When NFL decision-makers sit down to evaluate prospects, they will focus on tapes of games against quality competition. And a marquee matchup such as Saturday’s clash between Ohio State and Texas will be viewed repeatedly throughout the draft process because of the vast talent on the field.The Buckeyes have won the last two meetings between the two powers, but we will find out Saturday night whether the Longhorns can get it done in Austin. Regardless of the outcome, NFL scouts will be glued to this game — and this is what they will be watching:When Texas has the ballAll eyes will be on quarterback Arch Manning, which means the overreactions will be flowing like Austin’s go-to craft beers. From an evaluation perspective, scouts will be focused on Manning’s timing and decision-making against Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.Can the 2027 QB draft class live up to the hype?Dane Brugler and Madison EadesThe offense of Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is progression-based, and each read is connected to the quarterback’s feet and eyes. When Manning stays on time, he consistently gets to his third and fourth reads and remains in rhythm with each hitch. Sarkisian has plenty of easy markers woven into the offense, including an emphasis on RPOs and the screen game, but Manning will need to execute his downfield reads to beat a team of Ohio State’s caliber.Sarkisian likes to call plays designed for the quarterback to move his feet, but Manning can also win from the pocket. The biggest green flag on his tape last season was the development of his pocket presence — Manning already moves like a pro in muddy pockets, and his creativity helps him maneuver around the noise to produce second-reaction plays.The last time Manning faced Ohio State, he was making his first road start, which was evident in his performance. This matchup is at home, and Manning now has 15 starts under his belt along with upgraded talent around him. I expect it to look a lot different.The most notable upgrade Texas made this offseason was the addition of wide receiver Cam Coleman, who started the season ranked No. 5 on my preseason draft board. An AJ Green-like pass catcher, the Auburn transfer offers the size, speed and graceful ball skills needed to be a legit playmaker.Opposite Coleman is Ryan Wingo, who could also land in the first round because of his size-speed athleticism. Inconsistencies with his routes and hands plagued him over his first two years in Austin, but improvements this season will help convince teams he is on the right path. Ohio State senior cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr., who is considered a potential Day 3 draft prospect, will be tested early and often.A critical part of this matchup — and one in which Texas has the clear advantage — is at offensive tackle. Left tackle Trevor Goosby and right tackle Melvin Siani form arguably the best tackle tandem in college football, and each is an exciting NFL prospect. Goosby has commanding play strength to own the point of attack, and Siani moves with the range and flexibility to cover up different types of pass rushers.They and the rest of Texas’ O-line will have to deal with Ohio State edge Kenyatta Jackson Jr., a first-off-the-bus guy at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 260 pounds (with 34-inch arms and almost 11-inch hands). A potential top-50 pick, he registered eight pressures in the season opener. Texas, however, will represent a major step up in competition from Ball State.Whether running downhill duo or outside zone, the Longhorns’ ground game looks much improved with Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown handling a 50-50 share of the carries. With his make-you-miss burst, Smothers is trying to put himself in the top-100 mix, and Brown projects as a Day 3 pick.The key for Ohio State to limit the run game will be its safeties, who form the strength of Patricia’s defense, despite the loss of Caleb Downs to the NFL. Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr. did a little bit of everything in the opener last week — working in the box, middle field and as the nickel. With better consistency finishing tackles and driving on routes, he can earn Day 2 grades. Free safety Jaylen McClain, meanwhile, has the type of trigger and closing speed that get NFL teams excited and could land him in the top 50.Transfer Devin McCuin looks primed for a big year in Ohio State’s passing attack. (Nick Cammett / Getty Images)When Ohio State has the ballThe top prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is always the best player on the field, regardless of the opponent, but he’s had only seven combined catches for 46 receiving yards over the last two meetings against the Longhorns. Can Texas continue to take him away?The extra attention Smith demands, however, does open opportunities for other receivers. Last year, Carnell Tate benefited; this year, it should be senior Devin McCuin. The UTSA transfer won’t be a top-five pick like Tate was in April, but he has the route savvy and competitive ball skills to make a push for Day 2 of the draft.As with Manning, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is another year wiser and more experienced than the player we saw when these teams met last year. Although his physical traits aren’t top-tier, his decisiveness on RPOs and accuracy as a passer are his superpowers. When everything is on schedule, Sayin can pick defenses apart.But when the play breaks down and walls close in, can he do more as a creator? He might need to for Ohio State to win — and his scouting narratives will start to shift if he does.For Texas, the X-factor is edge rusher Colin Simmons. Ranked No. 7 on my preseason board, the Dallas native has the pass-rush goods to overwhelm Ohio State’s tackles and make Sayin uncomfortable. Ohio State’s Austin Siereveld (who also cracked my top 50, at No. 48) played left tackle last season before moving inside to guard for 2026. However, the coaching staff asked him to kick out to right tackle for several drives in the opener because of the shaky play the Buckeyes were getting on the outside.Ohio State is strong on the interior, with Luke Montgomery at left guard and Carson Hinzman at center — both will be draft picks in April — but the coaches might need to shake things up to get their most consistent five blockers on the field.Two other senior playmakers to watch for the Texas defense: safety Jelani McDonald and linebacker Rasheem Biles. McDonald is one of the top safety prospects in the 2027 draft class. He has the versatility to be a presence in the run game while staying connected in man-to-man coverage. Biles, a Pitt transfer (and Columbus, Ohio, native), is undersized and needs to clean up the missed tackles, but his impact is hard to ignore. In the opener last week, he accounted for an interception and a forced fumble, which was returned for a touchdown.