College football is back with a bang this Saturday, August 30, as the top ranked Texas Longhorns rolls into Ohio Stadium to battle the #3 Ohio State Buckeyes. The game kicks off at noon eastern time on FOX.

This game is a rematch of the Cotton Bowl CFP semifinal from last year, where the Buckeyes pulled away late for a 28-14 win and eventually hoisted the national trophy. Now, Ohio State aims for a repeat under Ryan Day, while the Longhorns of Steve Sarkisian are out for blood in the second SEC season of the team.

Ohio State: Reloaded for 2025

Ohio State is stacked for 2025. The team blends veterans and fresh blood after sending 14 players to the NFL Draft and tweaking the roster with eight transfers.

All eyes are on quarterback Julian Sayin, the transfer from Alabama who makes his first start. Sayin has just 12 career throws for 84 yards, but tons of hype.

• WR Jeremiah Smith – sophomore sensation, ready to torch defenses after a quiet Cotton Bowl.
• S Caleb Downs – anchors an All-American caliber secondary.
• DL Eddrick Houston & Caden Curry – lead a fierce defensive line.
• RB CJ Donaldson – power runner who adds explosiveness.
• RB Bo Jackson (freshman) – adds backfield depth.

Texas: The Manning Era Begins

Texas is not messing around either. The team returns 12 starters: three on offense, six on defense, and a couple of specialists.

Arch Manning steps into the spotlight as QB1. Manning is the Heisman betting favorite who flashed last year with a 68 percent completion rate, 939 yards, and nine touchdowns. This will be his first road start.

• RB CJ Baxter – powers the rushing attack.
• WR DeAndre Moore & Ryan Wingo – vertical threats who stretch the field.
• LB Anthony Hill Jr. – a sideline-to-sideline force on defense.
• E Colin Simmons is a standout sophomore rusher and led Texas with nine sacks last year.
• DL Justus Terry (five-star freshman) – expected to make an early impact.

Storylines & Stats

This is just the second time in AP poll history that two top-three teams clash in a season opener. Ohio State is a beast at home, going 37-3 at the Horseshoe since 2019. Texas carries an 11 game road win streak and the Longhorns won their only prior Columbus visit back in 2005.

With the expanded 12 team playoff, a loss here will not torpedo the title dreams of either squad like it might have before.

Betting Odds

• Spread: Ohio State -2.5
• Over/Under: 48

Prediction

Sarkisian’s prep time and Manning’s arm could keep the game razor close. My take is that Ohio State grinds out a 24-21 victory and leans on that home crowd and stout defense to edge the game. The under also feels strong with two elite defenses and some early season offensive rust.

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Thank you for reading my Buckeyes vs Longhorns: Week 1 Fireworks in Columbus article. Without a doubt, our Pete Sports NCAA Page is your premier destination for all things college sports. Dive into the world of sports with us! For NCAA and all other sports articles check out Pete Sports. Follow me Twitter/X. Go to my You Tube Channel where you can subscribe to my videos. Featured image credit: experiencecolumbus.com