double teams and more QB hurries. I’m looking for Qua to have a breakout performance against the Longhorns and provide OSU with a more dynamic pass rush in the process.

Ohio State faces their first major challenge of the season this Saturday. We will also learn a lot about the team as a whole and see which players have the most trust from the coaching staff. With endless playmakers on both sides, this matchup should be worth the price of admission. Who will be the next player to make a name for himself? Only time will tell.

NEXT: Read What Legend Bey’s Performance Against Ball State Means for Ohio State Going Forward