Texas got a key piece of news ahead of its 2026 showdown with Ohio State: Cole Hutson has been ruled eligible and will be available for the Week 2 matchup, according to Pete Thamel on College GameDay.
That matters because the Buckeyes game is no ordinary early-season test. It comes in primetime and serves as a rematch of last year’s opener, a 14-7 Ohio State win in a tight, low-scoring battle. For a Longhorns team aiming for a return to the College Football Playoffs, this is one of the first major checkpoints of the season.
Hutson’s path back to Austin has been a little different from the usual offseason storyline. After going unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft, he spent time in minicamps with the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys, but he did not land on either roster. That led to him securing a TRO, which gave him an additional year of eligibility and opened the door for his return to Texas.
The Longhorns are getting a veteran interior lineman who has already seen plenty. Hutson has played in 48 games with 23 starts, including five starts at center and five at guard. That kind of versatility is a big part of his value, especially inside the offensive line where Texas wants options and stability.
He was also part of the group that helped anchor the Longhorns in 2023 and 2024, when Texas’ offensive line was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award both seasons. That recognition is reserved for the best offensive line in college football, and Hutson’s experience helped get the unit there.
Texas spent the offseason reshaping the offensive line, building around star quarterback Arch Manning with a mix of top-end talent and depth. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said in the offseason that getting Hutson back into game shape would take time, and that process appears to have mattered.
Even with the eligibility win, Hutson is not expected to start. Texas already has a built-in starting five, with Dylan Sikorski holding the first depth option on the interior. Still, Hutson gives the Longhorns an experienced insurance policy, and that can be huge for a group that has dealt with plenty of bumps and bruises.
If injuries hit, he could be called on quickly. For now, though, Texas has its answer: Cole Hutson is available for one of the biggest games on the schedule.
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