There are only a few true bluebloods in college football. How often do we get treated to an on-campus matchup between two? Ohio State vs. Texas kicks off an impressive Week 1 slate that also includes a matchup of a pair of CFP hopefuls in Clemson and LSU. The Buckeyes lost 14 NFL Draft picks as well as last year’s Rimington Trophy winner, so they have to reload a bit. As a result, Ohio State fell to third in the first AP Poll. Meanwhile, Texas lost 12, including its quarterback, top receiver, both tackles, and the Jim Thorpe Award winner.
Fresh off the program’s ninth national championship, Ryan Day is “attacking” 2025, rather than defending 2024. Team 134 believes it hasn’t won anything yet, so resting on the laurels of last year’s success is not within the realm of possibilities. With a new quarterback, two new running backs, and a nearly completely re-tooled defense, there are no mulligans for the Buckeyes. Texas is the top-ranked team in the nation, and firing on all cylinders while not missing a beat is, obviously, the key to victory for the Buckeyes.
A New Era Begins for Ohio State vs. Texas
“Just Win”
In the first pressers of the 2025 season, Day appears a new man with a weight off his shoulders. However, he’s given no indication that he’s content, and he has passed that along to his roster. At the top of the concerns heading into the season is the quarterback position. Julian Sayin, the former top quarterback recruit of the 2024 class, beat out Lincoln Kienholz for the job. While his victory was not surprising, he grew up quickly and really took hold of the leadership role as the new QB1 for the scarlet and gray.
When asked if he had any advice or expectation for the new signal-caller, Day responded, “Just win.” He has stressed to Sayin to do whatever he can to prevail against the toughest non-conference foe the Buckeyes have faced in years.
Sayin has the talent to will the offense to victory. At the same time, he’s surrounded by arguably the best supporting cast in college football. Jeremiah Smith is the top receiver in the game, while Carnell Tate is poised for a breakout. The running back room took a hit with both stars heading to the NFL, but James Peoples and CJ Donaldson offer up a one-two punch just as good. In front of Sayin, the offensive line might be the strongest the unit has been in the Day era. Plus, he has the potential top tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft, Max Klare.
Sayin just needs to manage the game. He has the talent to sling it and to test defenses – something Day and Brian Hartline will assuredly do – but he just needs to drive the Lamborghini. If the Longhorns decide to triple-team Smith again, look for Klare, Tate, and Brandon Inniss to lead the way.
A Rebuilt Defense
The Buckeyes’ defense in 2024 could have been considered the best in the nation. For 2025, only three starters return, and Matt Patricia takes over for turncoat Jim Knowles. Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Davisonn Igbinosun return as the latter pair spurned the NFL to further develop. Downs is widely considered the top defensive talent in the nation, and the Buckeyes are going to need every bit of that talent and hype against the quarterback that is evidently Andrew Luck, Trevor Lawrence, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, John Elway, and Joe Montana all wrapped in one.
Jokes aside, Texas has to reload as well. The key for the Buckeyes on defense will be whether or not they can get pressure on Arch Manning. The talented third-year quarterback can manipulate the pocket and take off if needed. He will make Ohio State pay if it cannot get him down on the first try. Eddrick Houston and Kayden McDonald are poised to take over on the interior with a handful of players at EDGE itching to break out.
In the secondary, BIA is going to be tested. Igbinosun, Jermaine Mathews Jr., and Lorenzo Styles Jr. will have to match up with a Texas receiver corps on par with the best in the SEC. The question on the back end will be how often Patricia utilizes three safeties. Downs, Jaylen McClain, and Malik Hartford have been treated as three starters through the summer.
If the defensive line can hold up, there really is no obvious weakness for the Buckeyes, thus making Manning’s coronation that much more difficult.
Read More: The History of Ohio State vs. Texas
A Brand-New Day
The wait is nearly over. The marquee matchup of the first half of the season will finally kick off at noon in Columbus, Ohio.
Day has a noticeable hunger for another title after last year’s improbable run. While some coaches make headlines defending a weak schedule or other canceling tough out-of-conference series, Day is more than happy to kick off the year with the top-ranked team in the country. His team is the first team in AP Poll history to be betting favorites over the number-one-ranked team, but even then, it feels like the Buckeyes are the underdogs at home.
Ohio State has to replace a lot. Texas has to replace a lot. Day is a master game manager against anyone without a winged helmet. Lucky for him, he’s already beaten Texas on the biggest stage. The outcome of Ohio State vs. Texas will likely be different this Saturday. What’s the likelihood of another 90-yard strip sack scoop-and-score to win the game?
While the game should be under the lights, it will still be must-see TV. Realistically, this one is a coin flip. There are many ways Ohio State can win this one. At the same time, Texas has a number of avenues to victory.
Regardless, it’s finally time for the reigning national champions to play football once again.
Main Image: The Columbus Dispatch
