Joel Klatt Labels Ohio State-Texas Clash a Monster Matchup as Lee Corso’s Son Criticizes Final College GameDay Stop Choice

The buzz around college football’s biggest non-conference games is growing by the day, and few matchups on the 2025 schedule carry as much weight or intrigue as the early-season showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns. FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt didn’t hesitate to throw fuel on that fire this week, calling the Week 2 contest between two of the sport’s true blue bloods a “monster matchup” that could have College Football Playoff implications.

At the same time, another staple of the college football world found himself at the center of a different conversation. Lee Corso, the beloved longtime ESPN College GameDay analyst, is preparing for his final season on the iconic Saturday morning show. But it’s his son’s recent comments that have sparked debate across the sport, after he referred to the chosen location for Corso’s final College GameDay appearance as “disappointing,” fueling speculation and controversy.

First, to the game everyone is already circling on their calendars.

The 2025 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with the expanded College Football Playoff, ongoing conference realignment fallout, and loaded rosters across the nation. Yet, one thing remains constant: when powerhouses like Ohio State and Texas collide, the stakes are monumental, and so are the expectations.

Joel Klatt, never one to hold back in his assessments, made it clear during his weekly podcast that the September 6th meeting between the Buckeyes and Longhorns in Austin will be one of the most pivotal games of the season. “Monster matchup,” Klatt emphasized. “This is as good as it gets early in the season. These two programs — the history, the talent, the stakes — it’s what college football fans live for.”

Ohio State enters the season with national title aspirations, boasting what many believe is the most complete roster in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes return a ferocious defense anchored by JT Tuimoloau and Sonny Styles, while the offense, retooled under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, is expected to lean on a balanced attack led by quarterback Devin Brown. After back-to-back losses to Michigan and missing out on the Big Ten crown, the pressure on Ryan Day’s squad to make a statement early is immense.

Meanwhile, Texas comes into the year riding the momentum of a resurgent 2024 season under Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns finally broke through last year, winning the Big 12 in their final season before making the jump to the SEC. Led by quarterback Arch Manning, who many consider a preseason Heisman front-runner, Texas is determined to prove it belongs among the sport’s elite as it enters college football’s toughest conference.

“This isn’t just about two big brands,” Klatt explained. “It’s about two teams with legitimate playoff expectations, two teams that can win it all, squaring off under the lights in front of 100,000 fans in Austin. It’s going to be electric.”

The Buckeyes and Longhorns have only met a handful of times, but their history is rich. Who can forget the epic 2005 meeting when Vince Young led Texas to a narrow victory in Columbus on the way to the Longhorns’ unforgettable national championship run? Or Ohio State’s revenge the following season in Austin? Now, nearly two decades later, the programs meet again with the sport’s biggest prize potentially hanging in the balance.

Klatt isn’t the only one hyping the showdown. Early betting lines have made the game virtually a toss-up, with analysts divided on who holds the upper hand. Some point to Ohio State’s physicality and experience, while others believe Manning and the Longhorns’ high-powered offense give Texas the edge at home.

The outcome of the game could set the tone for both programs’ playoff hopes. With the new 12-team format, early-season losses won’t be as damaging as in the past, but seeding, home-field advantage, and momentum still play crucial roles. For Ohio State, a win in Austin would silence critics questioning their ability to win marquee games away from Columbus. For Texas, knocking off a Big Ten heavyweight in their SEC debut season would send shockwaves through the sport.

As anticipation builds for that colossal clash, another storyline dominated college football circles this week, though for very different reasons.

Lee Corso, the 89-year-old college football legend, is preparing for his final campaign on ESPN’s College GameDay, the show he helped turn into a Saturday morning tradition. Corso’s weekly mascot headgear picks, spirited debates, and infectious enthusiasm have been synonymous with the sport for over three decades. But as his farewell season approaches, questions have swirled about where his final GameDay appearance will take place.

Corso’s son, Steve Corso, stirred the pot during a radio interview on Tuesday, expressing disappointment with the network’s reported decision for his father’s last show.

“I’ll be honest — I think it’s a little disappointing where they’ve chosen for Dad’s last GameDay,” Steve Corso remarked. “We had hoped it would be somewhere more meaningful, more connected to his legacy. But ESPN has their reasons, I guess.”

Steve Corso declined to specify the exact location, but reports have circulated that ESPN plans to close out Corso’s GameDay tenure at a regular-season SEC game with limited historical ties to his career. Fans and former players immediately took to social media to debate the decision, with many suggesting more fitting locations like Florida State, where Corso played and coached, or Indianapolis, site of recent national championship games, would have been more appropriate.

ESPN, for its part, has yet to officially confirm the destination for Corso’s final show but issued a statement emphasizing their respect for his legacy.

“Coach Corso is an icon, and his final College GameDay appearance will be a celebration of his incredible contributions to college football,” the statement read. “We are working closely with Coach and his family to ensure it’s a memorable sendoff.”

Despite the controversy, the elder Corso has remained characteristically upbeat. In a recent interview, he expressed gratitude for his time on the show and excitement for one more season.

“I’ve been blessed to be part of this great sport for so long,” Corso said. “Every Saturday, I feel like a kid again. I can’t wait to see the fans, the signs, the traditions — it’s what makes college football so special.”

For many, Corso’s final season represents the end of an era. His quirks, catchphrases, and genuine love for the game have endeared him to generations of fans. Whether one agrees with the location of his final show or not, the impact he’s had is undeniable.

As the 2025 season approaches, the dual storylines of a massive Ohio State-Texas clash and the emotional farewell tour for Corso underscore why college football remains one of America’s most cherished traditions. The passion, the history, the rivalries, and yes, the occasional controversy, continue to fuel endless debates and unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re tuning in for the heavyweight matchups like Buckeyes vs. Longhorns or savoring the nostalgia of Lee Corso’s last ride, one thing is certain: the upcoming season promises drama, excitement, and plenty to talk about from kickoff to the final whistle.