Well, in the 2024 CFP Cotton Bowl, Ryan Day‘s Ohio State flexed its muscle with a 28–14 win over Texas, powered by a fierce defense and a game-changing scoop-and-score from Jack Sawyer. That fumble return shut the door on Texas and sent the Buckeyes to the national title game, evening the all-time series at 2–2. But don’t expect a repeat script this season. The Longhorns are reloaded, refocused, and ready for revenge. If these two collide again in the postseason, it could be an entirely different story—with unfinished business fueling Texas every step of the way. Did they collide in 2025?

Okay, circle the date—August 30, 2025. Texas and Ryan Day’s OSU are set to collide in Columbus for a blockbuster season opener at the Horseshoe. It’s a rematch of their 2024 CFP showdown, where the Buckeyes shut the door on the Longhorns’ title hopes. But this time, the story has a new lead. Arch Manning takes over at QB for Texas, stepping in after Quinn Ewers left for the NFL. Although he’s the headline, Ryan Day isn’t just focused on Arch. Because the OSU HC has been informed about other potential game-changers on the Texas roster.

So, the stars may be different, but the stakes haven’t changed—and now, a new name is taking center stage. On July 28, FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt took to his namesake show to reveal who he believes could be the true difference-maker when Texas faces Ohio State. Coming in at No. 7 on his Top 10 CFB players list? None other than Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and Klatt couldn’t stop raving about the Longhorns’ defensive leader:

“I think a lot of people loved Anthony Hill. I loved Anthony Hill getting ready for that game against Michigan. When they went up there and beat the Wolverines, I knew Anthony Hill was a really good player. All-American last year. He does it all for Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense. He’s entering now his junior year, and this is a guy that I think can have one of those pop-type years where he could be easily a Butkus guy.” So, with Arch Manning on offense and Hill commanding the defense, Texas is anything but a one-man show. Here comes the warning shot for Ryan Day’s Buckeyes, and it’s wearing burnt orange.

Well, Joel Klatt didn’t mince words when talking about Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. “I believe he was a finalist last year,” said Klatt. At 6’3″, 240 pounds, Hill is a stat-sheet wrecker. Over 100 tackles. 16.5 TFLs. And eight sacks. So, he’s not just cleaning up plays; he’s blowing them up behind the line. As Klatt added, “That showcase game on FOX in Columbus against Ohio State is going to be really difficult… in part because of how good the Longhorns’ defense is—specifically because of Anthony Hill.” So, Hill isn’t just a name to watch; he’s a problem waiting to happen. Given that, Klatt had high praise for Anthony Hill Jr.

“He is outstanding. I love him as a player,” Klatt said. And he believes the Longhorns should start the season ranked in the top two. The reason? “Anthony Hill could be one of their better players,” added Klatt, even with all the hype surrounding Arch Manning. Now, while much of the spotlight will fall on the QB, Klatt made it clear—Hill is the heart of the defense. “Sark has done an excellent job at Texas. Anthony Hill is the epitome of that,” he said. So, a huge season could be on the horizon for one of CFB’s most dynamic defenders. But don’t sleep on Ryan Day—he’s got his eye on an OSU legacy who’s stepping up right where the Buckeyes need him most.

Ryan Day’s latest decision is setting the tone in Columbus

Ryan Day’s OSU made its biggest portal moves in the winter, grabbing key pieces like TE Max Klare and tackle Ethan Onianwa. Then, come spring, the Buckeyes looked to beef up the defensive interior—but no additions were made. Why? Ryan Day put it simply at B1G Media Days: “The question was, ‘Are they better than what we have?’ And the decision that was made was no.” But when Ryan Day name-drops a player, it usually means something.

And last week, that name was Will Smith Jr. “Will Smith has stepped up in a big way,” said Day. The legacy lineman is now firmly in the mix alongside Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston. So, with McDonald and Houston expected to anchor the interior, Smith is suddenly emerging as a key piece. Look, after appearing in seven games last season, the redshirt sophomore looks ready for a bigger stage in 2025. And why not?

Out of high school, Will Smith Jr. was a 4-star talent and ranked No. 243 nationally per 247Sports. Now at 6-foot-3, 294 pounds, the legacy Buckeye is battling with Tywone Malone Jr. and Jason Moore for a key depth role inside. Sometimes, it takes until year 3 for things to click—and 2025 could be Smith’s moment. Because Day doesn’t hand out praise without reason.