Tony Thomas
Author
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
Mike Germanese
Author
Bragging rights? Sure. But this year, it’s so much bigger. Michigan’s path to the CFP goes through East Lansing, while Michigan State is battling for pride, relevance, and maybe even their coach’s future. Buckle up.
Cody Croy
Author
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