2025-26 College Football Week 1 Preview - (1) Texas vs. (3) Ohio State: Can the Longhorns gore the Buckeyes to usher the season? August 27, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The 2025 College Football season opens with a massive Week 1 clash as the Texas Longhorns travel to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. Scheduled for Saturday, August 30, at 12:00 PM EDT inside Ohio Stadium, this game immediately carries playoff implications.

Both Texas and Ohio State enter the season projected as College Football Playoff contenders, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. With a packed crowd in Columbus, the atmosphere is expected to be electric as Texas faces a true early-season road test.

Key Players to Watch

Texas Longhorns

• QB Arch Manning - The redshirt sophomore takes over as the starting quarterback. Already a Heisman Trophy candidate and projected top NFL Draft pick, Manning's mobility gives the Longhorns a new offensive edge.
• Edge Rusher Colin Simmons - A preseason All-American after nine sacks as a freshman, Simmons leads a ferocious Texas pass rush that aims to disrupt Ohio State's offense.
• LB Anthony Hill Jr. - A junior standout with 113 tackles and eight sacks last year, Hill anchors the defense and will be vital in containing the Buckeyes' versatile attack.

Ohio State Buckeyes

• WR Jeremiah Smith - Widely regarded as the best wide receiver in college football, Smith is poised to deliver game-changing plays.
• S Caleb Downs - An elite safety and preseason All-American, Downs brings leadership and versatility to the Buckeyes' secondary.
• QB Julian Sayin - The freshman quarterback replaces Will Howard and faces a trial by fire in his first career start against a top-tier defense.

Texas vs. Ohio State Sports Bet Odds

The Buckeyes are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Buckeyes are favored by 2.5 points, with a money line of -126.
• The Longhorns are the underdogs by 2.5 points, with a money line of +106.
• The over/under is set at 47.5 points, with the over at -115 and the under at -105.

Team Strengths

Texas Longhorns

• Elite Defense – Returning much of a unit that ranked third nationally in points and yards allowed, Texas's defense is deep and talented across all positions.
• Improved Running Game – With C.J. Baxter healthy, Quintrevion Wisner returning, and Arch Manning's mobility, the Longhorns' rushing attack should be among the nation's best.
• Defensive Playmakers – Led by Colin Simmons, Trey Moore, Anthony Hill Jr., and Michael Taaffe, Texas's defense has the talent to dominate opposing offenses.

Ohio State Buckeyes

• Star Power – Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs give Ohio State arguably the best offensive and defensive players in college football.
• Wide Receiver Depth – Carnell Tate is expected to break out alongside Smith, giving the Buckeyes multiple elite weapons in the passing game.
• Defensive Speed – Known for their athleticism, Ohio State's defense can cover ground quickly and generate pressure, disrupting rhythm-based offenses.

Team Weaknesses

Texas Longhorns

• Offensive Line Inexperience – Four new starters could create early issues protecting Arch Manning against Ohio State's front.
• Secondary Overhaul – With staff changes and new starters, the defensive backfield could be tested against Ohio State's explosive receivers.
• Interior Run Defense – Losing key players up front raises questions about stopping the run against physical opponents.

Ohio State Buckeyes

• Inexperience Across the Roster – Eight new defensive starters and a freshman quarterback mean growing pains are possible early in the season.
• Pass Rush Consistency – The defensive line showed struggles in spring at creating pressure, which could give opposing QBs time.
• Coordinator Changes – With new offensive and defensive coordinators, Ohio State faces early challenges in scheme and execution.

Final Prediction & Outlook

The Texas vs Ohio State 2025 Week 1 matchup is more than just an opener - it is a national statement game. Texas enters with rising talent, a revamped defense, and one of the most hyped quarterbacks in Arch Manning. Ohio State counters with home-field advantage, proven star power, and a roster loaded with future NFL talent.

The battle in the trenches—Texas's inexperienced offensive line against Ohio State's athletic defensive front—could define the game. Both quarterbacks, Manning and freshman Julian Sayin, will face immense pressure to perform in one of the season's most hostile environments.

Expect a physical, high-stakes contest where turnovers, execution, and composure under pressure decide the outcome. Whichever team capitalizes on critical moments may find themselves with a major advantage in the College Football Playoff race from Week 1 onward.

2024-25 Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Stats

TEXAS LONGHORNS	VS	OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
278.8	Passing Yards Per Game	263.0
158.5	Rushing Yards Per Game	166.5
33.0	Points Per Game	35.7
173.8	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	167.0
109.9	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	87.6