Special to IFN

Saturday’s matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State is the biggest regular-season college football game in at least a decade according to many college football reporters.

One of the reasons for this is because the game highlights a well-known quarterback, Arch Manning, against the defending national champions. Both ESPN’s College Gameday and Fox Sports Big Noon Kickoff will open the football season in Columbus, Ohio as part of the big event.

But for some people in Iredell County, the game is important for a different reason.

Mooresville resident and Ohio State long snapper Grant Mills will suit up for his first game as a Buckeye on Saturday. Mills transferred from the University of North Carolina to Ohio State in May. He is currently second on the Ohio State depth chart behind starter John Ferlmann.

 “John has done an outstanding job here at Ohio State,” Mills said. “He helped win a national championship. He will start obviously, but I will be ready if my number is called.”

According to Mills’ mother, Jennifer Marion Mills, several family members will be making the trip to Columbus to watch the game.

“We are very proud of Grant. We want to be there for his first game as a Buckeye. He has worked extremely hard to make it to this level,” she said.

Mills has four years of eligibility remaining as he redshirted as a UNC freshman. 

“I enjoyed my time at UNC. But Ohio State football is at a whole different level,” Mills said. “I really haven’t been here that long, but I have learned so much. So far it has been a blast. Although it is the hardest thing I have ever done, I really enjoy it. My coaches are great. My teammates are great. And head coach Ryan Day is a great leader. I am just happy to be here, and I can’t wait for the season opener.”

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Follow Grant Mills on social media @gmarionmills.