Defending National Champs Host Top Ranked Texas To Open Season.

As the college football season kicks off, sports fans are buzzing with anticipation for one of the most electrifying matchups of 2025: the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes will host the top-ranked Texas Longhorns this Saturday in a game that promises to captivate audiences nationwide. With both teams boasting storied histories and a fervent rivalry, this showdown marks not just the beginning of the season but a rematch of the recent clash at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State triumphed 28-14. The stage is set for an epic battle, but the stakes are higher than ever for both programs.

For Texas, the game signals a chance at redemption. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian and his team have spent the past seven months digesting their semifinal defeat, and the anticipation for revenge has only intensified. Sarkisian’s confidence is palpable as he emphasizes the experience of his squad, highlighting that nine starters from last year's team are returning. With thirty players from the previous season still on the roster, the Longhorns are both seasoned and hungry, poised to reclaim their position at the top of college football.

The spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who is still in the early stages of his collegiate career. Making only his third career start and facing a ranked opponent for the first time adds layers of intrigue to his performance. Manning, a player with immense expectations due to his pedigree, will need to burden the weight of those expectations while finding continuity with his teammates. When great talent encounters high pressure, the outcome can be unpredictable, making his performance a key ingredient in the Longhorns' recipe for success.

On the opposing sideline, the Buckeyes are welcoming a new face under center in Julian Sayin, who will make his first career start. Nothing prepares quarterbacks like facing formidable defenses, and Sayin knows that nothing eases the pressure of his first start quite like building chemistry with star receiver Jeremiah Smith. The latter enters the season with all the hype of a Heisman contender after shattering the school’s record for receiving touchdowns by a freshman last year. A solid connection between Sayin and Smith will be crucial if Ohio State hopes to navigate the relentless Texas defense.

Defensively, the Buckeyes face a particularly daunting challenge this year, having lost five starters from last year's championship unit. The importance of leadership falls upon captain and block O recipient Sonny Styles, who will need to galvanize a young and inexperienced group. The effectiveness of Ohio State's front seven remains one of the biggest questions as they prepare to face a potent Texas offense led by Manning. However, the secondary remains a strong suit for Ohio State with experienced players like All-American Caleb Downs and veteran cornerback Davison Igbinosun eager to become a wrecking force against the Longhorns.

This game carries special meaning beyond the current season. When the Longhorns last ventured into the "Horseshoe" in 2005, they emerged victorious in a nail-biting 25-22 contest, a memory etched into the minds of fans from both sides. Ultimately, history has a peculiar way of repeating itself, and the fervor around this matchup reflects that enduring spirit of competition and rivalry present in college football.

This Saturday at noon, with the game broadcast nationwide on Fox, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Texas Longhorns will not only kick off their seasons but will also set the tone for what promises to be a compelling and unpredictable 2025 college football season.