For a moment Wednesday, the storm of pregame questions swirling inside the mind of Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian thundered outward.
How would Ohio State deploy the impossibly talented Jeremiah Smith, who lit up college football as a freshman wideout to the tune of 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns? Would the Buckeyes use him as a punt returner? What about as a kick returner? And what do they have planned for All-American safety Caleb Downs? How about imposing linebacker Sonny Styles?
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“How much do they evolve, and how much have we evolved with some of the people in our organization and some of the schemes?” Sarkisian said. “That’s part of the process of a Game 1. That’s always one of the challenges of Game 1 is the unknowns and trying to put your players in the best position to have some success.”
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Offensive linemen Connor Stroh (79) and Daniel Cruz (51) cool off during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive backs Jordon Johnson-Rubell (23), Graceson Littleton (29) and Wardell Mack (27) watch a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian takes notes during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Rett Andersen (35) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Parker Livingstone (35) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
A running back carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Tight end Jack Endries (88) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon (17) carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Linebacker Brad Spence (14) watches a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) chats with tight end Jack Endries (88) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian runs across the field with the quarterbacks during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian speaks to his team during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Jaime Ffrench (2) runs with the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) runs drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas football players huddle during a practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Justus Terry (15) drinks water during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) does drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterbacks, including Joe Tatum (18) and Arch Manning (16) run across the field during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs across the field between drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands off to running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back CJ Baxter (4) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025. during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back Christian Clark (6) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Players including defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) run to a new drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back Jerrick Gibson (9) during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Running back CJ Baxter carries the ball during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Quarterback Arch Manning (16) gets ready to throw during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) adjusts his helmet as he speaks with Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Kobe Black (6) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian oversees a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) receives the ball during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) smiles during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Maraad Watson (98) practices hits during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns tight end Spencer Shannon (83) run a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Travis Shaw (44) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Josiah Sharma (90) and Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Isaiah Coleman (94) practice drills during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Joe Tatum (18) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Luke Dunham (25) passes to a teammate during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) takes a water break during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns edge Zina Umeozuku (9) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) runs a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (3) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Bryce Chambers (48) catches a pass during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) passes to a teammate during a drill during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) runs the ball forward during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) listens to instructions during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ty Boatright (89) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (7) catches a pass during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Mikala Compton, Austin American-Statesman
Texas will open its season against Ohio State on Saturday — less than nine months after the Longhorns’ 2024 campaign ended at the hands of these Buckeyes. But, especially in an era defined by unprecedented player movement, a single offseason can drive an ocean-sized wedge between what Ohio State was in January and what it is now.
Texas Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian during their first practice of the spring season on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman
Twelve of the players who started for the Buckeyes in their College Football Playoff semifinal win over the Longhorns are gone. So are both coordinators. The Buckeyes added 11 players via the transfer portal; not to mention the 26-man recruiting class that ranked fourth in the country.
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There are questions hanging over this matchup that game film can’t answer. There is no runway to this clash of teams ranked in the AP Poll’s top three, no cupcake games for the Buckeyes and Longhorns to consult for hints about their opponent.
MORE: Questions about the Texas football team before Ohio State? Steve Sarkisian has them, too
Inside the art of preparing for a college football season opener
Josh Heupel, whose Tennessee team is also playing a challenging Week 1 game against Syracuse, pointed out that the offseason offers the opposing coach ample time to tweak and tinker, too.
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“You know there’s going to be new wrinkles in all phases of the game,” he said Wednesday. “…Ultimately, you don’t know where the personnel is going to be placed. You have an idea of the personnel that’s there. And any time it’s early in the year, for guys that are going to be in one-on-one situations, you try to study a little bit of where those guys have been before and their traits and who they are.”
At Georgia, which will face a Marshall team with a new coaching staff to open the year, Kirby Smart and his staff dug into old film from the Thundering Herd’s playcallers and tried to marry it with what they saw from Marshall’s new players; all 75 of them, between the portal and high school signing class.
MORE: YouTube TV, Fox dispute could impact how you watch the Texas vs Ohio State game
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman analyzed smaller-school tape in an effort to understand what his Razorbacks might see from Alabama A&M, which is led by first-year coach Sam Shade.
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He’s going to spend the first minutes of Saturday’s game discerning how accurate his scouting report was.
“We’re going to try to see if what we’ve been practicing on is what they’re running,” Pittman said.
Texas football and Ohio State facing tactical standoff
Facing an FCS and Sun Belt school, respectively, Pittman’s Razorbacks and Smart’s Bulldogs will benefit from a considerable talent buffer that won’t be available to the Longhorns in Columbus against the defending national champs, where the same fog of war awaits.
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The sideline chess game, especially in Week 1, is crucial. Expect the iPads (introduced last season to help coaches and players dissect what’s happening) to get plenty of use.
MORE: Why Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian will be fired up for Week 1 clash
“We’re gathering information within a game every game, not just this game,” Smart said. “I think maybe personnel-wise, you might not know as much in this game as you know in future games. But every game, regardless of what it is — first, last, in the middle — you’re gathering information in the first minutes of the game to find out how they’re going to play you, how they’re going to match you up, what might’ve changed. You’re looking for those nuances.”
When the Longhorns fell to the Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl, the game turned on one play: a doomed goal-line pitch to Quintrevion Wisner that pushed second-and-1 into third-and-8 as Texas tried for a game-tying touchdown.
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Saturday’s game is similarly poised, with the opposition’s tendencies hidden behind novelty’s curtain. The sideline to react most effectively to new information should be the one celebrating after the game.
“Good coaches are those who don’t wait until halftime to make adjustments,” Pittman said.