Buckeyes to Watch: Six lesser-known Ohio State stars to face Longhorns

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Ohio State is coming to Austin this Saturday and the anticipation is through the roof. The Buckeyes, as usual, are loaded with future NFL talent at every position. Texas fans are plenty familiar with Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and a number of other big time players for Ohio State. Who are the names you might not know but have to before Saturday night? 

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There are six lesser-known Buckeyes that could change the game on Saturday: 

Ohio State Buckeyes RB Legend Bey

Texas is not the only team with a freshman playmaker that can change this game. Legend Bey entered the Ohio State program after an eventful recruitment, where the Buckeyes beat out Tennessee at the buzzer. In Week One, he reaffirmed why that addition was so important. Bey ended his debut vs. Ball State with 74 total yards and a highlight reel receiving TD. He also factors into the return game and is a danger to score anytime he touches the ball. Bey won’t get the most touches among the RBs, but he could have the most impactful touches if Texas isn’t careful.

Ohio State Buckeyes WR Devin McCuin 

Everyone knows Jeremiah Smith and the issues he creates for defenses. However, when Texas has faced the Buckeyes, it’s been WR2 that has changed the game. Carnell Tate came up with a massive TD reception last season and in 2024, he and Emeka Egbuka led WRs in receiving yards. It seems the UTSA transfer McCuin has become the WR2 after a 6 catch, 97 yard, 1 TD performance in Week One. Obviously Jeremiah Smith will be the focus of Will Muschamp’s attention but No. 3 could change this game as well. 

Ohio State Buckeyes WR Chris Henry Jr. 

Another freshman that can change this game will be across from Jeremiah Smith on Saturday. Henry Jr., son of former NFL WR Chris Henry, was a highly-touted WR recruit in the 2026 class and has earned consistent praise since joining the Buckeyes. He only tallied one catch for 15 yards and a TD in Week One but his breakout performance is coming. Texas has to make sure the 6’5” freshman is kept quiet, likely without extra help with Smith getting that attention.

Ohio State Buckeyes DT John Walker 

The Ohio State defense lost a number of elite defensive players to the NFL Draft, including DT Kayden McDonald. John Walker, the senior transfer from UCF, is seemingly his replacement up front, leading a talented DL room. He hasn’t stuffed the stat sheet during his career but has proven himself as a remarkably disruptive player. The Texas IOL is still going through a state of flux. This will be the first of many challenges for the rebuilt unit. 

Ohio State Buckeyes LB TJ Alford 

No group for Ohio State took a bigger hit this offseason than the linebackers. Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese went off to the NFL, prompting Ohio State to add Christian Alliegro to a young, but talented unit. One of those talented players is Tarvos “TJ” Alford. The sophomore totalled just 6 tackles a season ago, but almost matched that number in Week One this season. On top of that, he flashed his coverage skills, nabbing an INT vs. Ball State. The Texas RBs will be an important aspect of the pass game on Saturday and, because of that, have to deal with No. 17 consistently. 

Ohio State Buckeyes CB Devin Sanchez

This is a name not only Longhorn fans, but every fanbase in the country will know by seasons’ end. The sophomore was a highly-touted recruit coming out of North Shore High School in Houston. He flashed his coverage ability as a freshman but enters this season as one of the top coverage corners in the country. It’s assumed he’ll draw the Cam Coleman assignment on Saturday. If that happens, it’ll be a major matchup to watch for all the NFL scouts in attendance. Of all the players on this list, there’s no one I’m more confident will impact with game than No. 6. 

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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Buckeyes to Watch: Six lesser-known Ohio State stars to face Longhorns

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