‘It’s About Time’: No. 1 Texas, No. 3 Ohio State Set for Opening Clash

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns will open their seasons with a clash that feels like a continuation of January’s national semifinal, but with fresh faces running the show. That game ended with Ohio State defeating Texas 28-14 en route to a national championship, and now the two teams meet again in Columbus to start the 2025 campaign. This time, though, the quarterbacks are different.

Texas turns to Arch Manning, one of the most hyped recruits in college football history, to lead the offense. Manning appeared in 10 games last season, throwing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions while filling in at times behind Quinn Ewers. Now, with Ewers off to the NFL, Manning officially takes over. “It’s not about me, it’s about the whole team,” Manning said this week. “We have to play the situations well, not give them short fields, and take care of the ball. I just have to trust my training and the coaches.”

Ohio State, meanwhile, hands the ball to redshirt freshman Julian Sayin. The young quarterback played sparingly last year, but impressed enough in practice to earn Ryan Day’s trust. “You’re seeing him every day get more and more confident and comfortable,” Day said. “But we’ve got to get on the field and play. It’s about time. The message is just win.”

Quarterback comparison: Texas vs. Ohio State

The challenge of roster turnover

While quarterbacks dominate the headlines, both programs must deal with significant roster changes. Twenty-six players who participated in last year’s semifinal were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, including 14 Buckeyes. That level of turnover means Saturday’s game will look and feel different, even if the stakes remain massive.

Texas must replace four starters on the offensive line, a difficult task for a team breaking in a young quarterback. The Longhorns will rely on freshman All-American defensive end Colin Simmons, who was named national freshman of the year after recording 48 tackles, nine sacks, and an interception in 2024. His ability to disrupt Ohio State’s offensive rhythm could be critical.

For Ohio State, the departures hit the defensive line hardest, with four starters gone. Still, the Buckeyes return key playmakers, including safety Caleb Downs, widely considered one of the best defensive players in the country. Downs will present a serious challenge for Manning in his first full-time start. On offense, receiver Jeremiah Smith looks to build on a freshman campaign in which he posted 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Key returning players

Stakes are high, but not season-defining

Texas enters the game riding an 11-game road winning streak, proving they can thrive in tough environments. Ohio State, meanwhile, is eager to begin its title defense with a statement victory. Yet, the introduction of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff last year changes the stakes. As Texas coach Steve Sarkisian noted, this game won’t be a knockout blow for the loser. “I don’t think either us or Ohio State, for that matter, is going to get punished for playing in this game from a CFP standpoint,” Sarkisian said.

For fans and bettors tracking this clash, NCAAF picks and scores & odds highlight just how evenly matched these teams are despite the turnover. Analysts in the expert betting guide have pointed to the quarterback matchup as the biggest storyline, as both Manning and Sayin will be tested immediately against elite defenses.

Conclusion

Saturday’s meeting between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State carries all the hallmarks of a classic early-season showdown: star power, historic programs, and playoff implications. For Arch Manning, it’s the chance to officially step into the spotlight and prove he can carry the Longhorns. For Julian Sayin, it’s the ultimate test — a first start against a top-ranked opponent in front of 100,000 fans. Both teams are reloading after heavy NFL departures, but the passion and intensity remain unchanged. This isn’t just a rematch of January’s semifinal — it’s the launchpad for two of college football’s biggest brands as they begin their march toward another postseason run.