FOX Announces Ohio State vs. Texas as Big Noon Kickoff Game, Then Retracts Start Time After Massive Fan Backlash

FOX Sports recently made headlines with its announcement that the marquee Ohio State vs. Texas football game would be featured as part of its prestigious Big Noon Kickoff package, originally slated for a noon kickoff. The move was positioned as another jewel in the crown of FOX’s Big Noon lineup, which has become a prominent and sought-after slot for college football’s biggest matchups. However, the announcement quickly triggered a wave of dissatisfaction among fans, leading FOX to retract the statement about the game’s kickoff time. This controversy highlights the delicate balance broadcasters must strike between tradition, fan expectations, and programming logistics.

FOX Sports, building on the success of its Big Noon Kickoff branding, had been aggressively marketing key college football games for the noon timeslot. This “Big Noon” window has grown into a prime slot on Saturdays, giving fans a premier experience early in the day and shaping how college football viewing schedules evolve. The early kickoff approach has been praised for avoiding competition with the traditional 3:30 or 4 p.m. games and NFL Sunday schedules, helping FOX carve out a strong foothold in college football broadcasting.

When FOX initially announced that Ohio State and Texas would meet as a Big Noon Kickoff game, it was seen as a major win for fans wanting an exciting, high-stakes matchup to watch early on Saturday. Ohio State, a perennial powerhouse with a passionate national fan base, paired with Texas, a historically prominent program and recent national contender, promised a marquee game that deserved the spotlight. The noon start time was positioned to maximize national viewership and to build momentum throughout the afternoon’s slate of games.

Yet, almost immediately after the announcement, a significant portion of fans expressed frustration and disappointment. For many, a noon kickoff for a game involving two of college football’s most popular programs conflicted with long-standing traditions and preferences. Historically, games of this magnitude, especially involving Ohio State and Texas, tend to command late afternoon or prime-time slots to maximize atmosphere, both in stadium attendance and in TV ratings. Fans argued that a noon kickoff would dampen the game-day experience and undercut the natural buildup and excitement usually associated with these teams’ marquee clashes.

Additionally, many fans noted that a noon start would disrupt local traditions and logistics. Ohio State, for example, is located in the Eastern Time Zone, and a noon kickoff there translates to 11 a.m. local time for fans traveling or watching from the West Coast. Meanwhile, Texas, based in the Central Time Zone, would start the game at 11 a.m. locally. Such an early start poses challenges for tailgating and other pre-game festivities that are a hallmark of college football culture. Fans emphasized how the vibrancy of the entire game-day experience could be compromised by a kickoff so early in the day.

The backlash wasn’t just from casual fans; commentators, analysts, and former players also weighed in, questioning the wisdom of such an early kickoff for such a high-profile matchup. Many expressed that the game deserved a prime-time audience to properly showcase the talent and stakes involved. The sentiment echoed a broader tension in college football scheduling — balancing national TV requirements, maximizing ratings, and respecting fan and player traditions.

In response to the vocal fan opposition, FOX quickly retracted its statement about the noon kickoff time for Ohio State vs. Texas. The network clarified that the game’s kickoff time was still to be finalized and that the initial announcement had been premature. This backtracking, while diplomatically phrased, was a clear signal that FOX was listening to its audience and willing to reconsider its scheduling approach. It also highlighted the risks broadcasters face when rushing announcements without fully gauging fan sentiment or logistical realities.

The controversy reflects larger trends in college football broadcasting as networks compete aggressively for top games and try to balance competing interests. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff has been a successful innovation, drawing substantial audiences and carving out a dedicated early-afternoon college football viewing window. But as this incident shows, even successful strategies must be handled carefully to avoid alienating core fans or disrupting traditions that are deeply embedded in the sport’s culture.

