Ohio State vs. Texas is one of the biggest games of the 2026 college football season, and the matchup could come down to one question: How do the Buckeyes make Texas pay for trying to stop Jeremiah Smith?

Smith enters Saturday’s showdown in Austin coming off an explosive Week 1 performance against Ball State, hauling in eight catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Texas knows it cannot let Ohio State’s superstar receiver take over the game, which could create opportunities elsewhere.

On the latest episode of Buckeye Cadence, Blake Biscardi and Grant Kincaid break down the chess match between Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian and examine how Ohio State can attack a Texas defense determined to contain Smith.

One of the biggest X-factors could be Devin McCuin, who made an immediate impact in his Ohio State debut and now returns to his home state for a matchup against the Longhorns.

The Buckeyes will also need answers in the trenches. Phillip Daniels and the offensive line face a major test against Texas. At the same time, Ohio State’s ability to establish the run could determine whether the Longhorns can consistently devote extra attention to Smith.

Defensively, Khary Wilder and Zion Grady lead the next wave of Ohio State talent that will be tested in a hostile environment. The Buckeyes will need to win their individual matchups while finding a way to slow Texas’ rushing attack.

Special teams could also play a major role, especially as Ohio State looks to address the concerns Ryan Day called a “disaster” in the kickoff return game.

Biscardi and Kincaid also dive into the coaching matchup of Arthur Smith vs. Will Muschamp, Julian Sayin’s development heading into Year Two, and the importance of situational football in a game where a handful of 1-on-1 battles could swing the outcome.

Stay locked in with The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) and follow @BlakeBiscardi and @GrantKincaid on social media for coverage, clips, and weekly picks throughout the season.