Rasheem Biles has waited a long time for this kind of stage, and Ohio State helped make sure of it.
The Texas linebacker grew up in Pickerington, Ohio, in the Buckeyes’ own backyard, and came out of Pickerington Central in 2023 without an Ohio State offer. Pitt and West Virginia were his main Power Four options, and he wound up heading to Pittsburgh.
Fast forward three years, and the picture looks very different. By the time Biles hit the transfer portal, he had become one of the ACC’s most productive defensive players, the kind of talent Ohio State suddenly wanted a closer look at.
But Biles had no interest in a homecoming.
“I ain't trying to be a Buckeye,” Biles told reporters Thursday, pointing directly to Ohio State’s decision not to recruit him out of high school.
That line alone adds some bite to a Week 2 matchup that was already going to draw plenty of attention. Ohio State is set to visit Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in one of college football’s biggest early-season games, and Biles will be right in the middle of it for Texas.
The numbers explain why Texas wanted him so badly. Over three seasons at Pitt, the 6-1, 220-pound linebacker piled up 185 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three interceptions, 13 pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He also scored four defensive touchdowns and blocked three kicks while earning two All-ACC selections.
Steve Sarkisian has made it clear what he thinks Texas is getting. The Longhorns coach has repeatedly called Biles a “problem,” praising the way he can create havoc as a pass rusher, linebacker and special-teams player.
That versatility has already pushed Biles onto the Butkus Award watch list for the 2026 season, and it gives Texas another disruptive piece to build around on defense.
For Biles, though, the storyline needs no extra buildup. Ohio State passed once. Now the Buckeyes get the finished version.
In Other News...
Sarkisian May Have 2 Freshmen He Can't Keep Off Texas' Offense
Steve Sarkisian spent the offseason making sure Texas had more veteran help where it needed it, bringing in running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown along with offensive linemen Melvin Siani and Laurence Seymore. The idea was straightforward enough: add proven depth, give the Longhorns more immediate options, and make sure the roster had players who could help right away once the season got rolling.
Even with those additions, a couple of freshmen have kept themselves in the conversation during fall camp. Derrek Cooper has caught the staff's attention and could be in line for early work in the backfield, while Jermaine Bishop Jr. looks like the rookie most likely to find a path onto the field through offense or special teams. Sarkisian has said the transfers were brought in to contribute immediately, but Texas may still have young players forcing their way into the mix before long. [Read more 🡒]
Colin Simmons Is Becoming The Face Of Texas Defensive Hopes
Colin Simmons has spent just two seasons turning hype into something sturdier for Texas, piling up production that matches the elite expectations that followed him to Austin. The edge rusher has already posted 21 sacks, 29.5 tackles for loss and seven takeaways, numbers that help explain why he enters the season as a pre-season first-team All-American and a Bronko Nagurski Award watchlist name.
The broader national attention has caught up to him too, with The Athletic placing him No. 10 on its College football Freaks List because of his explosiveness and athleticism. For Texas, the appeal is obvious: Simmons is no longer just a high-end recruit with a lot of upside, but one of the players around whom real defensive hopes can be built. [Read more 🡒]