Sayin, Defense Propel No. 3 Ohio State Past Top-Ranked Texas in Opener

Jerome Miron / Imagn Images

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes didn’t just survive their season opener — they made a statement. Behind a poised debut from freshman quarterback Julian Sayin and a relentless defensive effort, No. 3 Ohio State handed No. 1 Texas a 14–7 loss Saturday in Columbus, snapping the Longhorns’ 11-game road winning streak. Sayin, making his first collegiate start, threw for 126 yards on 13-of-20 passing and delivered the game’s biggest play — a 40-yard touchdown strike to Carnell Tate early in the fourth quarter that gave the Buckeyes a two-score cushion. Tate beat Texas corner Jaylon Guilbeau on the route, juggling the ball before hauling it in for the highlight-reel score.

“I thought he handled himself well,” head coach Ryan Day said of Sayin. “He took care of the ball, made throws when he needed to, and didn’t force anything. In Week 1, the key was not beating ourselves.”

Ohio State’s defense, led by new coordinator Matt Patricia, proved the difference. The Buckeyes limited highly touted quarterback Arch Manning to minimal production through three quarters, forcing him into uncomfortable throws and denying Texas twice in the red zone. The biggest stop came in the third quarter, when Manning was stuffed at the goal line by Caden Curry and Lorenzo Styles Jr. on fourth-and-1. Another came midway through the fourth when Davison Igbinosun broke up a potential touchdown pass to Parker Livingstone.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge against Arch,” Patricia said. “But our guys executed, from the front to the secondary. They played smart, played physical, and made the adjustments.” Ohio State struck first in the second quarter with a bruising 13-play, 87-yard drive capped by CJ Donaldson Jr.’s 1-yard touchdown run. That score, plus Tate’s touchdown, gave the Buckeyes just enough breathing room to withstand a late Texas rally.

Manning finally broke through with 3:28 left, hitting Livingstone on a 32-yard touchdown to pull the Longhorns within seven. Texas forced a quick punt and had one last chance, but the Buckeyes’ defense held once more, stopping Jack Endries a yard short of the sticks near midfield.

Manning finished 17 of 30 for 170 yards, one touchdown, and an interception — most of that yardage coming in the final quarter. “Ultimately, not good enough,” Manning said. “We beat ourselves a lot, and that starts with me. I’ve got to play better for us to win.” The win improves Ohio State to 4-3 all-time at home against top-ranked opponents, and sets the tone for a program determined to prove last year’s national championship was no fluke. “When you start a season, you want to set the tone,” Day said. “I thought our guys were poised, and the moment wasn’t too big for them. This was about establishing this year’s identity.”