Primetime showdown
Ohio State and Texas will meet on September 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in Austin, Texas, for a nationally televised showdown that pits the No. 1 Buckeyes against the No. 3 Longhorns.
The game will air on ABC, while ESPN's College GameDay will set up shop in Austin to add a festive atmosphere to the evening.
A year ago, the two programs collided at Ohio Stadium, where No. 3 Ohio State edged No. 1 Texas 14‑7 in a defensive battle that featured a debut performance by quarterback Julian Sayin, who threw for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning, meanwhile, posted 170 yards and a scoring pass but also threw an interception, a moment that added intrigue to the rematch.
Both teams arrive in 2026 with lofty expectations. USA Today's early top‑25 poll ranks Ohio State first and Texas third, underscoring the high stakes for the contest.
The matchup promises to be a marquee event for college football fans, blending historic rivalry, elite rankings and a prime‑time slot that will draw millions of viewers across the country.