Full Breakdown
Texas Linebacker Rasheem Biles Faces Ohio State in a Personal Showdown
8/15/2026, 8:02:37 AM
Texas-Ohio State Clash and Biles’ Motivation
Texas will host Ohio State on September 12 in what the Longhorns’ media staff call a “personal showdown” for transfer linebacker Rasheem Biles. The 20-year-old, a Pickerington, Ohio native, has said the game is “circled on my calendar,” reflecting his desire to prove the Buckeyes wrong after they passed on him in high school.
Background & Context
Biles was a three-star recruit from Pickerington Central in the 2023 class, ranked No. 31 in Ohio and No. 102 among linebackers by Rivals. After Ohio State declined to offer him, he committed to Pittsburgh, became a two-time All-ACC linebacker, and entered the transfer portal in January 2025. He declined an Ohio State call and signed with Texas on January 10, 2025.
Transfer Journey and Performance
- Pittsburgh (2023-2025): 185 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three pick-six interceptions, 13 passes defended, three forced fumbles, four defensive touchdowns, three blocked kicks.
- 2025 season: 101 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two pick-six interceptions.
- Accolades: Second-team All-ACC (2024), first-team All-ACC (2025), 2026 Phil Steele preseason First-Team All-America, Butkus Award watch list.
Coach Steve Sarkisian praised Biles as “a problem when he rushes,” noting his impact across defensive phases.
Data & Statistics
- Texas defense (2022): 12th in the SEC for opponent passing yards (234.9 yd/game), 8th for total yards (338.8 yd/game), 6th for points allowed (20.3 pts/game), 5th for rushing yards allowed (103.9 yd/game).
- Biles vs. Texas’ former LB Anthony Hill: Biles posted 185 tackles and 31.5 tackles for loss at Pitt, compared with Hill’s 182 tackles and 23.5 tackles for loss over the same span, with comparable sack totals.
Official Statements & Responses
Sarkisian said Biles’ work ethic “sharpens” the unit, adding “iron sharpens iron.” Recruiting director Briles called the fit “perfect,” noting alignment of goals. Ohio State’s staff has not commented publicly.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everything aligned with my goals, my dreams, their goals and their dreams for this year,” — Briles, Texas recruiting director
- “I don’t have a relationship with them,” — Rasheem Biles
What’s Next
The Longhorns and Buckeyes meet at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 12, televised nationally in prime time. Biles’ performance will be a focal point as Texas looks to improve on its 9-3 record from the prior season.
