{
  "id": 6174454,
  "title": "Texas braces for rematch with No. 1 Ohio State after previous close losses to the Buckeyes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/texas-braces-for-rematch-with-no-1-ohio-state-after-previous-close",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T21:15:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/09/07/texas-braces-for-rematch-with-no-1-ohio-state-after-previous-close-losses-to-the-buckeyes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Austin, Texas (AP) — Hero Kanu, a former Buckeye defensive tackle and current Longhorn, has witnessed both perspectives of the Texas-Ohio State rivalry. He was on the Buckeye side when Ohio State defeated Texas in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal en route to the national championship, and on the Longhorn side when the Buckeyes returned to Austin in the 2025 season opener. Kanu is now preparing for another matchup between the two teams this Saturday, marking just the sixth encounter in the history of the sport.\n\nKanu emphasizes that this game is not personal, but it is undoubtedly significant for college football. With Ohio State being the preseason No. 1 team and Texas currently ranked No. 5, the game is expected to draw considerable attention. Kanu acknowledges that Ohio State has been better prepared to handle the matchup in recent years, as they prevailed in both of the last two games.\n\nThe outcomes of the 2024 and 2025 games were decisive for both teams. In 2024, Ohio State clinched the game with a late touchdown following a fumble recovery by Jack Sawyer, who was then a Buckeye. The following year, the Buckeyes secured a 14-7 victory, showcasing their dominance throughout the game. Texas quarterback Arch Manning's Heisman Trophy campaign essentially ended, while Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin's started his college football journey.\n\nBeyond the emotional impact, the 2024 loss proved crucial for Texas, as it was one of three defeats that ultimately prevented the Longhorns from reaching the playoff. Had Texas won that game, the situation could have been different. Coach Steve Sarkisian of Texas remains focused on the upcoming matchup, stating that the team will simply play against the No. 1 team in the country, without projecting the game's impact on the postseason.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Hero Kanu, former Buckeye, prepares for rematch with Ohio State",
    "Texas ranked No. 5, Ohio State preseason No. 1 in rivalry",
    "Game marks sixth encounter in history, significant for college football"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}