Ohio State's Will Howard Hypes Texas CFP Game: 'Only Team I Didn't Beat' in Big 12

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has some unfinished business with Texas after suffering three defeats to the Longhorns in Big 12 play at Kansas State.

"That was the only team I didn't beat when I was in the Big 12," he said, per ESPN's Jake Trotter. "They're always a good team. But none of those games were unwinnable. Definitely excited to get another chance at these guys."

Texas soundly beat Kansas State 69-31 in 2020, when Howard was a freshman. The Wildcats' next two encounters with him at the helm against the Longhorns were much closer. They couldn't hold onto a 17-13 second-half lead in 2021 and lost by five points. Their 2023 encounter went down to the wire, with K-State unable to find the end zone on four straight tries from inside the 10-yard line in overtime.

"That one still sticks with me," Howard said of the overtime loss. "I don't like how that one ended. ... I know there's a lot of people back in Kansas that are rooting for the Buckeyes to get this one done against these guys."

Across the three Texas games, the Buckeyes signal-caller threw for 566 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.

One thing he lacked in the past is standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

The Ohio State freshman is already being floated as a top-five pick and perhaps even the No. 1 overall selection in the 2027 NFL draft. He was unstoppable in the 41-21 Rose Bowl win over Oregon, catching seven passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns.

Texas is well aware of the fact Smith will be a big part of Ohio State's offensive game plan, yet it might not matter too much because he's so tough to guard one-on-one.

Howard will undoubtedly be counting on Smith to get the better of the Longhorns at least once before his college career comes to a close.