Ohio State 31, Texas 27
Buckle up, college football fans, because the 2025 season is kicking off with a seismic clash that’s already got the entire nation buzzing.
On August 30, 2025, No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Ohio State will collide in Columbus, marking the first time in history that the top two preseason-ranked teams in the USA TODAY US LBM Coaches Poll will face off in Week 1. This isn’t just a game—it’s a statement, a spectacle, and a potential preview of the national championship. With new quarterbacks, reloaded rosters, and sky-high stakes, let’s dive into why this game is a must-watch and who might emerge victorious in this historic showdown.
Texas, coming off a 2024 season where they fell to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinal, is hungry for revenge. The Longhorns are led by Arch Manning, the highly-touted redshirt sophomore stepping into the starting role for the first time. Manning’s pedigree is undeniable, but this will be his ultimate test: a hostile Ohio Stadium, 100,000-plus fans screaming, and a Buckeye defense that’s been a nightmare for quarterbacks. Texas’ offense, however, is stacked with weapons. Wide receivers like Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden give Manning dynamic targets, while a retooled offensive line, bolstered by returning starters, should provide enough protection to let him sling it. The Longhorns’ run game, led by CJ Baxter, could be the X-factor, especially if they exploit Ohio State’s aggressive front seven to keep the defense honest.
Ohio State, meanwhile, is a juggernaut looking to cement its dominance. After their 28-14 win over Texas in last year’s playoff, the Buckeyes return with a chip on their shoulder and a roster dripping with NFL talent. Julian Sayin, a former five-star recruit, is likely to take the reins at quarterback, bringing a dual-threat element that could keep Texas’ defense guessing. Ohio State’s backfield duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins is arguably the best in the nation, capable of gashing defenses on the ground while Sayin stretches the field with receivers like Emeka Egbuka and freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes’ defense, anchored by All-American candidates like Jack Sawyer and Tyleik Williams, thrives on creating chaos, and they’ll look to rattle Manning early.
So, who wins this clash of titans? Let’s speculate. Texas has the edge in experience at key skill positions, and Steve Sarkisian’s play-calling could exploit Ohio State’s secondary, which lost some depth to the NFL. If Manning stays composed and Texas controls the tempo with Baxter’s ground game, they could keep Ohio State’s explosive offense off the field. However, Ohio Stadium—aka the Horseshoe—is a fortress, and Ryan Day’s Buckeyes rarely lose at home. Ohio State’s defensive line, one of the most disruptive in college football, will likely pressure Manning into mistakes, especially if Texas’ offensive line struggles with communication in a deafening environment. Sayin’s mobility could also neutralize Texas’ pass rush, allowing Ohio State to sustain drives and wear down the Longhorns’ front.
The intangibles lean toward Ohio State. Playing at home gives them a psychological edge, and Day’s knack for winning big games (despite criticism for Michigan losses) can’t be overlooked. Texas, however, has the motivation of last year’s playoff defeat and a chip on their shoulder after being ranked just behind the Buckeyes. Expect a slugfest, with both teams trading blows in a game that could come down to the final possession.
Prediction: Ohio State 31, Texas 27.
The Buckeyes’ home-field advantage and defensive pressure tip the scales, but Texas keeps it close, setting the stage for a potential rematch in January. Fans, this one’s going to be a classic—get your popcorn ready and brace for a game that’ll have the college football world talking for weeks.
