Texas Longhorns Open 2025 Football Season in Blockbuster Matchup Against Ohio State on FOX Big Noon Kickoff National Stage

The Texas Longhorns are set to begin the 2025 college football season with one of the most anticipated matchups in recent memory, traveling to Columbus to face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes. This high-profile contest will air as part of FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff, a premier television slot that has grown into a major platform for showcasing marquee matchups. For both programs, the season opener represents more than just a game—it’s a statement, a measuring stick, and potentially a springboard to a College Football Playoff run.

For the Longhorns, this is more than a season opener. It’s a return to national relevance on the biggest stage, a spotlight moment designed to announce Texas as a serious contender in the post-SEC transition era. After officially joining the Southeastern Conference in 2024 and finishing with a strong record, the Longhorns enter 2025 with momentum, but questions still linger about their ability to consistently compete at the top of college football. Beating Ohio State in their own house would go a long way toward silencing those doubts.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has steadily built the Longhorns into a more complete and physical team. With a well-balanced roster returning in 2025, including key playmakers on both sides of the ball, Texas is expected to be a top-10 team in most preseason rankings. The quarterback room has talent, with Maalik Murphy and Arch Manning both pushing for the starting role. Whoever wins that battle will be tested early and often against an Ohio State defense that prides itself on aggression and speed.

Ohio State, meanwhile, is seeking redemption after missing out on the College Football Playoff in 2024 and watching bitter rival Michigan continue to dominate the Big Ten. The Buckeyes, led by Ryan Day, have retooled in key areas and return one of the deepest defensive units in the country. The secondary, long considered a point of vulnerability, is expected to be a strength this season, and the front seven is filled with NFL-caliber talent. On offense, a new quarterback era begins, but the supporting cast—especially the offensive line and receiving corps—is elite by any measure.

The matchup brings together two storied programs with rich histories, passionate fanbases, and national championship expectations. Texas and Ohio State have met just three times in history, with Texas winning the 2006 Fiesta Bowl in a thriller and the teams splitting a home-and-home in 2005 and 2006. Those games were instant classics, and the 2025 edition has all the ingredients to be another unforgettable chapter.

What sets this particular game apart is the FOX Big Noon Kickoff spotlight. The network has made it a tradition to feature major showdowns in its early time slot, allowing games to dominate the entire college football news cycle for the day. With full pregame coverage starting early in the morning and a national broadcast window, the game between Texas and Ohio State won’t just be watched by fans of the respective schools—it’ll be the centerpiece of Week 1 across the country.

The timing also raises the stakes. Early season losses are difficult to overcome in the College Football Playoff era, and a win in this setting would provide an immediate résumé boost. A dominant performance could even propel the victor into the No. 1 spot in early AP rankings, setting the tone for a playoff march. Conversely, a loss could create pressure and urgency that lingers for weeks, especially with conference play looming.

From a recruiting perspective, the matchup is gold. With hundreds of top high school prospects watching and many expected to be in attendance, the outcome and overall environment could sway decisions. Both programs have elite recruiting pedigrees, but momentum is everything in the recruiting world. A strong showing on a stage like this has the potential to ripple into future classes and further solidify a program’s trajectory.

There are also massive implications for the coaching staffs. Steve Sarkisian, now well into his tenure in Austin, has earned praise for his offensive mind and leadership. But marquee wins on the road against top-tier opponents remain the missing piece. A victory at Ohio State would elevate Sarkisian’s status into the upper echelon of active coaches, showing he can win at the highest level under the brightest lights. For Ryan Day, the pressure is even more acute. Despite excellent overall records, the inability to consistently beat Michigan and deliver postseason success has drawn criticism. Losing the season opener at home to a non-conference opponent like Texas would only intensify the scrutiny.

Both teams have scheduled aggressively, understanding that strength of schedule matters more than ever in playoff discussions. For Texas, this is a precursor to the weekly grind of the SEC. Playing at Ohio Stadium, known as “The Horseshoe,” will be one of the most hostile environments they encounter all year. The Buckeye faithful are among the loudest and most loyal fans in the nation, and the 2025 opener will undoubtedly be sold out and electric from the first snap.

On the field, the matchup is compelling for football purists. The Longhorns bring a dynamic offense that can stretch the field vertically and horizontally, while also featuring a physical run game. Ohio State’s defense, meanwhile, is built to contain explosive plays and punish mistakes. If Texas can protect the quarterback and establish the run, they’ll have a chance to keep the Buckeye defense off-balance. On the flip side, Ohio State’s offense, while breaking in a new quarterback, will be loaded with playmakers and will test the Longhorns’ secondary depth. Expect both coordinators to hold little back with creative play-calling and aggressive strategies designed to seize momentum early.

Special teams, often overlooked in preseason analysis, could also play a decisive role. In high-pressure environments like this, a missed field goal, a muffed punt, or a game-breaking return can swing momentum. Both teams will look to shore up those units and ensure execution is crisp.

In terms of preparation, the lead-up to the game will feel like a bowl atmosphere. Both coaching staffs will have months to prepare, study tendencies, and script opening drives. The game will be treated like a postseason matchup in terms of intensity, preparation, and execution. Expect surprises, trick plays, and bold fourth-down decisions. This is the type of game where coaches can’t afford to play it safe.

Off the field, the buildup will be a media spectacle. FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff pregame show will likely broadcast live from Columbus, bringing added energy and national attention. Fans will camp outside the stadium, signs will be waved, and the atmosphere will reflect the magnitude of the occasion. Social media will buzz for days before and after, as pundits, analysts, and fans debate every storyline.

For the players, this is why they chose Texas or Ohio State. National exposure, NFL scouts in the stands, and a chance to make history—all in Week 1. The game will serve as a proving ground for rising stars and an opportunity for established veterans to cement their legacy. One or two plays may decide the outcome, and those moments will be replayed for years.

As kickoff approaches, the excitement will only grow. Fans from both sides are already marking their calendars, booking flights, and preparing for what promises to be an epic showdown. The 2025 college football season could not ask for a better opening act. Texas vs. Ohio State. FOX Big Noon Kickoff. National implications. Two bluebloods on a collision course. It doesn’t get much better than that.