Texas coach Steve Sarkisian described his Longhorns as “massive underdogs” against an on-fire Ohio State team last week. On the eve of Texas’ Cotton Bowl showdown against those Buckeyes, Sarkisian hardly softened his stance.

Texas was the Big 12 champ last season. Howard transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State, which two years ago beat CFP-bound and undefeated TCU in overtime for that league title. Howard started three games against Texas while with the Wildcats. Those were all losses, as was a fourth game when he was on the sideline.

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a touchdown against Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage (5) during the first half in the quarterfinals of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill