The Ohio State Buckeyes will travel to Austin on September 12, 2026, for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff that will be televised nationally on ABC. The game marks the first time the two programs meet in a primetime slot in over a decade, drawing immediate attention from fans and analysts alike.
Both teams enter the contest with lofty expectations. Ohio State sits at No. 1 in USA Today’s way‑too‑early Top 25, while Texas is ranked third, setting the stage for a clash of the nation’s elite.
A rematch with memories
A year ago the Buckeyes edged Texas 14‑7 in a defensive battle that featured a debut for Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who threw for 126 yards and a touchdown, and Texas signal‑caller Arch Manning, who posted 170 yards with one interception.
Sayin’s efficient performance and Manning’s poise under pressure have raised expectations that both quarterbacks will be central figures in the upcoming contest, each looking to cement his team’s early‑season narrative.
Gameday goes to Austin
ESPN’s College Gameday will broadcast live from Austin, adding a marquee pre‑game atmosphere that will feature former players, analysts and fan interactions, turning the city into a football hub for the night.
The combination of top‑ranked teams, a historic rivalry and a high‑profile broadcast promises a compelling evening of college football, with ticket demand already surging among supporters of both programs.