When NFL decision makers sit down to evaluate prospects, they focus on game tape over quality competition. And a marquee game like Saturday’s Ohio State vs. Texas showdown will be repeated throughout the draft because of the vast amount of talent on the field.
The Buckeyes have won the last two meetings between the two powers, but we’ll find out if the Longhorns can do it in Austin on Saturday night. Regardless of the outcome, NFL scouts are glued to this game — and here’s what they’ll be watching:
When Texas has the ball
All eyes will be on quarterback Arch Manning, which means the overreactions will flow like Austin craft beers. From an evaluation perspective, scouts will focus on Manning’s timing and decision-making with Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
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Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense relies on progression, and every read is connected to the quarterback’s feet and eyes. When Manning stays on time, he consistently gets to third and fourth reads and stays in rhythm with every snap. Sarcian has a lot of simple pointers woven into his offense, including an emphasis on RPOs and the screen game, but Manning will need to execute on his field reads to beat an Ohio State team.
Sarcian likes to call plays designed for the quarterback to move his feet, but Manning can win from the pocket. The biggest green flag on tape last season was the development of his pocket presence — Manning already moves like a pro in the scrimmage pocket, and his creativity helps him move around the buzzer.
Manning was making his first road start the last time he faced Ohio State, and it showed in his performance. This is a matchup at home, and Manning now has 15 starters with improved talent around him. I expect it will look very different.
The most notable upgrade Texas made this offseason was the addition of wide receiver Cam Coleman, who started the season ranked No. 5. My preseason draft board. A pass catcher like AJ Green, the Auburn transfer offers the size, speed and graceful ball skills needed to become a legitimate playmaker.
Opposite Coleman, Ryan Wingo could land in the first round because of his athleticism with great speed. Inconsistency with his routes and hands hurt him in his first two years in Austin, but improvements this season should help convince teams he’s on the right track. Ohio State senior cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr., considered a potential Day 3 draft prospect, will be tested early and often.
A crucial part of this matchup — and one in which Texas has a clear advantage — is on offense. Left tackle Trevor Gosby and right tackle Melvin Ciani are arguably the best tackle tandem in college football, and each is an exciting NFL prospect. Gosby has the playmaking strength to own the point of attack, and Siani has the range and flexibility to cover a variety of pass rushers.
They and the rest of the Texas O-line will have to deal with Ohio State edge Kenyatta Jackson Jr., a busty 6-foot-5 inches tall and 260 pounds (with 34-inch arms and nearly 11-inch hands). A potential top-50 pick, he scored eight touchdowns in the season opener. Texas, however, represents a big step up from the Ball State race.
Whether running the downhill duo or out of zone, the Longhorns’ ground game seemed to improve with Hollywood Smores and Raleke Brown sharing a 50-50 carry share. With the miss explosion he made, Smothers is trying to put himself in the top-100 mix, and Brown projects as a Day 3 pick.
The key to limiting Ohio State’s run game will be the safeties that make up the strength of the Patricia defense, despite the loss of Caleb Downs to the NFL. Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr. In last week’s opener, he did a little bit of everything – working in the box, in the middle of the field and as a nickel. With better consistent handling and on-road driving, it can achieve Class 2. Free safety Jaylen McClain, on the other hand, has the quickness of the catch and close that will excite NFL teams and could carry him into the 50s.
Transfer Devin McCune looks set to have a big year in Ohio State’s passing attack. (Nick Kammet/Getty Images)
When Ohio State gets the ball
A top prospect in the 2027 NFL draft, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is always the best player on the field, no matter the opponent, but he had just seven combined attempts for 46 yards in the last two meetings against the Longhorns. Can Texas continue to take him?
The extra attention Smith demands, however, creates open opportunities for other receivers. Last year, Carnell Tate used; This year, it should be senior Devin McCune. The UTSA transfer won’t be a top-five pick like Tate was in April, but he has the road savvy and competitive ball skills to make a push for Day 2 of the draft.
Like Manning, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sain is another year wiser and more experienced than any player we saw these teams meet last year. Although his physical attributes aren’t top-notch, his determination on RPOs and accuracy as a passer are his superpowers. When everything is on schedule, Saiyan can choose defenses.
But can he do more as a creator when the game breaks down and the walls close in? He might need a win for Ohio State — and if he does, the narratives he’s scouting will begin to change.
For Texas, the X-factor is edge rusher Colin Simmons. Ranked No. 7 in the preseason rankings, the Dallas native has the rushing goods to upset Ohio State and chase down Sin. Ohio State’s Austin Siereveld (who cracked my top 50 at No. 48) played left tackle last season before moving in to guard for 2026. But the Buckeyes’ coaching staff has called for right tackle in the opener for multiple drives in the opening game.
Ohio State is strong inside, with Luke Montgomery at left guard and Carson Hinzman at center — both of whom will be draft picks in April — but the coaches may have to shake things up to get a consistent five blockers on the field.
Two other top playmakers to watch for the Texas defense: safety Jelani McDonald and linebacker Rasheem Biles. McDonald is one of the top safety prospects in the 2027 draft class. He has the versatility to be present in the run game while staying connected in man-to-man coverage. Bills, a Pitt transfer (and Columbus, Ohio, native), is undersized and needs to clean up his missed tackles, but his impact is hard to ignore. In last week’s opener, he accounted for a forced fumble returned for an interception and a touchdown.
