Tony Thomas
Writer
No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State (-2.5)
Time: noon EST
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
TV: FOX
The Longhorns travel to central Ohio to take on a much different Buckeyes team than the one they faced in the semifinal matchup of the College Football Playoff a season ago.
Make no mistake, the Longhorns are talented. Arch Manning takes over the quarterback duties full-time this season. He threw nine TD passes and only two INTs as a backup in 2024.
The Texas skill positions are loaded with talent with Quintrevion Wisner in the backfield and receivers Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore. However, Manning will operate behind an offensive line that returns just one starter.
The Texas defensive unit returns seven starters, led by the highly decorated trio of linebacker Anthony Hill, Jr., defensive end Colin Simmons and safety Michael Taffe.
The Buckeyes were gutted by attrition and defections. However, they return arguably the best receiver in the country in Jeremiah Smith, along with his running mate WR Carnell Tate.
But they will start an inexperienced quarterback in true sophomore Julian Sayin. He will run plays drawn up by new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline.
Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has moved on to coach the defense for the Nittany Lions of Penn State. His replacement is Matt Patricia from the NFL. Key players to watch on the Buckeyes defense are linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs.
A top three matchup in Week 1, it does not get any better than that for college football fans. This game will be a tough test for Manning as the newly anointed QB1. It will also be a pressure cooker for the young Sayin, going up against one of the toughest defenses in college football, going into this season.
Both teams will display talent. But the Longhorns of Texas have more of experienced talent and for that reason, the Longhorns will stampede out of Columbus with a victory.
Final Score: No. 1 Texas 27 – No. 3 Ohio State 21
Cody Croy
Writer
Former University Of Central Florida defensive tackle John Walker has committed to Ohio State, per Hayes Fawcett. The former 4-star recruit will have 2 seasons of eligibility remaining. The Florida native spent 3 seasons with the Golden Knights. Walker becomes the third transfer portal addition for the Buckeyes during the two-week period which ends on […]
Tony Thomas
Writer
In the CFP quarterfinals, Indiana dominated Alabama, while Oregon wrecked Texas Tech
Wisconsin added another piece to its transfer portal class with the commitment of Bowling Green tight end Jacob Harris, according to a report from On3. Harris becomes another offensive addition for the Badgers as they continue to reshape the roster heading into the 2026 season. Harris spent the 2025 season at Bowling Green, where he […]
