Columbus, OhioLast season, Ohio State football broke a record by defeating five teams that were in the top five in the AP poll.
Coach Ryan Day emphasized the importance of the greatest players performing on the largest platform prior to each of those games.
With No. 3 Ohio State playing No. 1 Texas on August 30 to start the 2025 campaign, that notion will be applicable to the Buckeyes right away this season.
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BETTING:
Ohio State -2.5 point spread is listed at -110 onDraftKings
for their August 30 showdown versus Texas. Our comprehensive
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The 11 players who are most likely to decide the game’s outcome were assembled by our Ohio State reporters Stefan Krajisnik, Stephen Means, and Andrew Gillis.
Who made the cut is shown here.
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No. 11 Eddrick Houston, Ohio State DT
The fact that Eddrick Houston was hurt during Ohio State’s first preseason session served as a quick reminder of his significance. Houston’s ability to live up to his five-star potential this season and in this game is crucial because the Buckeyes are uncertain about their defensive line depth.
He is also one of Ohio State’s defense’s most versatile players.
Prior to switching to tackle as a freshman the previous season, Houston was recruited as a defensive end. His ability to both assist stuff the running game and take aim at Texas quarterback Arch Manning will be essential to Ohio State’s victory.
No. 10 Brandon Baker, Texas OT
Texas had a right tackle battle going into the preseason. It was settled in early August when sophomore Brandon Baker took Andre Cojoe’s place as the starting quarterback after Cojoe was sidelined for the season due to an injury.
Regardless of the situation, he will have to prove that he was qualified for the position.
The contest between Texas right tackle Cameron Williams and OSU defensive end Jack Sawyer was a major factor in deciding the winner of the Cotton Bowl in January. Compared to his predecessor, Baker will need to offer superior protection.
No. 9 Malik Muhammad, Texas CB
Later on this list, you won’t be shocked to see a receiver from Ohio State. Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad will have to live up to his preseason All-SEC buzz if he hopes to slow down a stacked bunch at the position.
In his last eighteen games with the Longhorns, Muhammad has started. He played 56 snaps and gave up two catches for 18 yards on five targets against Ohio State in January.
No. 8 Kayden McDonald, Ohio State DT
Ohio State needs its starting defensive tackles to perform well, as was stated with Houston.As the Buckeyes nose tackle up against a potent rushing offense, Kayden McDonald is no exception.
Quintrevion Wisner was selected to the first team of the SEC before the season. If healthy, CJ Baxter is expected to contribute significantly to the rushing assault in addition to Manning’s dual threat capabilities.
McDonald will need to be at the top of his game after playing just seven snaps against Texas in the Cotton Bowl, which was his lowest total of the 2024 College Football Playoffs.
No. 7 Austin Siereveld, Ohio State OT
Austin Siereveld has been so successful in the spring for Ohio State that he has moved from being the team’s expected starting guard to left tackle.
It will be crucial for Siereveld to defend the blindside against a strong pass rush, especially with a rookie quarterback in his corner.
While fighting an injury in the later stages of Ohio State’s run, Siereveld played a playoff-low 17 plays at guard versus Texas. As the starting left tackle, that number ought to be closer to 70.
No. 6 Anthony Hill, Texas LB
With six tackles and 0.5 sacks in January, Anthony Hill was instrumental in keeping Ohio State’s offense to 21 points.
He is an All-American candidate and a preseason first team All-SEC selection going into his junior year. He played 52 snaps against Ohio State in January, five of which were along the defensive line and 39 of which were in the box.
Pro Football Focus reports that another six plays were recorded at slot corner, highlighting how crucial it will be for Ohio State’s quarterback to locate him prior to every play.
No. 5 Colin Simmons, Texas DE
Despite all of the excitement around Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith last season, he wasn’t college football’s freshman of the year, thus it was a dubious choice.
That honor went to Texas defensive end Colin Simmons, who is predicted to be selected along with Smith and Manning as one of the best players in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Last season, Simmons recorded 48 tackles, nine sacks, and an interception. He recorded four tackles against OSU but no sacks or tackles for loss.
No. 4 Caleb Downs, Ohio State SAF
Manning’s afternoon will be spent thinking about Caleb Downs, while Ohio State’s quarterback will spend time recognizing Hill.
Texas had a preview of Ohio State’s safety in January, who is probably the greatest and most adaptable defender in the country.
In the Cotton Bowl, Downs played 71 plays, including 30 at free safety, 14 at slot corner, and 26 in the box.
On the last UT possession, he intercepted a ball after playing a significant part in a goal-to-go tackle for loss.
No. 3 Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State WR
Smith has the country’s fourth-best Heisman odds. He is undoubtedly someone who has the ability to decide the result in a game between the top three teams.
However, this specific matchup will raise awareness of him.
Despite Smith’s dominance during Ohio State’s CFP run, Texas managed to silence him with just one three-yard grab.
His skill will make him a focal point for UT’s defense once more, but even if he attracts a lot of attention, it will give OSU’s other receivers more opportunities. The final score will take into account Smith’s presence alone.
No. 2 Julian Sayin, Ohio State QB
We predict that Julian Sayin will start at quarterback for Ohio State; if he does not, Lincoln Kienholz will probably take his place.
In a game like this, the success of a quarterback in his or her first season, no matter who it is, will be critical.
Last season, OSU’s defense was very effective. It’s plausible that the Texas offense can score some points if the team regresses and eight new starters take over.
Sayin will have to assist in countering if such is the case. He is so talented at receiver that he should be able to make routine plays, which is the only reason he isn’t ranked #1 on our list.
No. 1 Arch Manning, Texas QB
When Manning makes his debut as a full-time starter for Texas, the entire college football world will be watching him closely. Manning will have to live up to his name as an underdog playing in a hostile environment.
Although the Longhorns should have a strong rushing assault, you’ll probably hear the phrase “You have to put the ball in Manning’s hands” a lot throughout the broadcast due to his dual threat attributes.
His decision-making will be at the heart of every significant UT play.