Beyond fan reaction, the scheduling dilemma speaks to the evolving nature of college football’s media landscape. With multiple networks vying for broadcast rights, there is intense pressure to showcase top-tier games at times that maximize both ratings and advertising revenue. Noon slots offer certain advantages: less competition from other games, earlier viewer engagement, and a consistent national schedule. Yet, the drawbacks, especially for regional fan bases and traditions, remain significant.

The Ohio State vs. Texas game is emblematic of this tension. Both programs boast enormous followings with deep regional roots. For these fan bases, game day is about more than just watching on TV — it’s about community, tailgating, and rituals tied closely to timing and atmosphere. By announcing a noon kickoff prematurely, FOX inadvertently struck a nerve among these passionate fans who felt their traditions were being overlooked.

Looking ahead, FOX’s retraction suggests that the network is likely to consider alternative kickoff times for this matchup — potentially a later afternoon or even an early evening slot that better aligns with fan preferences and enhances the game-day experience. This approach would mirror what many other major broadcasts have done when scheduling marquee games, placing them in prime viewing windows to maximize excitement and engagement.

This incident also serves as a reminder to broadcasters about the importance of communication and transparency with fans. In today’s social media-driven environment, announcements spread instantly, and fans react just as quickly. Networks that build anticipation and engage their audience respectfully tend to maintain stronger goodwill. Missteps, even if unintentional, can fuel backlash and force last-minute course corrections.

From a broader perspective, the drama surrounding the Ohio State vs. Texas kickoff time reveals how college football scheduling remains a delicate art. Networks must juggle numerous factors: TV ratings, advertising dollars, regional time zones, fan traditions, team preferences, and stadium logistics. As the sport grows in popularity and commercial importance, these challenges will only become more pronounced.

In the end, fans want what every sport’s audience desires — a compelling, high-energy game that feels special and respects tradition. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff branding has brought a fresh and exciting dimension to college football Saturdays, but this episode underscores that no matter the branding, the timing and experience matter deeply to fans. By listening to their audience and adjusting accordingly, FOX has the opportunity to preserve goodwill and ensure that when Ohio State faces Texas, the game is showcased in a way that honors its significance.

This episode also reminds fans that their voices hold power. The swift backlash and resulting retraction demonstrate that networks pay close attention to fan feedback. As college football’s media landscape continues to evolve, fan engagement and tradition will remain key factors shaping how games are scheduled and presented.

Ultimately, the Ohio State vs. Texas game will remain one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. How FOX schedules this game, whether in the coveted Big Noon slot or another time, will be watched closely as a case study in balancing innovation with respect for fan culture. With both programs bringing star-studded talent and fervent fan bases, the matchup deserves to be presented on terms that maximize excitement, viewership, and fan experience.

FOX’s initial announcement and subsequent retraction also highlight the broader challenges networks face in an increasingly crowded college football market. With so many high-profile games competing for airtime, networks must be nimble and sensitive to fan expectations while still pushing forward with programming innovations like the Big Noon Kickoff. As the season unfolds, the Ohio State vs. Texas game will be a bellwether for how these tensions play out in real time.

For now, fans can take comfort in knowing that FOX heard their concerns loud and clear and is willing to reconsider the kickoff time for one of the most important games on the college football calendar. Whether that means a later kickoff or a prime-time slot remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in college football, timing is everything — both on the clock and in the broadcast schedule.

In the final analysis, FOX’s handling of the Ohio State vs. Texas kickoff time controversy provides valuable lessons in communication, fan engagement, and the complexities of scheduling in modern sports broadcasting. It’s a reminder that while networks innovate and compete for viewers, they must also honor the traditions and preferences that make college football more than just a game — it’s a cultural experience cherished by millions.

As fans eagerly await the official kickoff announcement, the hope is that the final decision will satisfy both FOX’s strategic goals and the deep-rooted desires of Ohio State and Texas fans. This will ensure the game lives up to its billing as a true marquee matchup and a highlight of the college football season, proving that sometimes, a step back is necessary to move forward in delivering the best possible fan experience.