Ohio State Buckeyes had some very important eyes watch their statement win over the Texas Longhorns
The NFL was well represented for this huge game to kickoff the season.
All eyes were on Columbus for the huge season-opening matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns.
Ohio State delivered an impressive performance, defeating Arch Manning and the No. 1-ranked Longhorns right out of the gates. The Buckeyes turned a 7-0 halftime lead into a 14-7 victory.
The defense set the tone, holding Manning to just 170 passing yards with one interception and one touchdown. Manning’s longest pass completion went for just 15 yards until he completed a 29-yard pass with four minutes remaining to Ryan Wingo. It was a standout showing from Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia’s unit in Columbus, and plenty of important eyes were watching.
NFL scouts flocks to The Shoe
As expected, the NFL was heavily represented for the marquee opener. Representatives from the Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and Jacksonville Jaguars were all in attendance.
The Browns had GM Andrew Berry and owner Jimmy Haslam on hand, fitting for a team that holds two first-round picks in 2026. The Giants also sent GM Joe Schoen to evaluate the talent on the field.
Ohio State’s NFL pipeline is still flowing
Just last spring, Ohio State sent 14 players to the NFL through the draft, and this group looks poised to continue that tradition. Carnell Tate, who could be the next first-round wide receiver out of Columbus, showcased his playmaking ability with a 40-yard touchdown grab that pushed the Buckeyes’ lead to 14-0 in the fourth quarter.
Linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese were both disruptive on defense, while safety Caleb Downs was his usual steady self on the back end, making it difficult for Texas to challenge deep. Reese and Styles combined for 15 tackles and a sack unofficially.
Ohio State’s win will be celebrated throughout the weekend, but soon the Buckeyes will turn the page and get back to work. Still, this was a massive statement to open the season—and they did it with plenty of NFL eyes on them.
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