Just 37 Days Away: Ohio State vs. Texas Longhorns Rematch Has Buckeye Nation Fired Up and Ready for Redemption

Columbus, Ohio — The countdown is officially on. In just 37 days, the college football world will be treated to one of the most anticipated early-season matchups in recent memory — a rematch between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. Buckeye Nation is buzzing, the Horseshoe is ready to rock, and the echoes of last season’s showdown still linger like unfinished business in the minds of every scarlet-and-gray faithful.

For fans like the iconic Big Nut — one of the most passionate and recognizable superfans in college football — the message is clear: “Go Bucks and God Bless! Time to take care of business!”

Last year’s thrilling clash in Austin ended in heartbreak for the Buckeyes. The Longhorns, led by then-quarterback Quinn Ewers, edged out a 34-31 win in a nail-biter that came down to the final possession. For Ohio State, it wasn’t just a game — it was a lesson in grit, and a painful reminder that greatness must be earned.

Now, the rematch is set to unfold under the lights in Ohio Stadium, where 105,000 roaring fans will turn the ‘Shoe into a scarlet inferno. National television will broadcast every pulse-pounding second, and the stakes are sky-high. This isn’t just revenge. It’s a statement game.

A Battle of Bluebloods

Texas and Ohio State are two of college football’s most iconic programs. They’ve each won national championships, sent scores of players to the NFL, and built legacies that span generations. When these teams meet, it’s more than football — it’s history.

The 2024 contest proved that these programs are on parallel tracks, both stocked with elite talent, NFL-caliber coaching, and championship expectations. That’s why September 3, 2025, is already circled in red ink on every college football calendar.

For Ohio State, this is about redemption. For Texas, it’s about validation.

Ryan Day’s Buckeyes Are Reloaded

Head coach Ryan Day enters his seventh full season in Columbus with renewed focus. After falling just short of a national championship last year — and taking that early-season loss to Texas personally — Day has retooled his roster and doubled down on leadership.

The Buckeyes return quarterback Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer who led Ohio State to a College Football Playoff appearance and threw for over 4,000 yards with 35 touchdowns in 2024. He’s been praised by Day as “a tremendous leader,” and his chemistry with returning weapons like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate could be the difference-maker in this year’s clash.

Smith, a former five-star wideout who exploded for 934 receiving yards as a freshman, is already generating NFL buzz. With another offseason under Brian Hartline’s tutelage, he could be the next in a long line of Buckeye receiver legends.

And don’t forget about TreVeyon Henderson. The explosive senior running back, finally healthy, gives Ohio State a true home-run threat out of the backfield.

On defense, coordinator Jim Knowles and assistant Matt Patricia have installed an aggressive, NFL-style scheme that swarms to the ball and creates chaos. Linebacker C.J. Hicks, defensive end Jack Sawyer, and cornerback Denzel Burke anchor a unit with speed, swagger, and something to prove.

Texas Has a New Era — But Is It Ready?

The Longhorns won the Big 12 in 2024 and reached the College Football Playoff semifinals, but 2025 brings a new challenge: life in the SEC. Steve Sarkisian’s team is now a part of the gauntlet, and they’ll have to face the nation’s best week in and week out.

That’s why this trip to Columbus is so important — it’s a tone-setter for their new conference life.

Texas will feature a new starting quarterback this time around. With Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, the Longhorns are turning to either Arch Manning — the five-star name that still turns heads — or redshirt sophomore Maalik Murphy. Both have looked sharp in offseason workouts, but neither has faced a defense as fast and furious as Ohio State’s.

Texas still boasts elite weapons, including WR Johntay Cook II and RB CJ Baxter. But replacing the poise and experience of Ewers won’t be easy — especially in front of a hostile crowd in Columbus.

A Game with National Implications

This isn’t just a marquee matchup — it’s a potential College Football Playoff preview.

Both Texas and Ohio State are ranked in the preseason top five. ESPN’s FPI has them projected to win 10+ games, and oddsmakers see this game as a likely CFP eliminator.

A win would immediately elevate the victor into front-runner status. A loss — especially a blowout — could be devastating to playoff hopes.

Ryan Day knows this. So does Sarkisian. That’s why both teams are treating this game like a bowl game in September.

Expect trick plays. Expect intensity. Expect fireworks.

Buckeye Nation Is Ready

Tickets sold out in hours. Local hotels are booked. The tailgate scene will be legendary.

From the marching band’s pregame skull session to the deafening “O-H-I-O” chants, Ohio State is pulling out all the stops to make this a game no one forgets.

The Buckeyes haven’t lost a non-conference home game since 2017, and they don’t plan to start now.

Fans like Big Nut are already suiting up. “I’ve been waiting for this one since the clock hit zero last year,” he said. “This is our time. We’re going to show the nation what Buckeye pride looks like.”

Key Matchups to Watch

• Will Howard vs. Texas Secondary: Howard’s decision-making will be tested against a ball-hawking Longhorns defense that returns multiple starters.

• Jeremiah Smith vs. Malik Muhammad: If the Texas corner can’t contain Smith, it could be a long night.

• Ohio State D-Line vs. Texas O-Line: Sawyer and Michael Hall Jr. will look to dominate the trenches. Texas must protect its new quarterback.

• Coaching Chess Match: Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian are both offensive masterminds. Their game-planning and halftime adjustments will be crucial.

A Rematch with a Message

This isn’t just about football. It’s about pride. Legacy. Reclaiming respect.

For Ryan Day, it’s a chance to answer critics and prove that Ohio State still belongs at the pinnacle of the sport.

For the players, it’s about defending the honor of The Shoe.

For fans, it’s about the scarlet and gray marching toward destiny.

The countdown is down to 37 days. The Longhorns are coming — but the Buckeyes are waiting. And if last year left a scar, this year is the moment to heal it.

September 3 can’t get here soon enough.

So to the rest of college football: Buckeye Nation is ready.

Go Bucks. God Bless. And bring on Texas.