We are less than two months away from the Buckeyes kicking off the 2026 season. They will start out in Week 1 against Ball State, which should be a blowout. They are more worried about playing Texas in Week 2 in Austin. That will be a tough test very early in the season.
Initially, the Longhorns were expecting to have to replace Cole Hutson in the starting lineup. Hutson has been a starting guard for Texas. Last season, he started five games at guard and five games at center. Now, he will be able to play college football for them again after successfully suing the NCAA.
Cole Hutson ruling has major implications for Ohio State vs. Texas
Hutson won his temporary injunction against the NCAA, granting him another year of eligibility. That is massive for the Longhorns, as they will now have another starting lineman back. That is bad news for the Ohio State Buckeyes, as they were hoping to feast on a less experienced lineman.
With Hutson back in the lineup, the middle of the offensive line will be stronger in 2026. Part of what Matt Patricia wants to do is put pressure up the middle of offenses. That has become a lot harder for the Buckeyes now that Hutson will be back in the starting lineup for this game…