The battle in the trenches, cornerbacks stepping up, and getting the best player in college football involved will determine the outcome of Ohio State vs. Texas. 

Ohio State and Texas will meet for the third straight season Saturday in Austin, with the No. 1 Buckeyes facing the No. 4 Longhorns in one of the biggest games of the early college football season.

All five meetings between the programs have featured two teams ranked inside the Top 10, and the latest chapter is no different. For Ohio State, three areas could determine whether it leaves Austin with a win: the trenches, Jeremiah Smith’s impact, and Jermaine Mathews’ ability to hold up against Texas’ receivers.

Win the Trenches

Winning the trenches is more than protecting the quarterback and rushing the passer. It also includes being efficient and effective in the run game. To win big games, teams must run the ball and stop the run. For Ohio State, that is something it has struggled to do in matchup games, and it must execute it to win in Austin.

The Buckeyes averaged 2.2 yards per carry against Indiana and 1.9 yards per carry in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal vs. Miami. In the first half against Ball State, the rushing woes continued as the team totaled 2.1 yards per carry. However, the second half saw more life and better blocking up front. Ohio State finished with 237 rushing yards on 35 carries, an impressive 6.8 yards per carry after averaging just 2.1 yards per carry in the first half.

How much of the early struggles were legitimate red flags, and how much can be corrected against Texas? Ryan Day said earlier this week that they are keeping their options open up front. Phillip Daniels struggled early in the game, but looked better as the game went on. Still, the early struggles remain a concern for the Buckeyes.

Furthermore, Austin Siereveld is a four-position player, giving Tyler Bowen multiple avenues for starting combinations or substitutions on Saturday. Ryan Day said the Buckeyes are focused on what gives them the best chance to win the game right now, and then they can discuss long-term plans.

Whether it’s Phillip Daniels, Gabe Van Sickle, or even Ian Moore sliding to the right side, they will have their hands full with Colin Simmons and the Texas defensive front. Ball State’s movement and stunts gave the Buckeyes problems, and Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has plenty of reason to test Ohio State’s communication and protection rules with similar looks.

Move Jeremiah Smith Around

The simplest game plan for the Buckeyes is to get the ball to Jeremiah Smith. However, that’s easier said than done against the Longhorns. Smith has just seven catches for 46 yards across the two meetings. Despite those numbers, Smith still affected the game with his presence, opening opportunities for Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss.

Transfer wide receiver Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss give Ohio State two proven options alongside Smith. Jeremiah Smith’s production could look much different this year. Arthur Smith can create opportunities by moving Smith across formations, using motion, putting him in the slot, and even lining him up in the backfield. Smith doesn’t need a high volume of manufactured targets. Ohio State needs to make Texas account for him wherever he lines up and find natural ways to get the ball in his hands.

The bigger of an impact McCuin or Inniss has on the game, the more pressure shifts to Texas. Steve Sarkisian’s plan of not letting Jeremiah Smith beat them has worked in terms of limiting No. 4, but hasn’t resulted in a tally in the win column. Ohio State’s depth at wide receiver and stable of playmakers is the reason why, as the next man up elevated his play. Hoping for 8-12 touches for Smith may seem aggressive, but as long as they’re not forced throws, it may be necessary to win on the road.

Jermaine Mathews Steps Up

If there’s a player on the Buckeyes who isn’t getting a lot of attention in this game, it’s cornerback Jermaine Mathews. His play toward the end of last season was below his standard, and he needs a game to announce himself and get back to his true form. Devin Sanchez will likely cover transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman, leaving Mathews likely to cover Ryan Wingo.

Mathews’ importance goes beyond simply limiting Wingo. If Ohio State can trust its corners to survive one-on-one against Texas’ receivers, Matt Patricia can be more aggressive with his defensive structure. That could mean bringing pressure, disguising coverage, or adding help where Texas is most dangerous.

If Mathews needs consistent safety help, however, the Longhorns can force Ohio State to play with fewer numbers elsewhere. Against a quarterback like Arch Manning, every extra defender matters. Both teams are supremely talented at skill positions, so neither should be shell-shocked by the other’s talent. However, it’s still safe to expect both teams to win some one-on-one battles. Mathews brings confidence and swagger to Ohio State’s defense, along with his versatility.

Texas’ receiver room presents a different challenge than anything Ohio State saw in Week 1. Ryan Day acknowledged that challenge Wednesday.

Ryan Day on the secondary facing Texas’ wide receivers:

🗣️ “Great challenge for them…their guys are excellent, some of the best in the country,” he said.

Day continued, “Real speed, really good route runners, and obviously a really good quarterback.” pic.twitter.com/qXXV0PqRIP

— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) September 9, 2026

The Buckeyes need their veterans to win enough one-on-one battles that Patricia can stay aggressive with his calls. Having veterans on the outside gives the Buckeyes experience they can lean on in a hostile road environment. It will also aid true freshman Jay Timmons when he plays as the nickelback. Ohio State’s secondary controlled Texas’ passing game in Columbus last season, limiting Manning’s ability to create explosive plays downfield.

How the Buckeyes Win

Ohio State doesn’t need perfection in Austin. Instead, it needs its offensive line to hold up, Jeremiah Smith to influence the game, and its veteran corners to win enough battles on the outside. If those three things happen, Ohio State will give itself a chance to leave Austin with another statement victory.

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NEXT: Read Ohio State vs. Texas: Why Goal-to-Go Situations Could Decide the Game Again