Panini Instant NIL: Recapping a Texas vs. Ohio State Instant Classic

Written by: Connor Zimmerlee

Occasionally, one matchup on the college football schedule stands so clearly above the rest of the games that weekend that it becomes a can’t-miss event.

Such was the case when Ohio State made a trip to Austin to take on Texas. A heavyweight bout between two top-5-ranked squads and a pair of pure powerhouses, the clash was circled on everyone’s calendars well before the season began. And it more than lived up to the hype once the day finally came.

The first half set the stage for what appeared to be a blowout win for the Buckeyes. They were firing on all cylinders from the opening kickoff, with quarterback Julian Sayin leading the way on offense. His favorite target was far and away Jeremiah Smith. Considered by many to be the best player in the country, the wideout backed up that claim with yet another excellent performance.

Sayin and Smith led their squad into the locker room with a 20-3 lead, an advantage that stretched to 23-3 in the third quarter. The fourth period, though, told an entirely different story. With a comeback on their minds, the Longhorns got to work. Star wideout Ryan Wingo got the party started, hauling in a 3-yard touchdown catch to cut the lead to 23-10.

After that, Hollywood Smothers took over on the ground. Finishing the game strong, he logged a pair of late scores, including the game-winner that came with under 30 seconds to play.

The thrilling clash was the highlight of the weekend, for sure, but also far from the only action. Elsewhere between the two coasts, a multitude of top-tier talent produced performances worthy of a Panini Instant card.

In the latest batch of those weekly cards, you can find names like CJ Carr, Trinidad Chambliss and Gunner Stockton, who positioned themselves as early Heisman candidates with strong showings.

Alongside those quarterbacks are a group of chase-worthy runners such as Caleb Hawkins and Kewan Lacy. Pass-catchers like Mark Bowman and Jordan Faison joined the checklist as well, and that’s far from it. Make sure to check out the Panini Instant NIL portal to be among the first to get your hands on the latest and greatest both now and all season long.