How to watch Ohio State football game for free today

The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes clash with the No. 4 Texas Longhorns in one of the biggest college football games of the year. Find out how to watch for free. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)AP Photo/Jay LaPreteIf you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.By Robert Fenbers, cleveland.comcleveland.com Express DeskAUSTIN, Texas - Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith lead the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes against Arch Manning and the No. 4 Texas Longhorns today – Saturday, Sept. 12 – at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. How to watch Ohio State vs. Texas today What: Ohio State vs. TexasWhen: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern (6:30 p.m. Central)Where: Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium | Austin, TexasChannel: ABCStreaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), SlingTV and ESPN StreamingHow do I watch Ohio State vs. Texas for free?This game will broadcast live on ABC at 7:30 p.m. Eastern (6:30 p.m. Central). Take advantage of free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which also offer steep discounts on your first month. You can watch this game on Sling TV for $19.99 per month with Sling Select, which offers local channels in select markets. Fans can also stream this game and numerous live sports on ESPN Streaming for $13.99 per month. Here are five storylines to watch for today’s game: 1. Both programs enter the showdown after dominant season-opening blowoutsNo. 1 Ohio State and No. 4 Texas enter their highly anticipated 2026 matchup following season-opening victories where the Buckeyes amassed a staggering 671 yards of total offense against Ball State and the Longhorns recorded a 59-7 drubbing of Texas State. These explosive starts, highlighted by Ohio State’s 56-3 victory and Texas’ 516-yard offensive output, establish both programs as offensive powerhouses heading into a game that features high stakes for their early-season rankings.2. Elite quarterback play headlines the offensive battle between Heisman hopefulsThe matchup is headlined by elite quarterback play from Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, who went 21 of 25 for 320 yards and three touchdowns, and Texas’ Arch Manning, who threw for 305 yards and four scores in his own opener. Both teams boast significant depth at the skill positions, with Buckeye receiver Jeremiah Smith hauling in 151 yards and Longhorn wideouts Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo combining for three touchdowns to bolster their respective high-powered attacks.3. Ohio State’s offensive line remains a critical vulnerability despite week one successWhile the Buckeyes showcased an electric offense last week, the offensive line remains the team’s biggest question mark following a shaky first-half performance against Ball State that raised concerns about their consistency. This unit must now prepare for a colossal challenge in the Lone Star State against a powerful Texas defense overseen by new coordinator Will Muschamp and featuring elite junior edge rusher Colin Simmons.4. Texas’ defense looks to continue its historical success against Jeremiah SmithThough they haven’t defeated OSU recently, the Longhorns’ defense has established a blueprint for neutralizing Ohio State star receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has been limited to just 46 yards total across the programs’ last two high-profile meetings. Texas will look to maintain this defensive edge.5. Dangerous heat conditions and series history set the stage for a grueling contestDangerous heat will present a physical challenge for both rosters as the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for sweltering conditions featuring a high of 105 degrees and a heat index reaching 110. This environmental factor adds a layer of intensity to a budding rivalry where Ohio State holds a 3-2 all-time lead and looks to repeat its success from last year’s 14-7 regular-season victory at the Horseshoe.How to watch Sabalenka vs. Rybakina US Open women’s final free todayHow to watch Michigan football vs. Oklahoma for free today How to watch Ohio State football vs. Texas for free today How to watch Shelton vs. Tiafoe All-American US Open men’s semifinals free todayHow to watch Zverev vs. Khachanov US Open men’s semifinals free todayRobert Fenbers, who has been a freelance journalist since 2015, is the sports commerce reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Robert focuses on local and national sporting event ticket sales and how...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.