College GameDay crew predicts the winner of Ohio State vs. Texas

College GameDay crew predicts the winner of Ohio State vs. Texas

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College GameDay crew predicts the winner of Ohio State vs. Texas

After a lot of offseason talk and buzz, Ohio State vs. Texas on the college football gridiron is finally here. The Buckeyes have gotten the best of the Longhorns in the last couple of meetings, so the players in burnt orange will be looking for revenge at home.

You know it's a big game when ESPN's College GameDay is there, and that's what we have here too. The guest picker for this game is Austin native Glen Powell, and he joined Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, and Kirk Herbstreit on the desk. Each (aside from Herbie) made their picks on who will win this titanic struggle, and here's how each predicted the winner of what will be sure to be one of the games of the year.

Ohio State vs. Texas, according to Desmond Howard

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; ESPN commentator Desmond Howard prior to the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff between the Oregon Ducks and the Indiana Hoosiers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Howard hardly ever picks Ohio State because of his ties to Michigan, and he stayed on brand and picked Texas to win in Austin because they finally have what it takes.

Ohio State vs. Texas, according to Nick Saban

Jul 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; former Alabama Crimson Tide coach and ESPN analyst for College GameDay Nick Saban broadcast during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Saban complimented Ohio State for what they bring to the field but picked Texas because of the environment and how good Texas is this year.

Ohio State vs. Texas, according to Pat McAfee

ESPN personality Pat McAfee talks during College GameDay with Nick Saban looking on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.

McAfee played it up as usual by heaping praise on Ohio State but then picked Texas to win as his schtick in front of the Texas fans.

Ohio State vs. Texas, according to Glen Powell

FILE PHOTO: Cast member Glen Powell attends a special screening for the film "How to Make a Killing" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 14, 2026. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo

You know who Powell picked. He's the guest picker for Texas and an Austin native, so he, too, picked the Longhorns and hoped to party with Longhorn fans in Las Vegas for the College Football Playoff national championship.

Ohio State vs. Texas summary of predictions from College GameDay crew

Desmond Howard | Texas over Ohio State

Nick Saban | Texas over Ohio State

Pat McAfee | Texas over Ohio State

Glen Powell (guest picker) | Texas over Ohio State

And … there you have it. Every single media member on the set picked Ohio State to get beat, and that's been a theme with the national media. As Buckeye players, that has to give the team a little more motivation as they look to make a statement in Austin. Let's hope it does.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: College GameDay crew predicts the winner of Ohio State vs. Texas

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