Preseason number one Texas faces tough challenge from Ohio State
- The Texas Longhorns are ranked as the preseason number one team in college football as they head into week one.
- Ohio State is favored by analytical systems, despite Texas's top ranking, highlighting expectations for a competitive game.
- A win for Ohio State could significantly shift narratives between the SEC and Big Ten conferences.
In a highly anticipated week one matchup of the 2025 college football season, the Texas Longhorns traveled to Columbus to face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Analysts from various ranking systems favored Ohio State, despite Texas entering the season as the number one team. The matchup is significant not only for playoff implications but also for the broader narrative surrounding the SEC and Big Ten conferences, which have become fiercely debated in recent years. A victory for Ohio State could reshape perceptions about its conference superiority, particularly if they were to win decisively against the Heisman Trophy hopeful, Arch Manning, quarterback for Texas. Urban Meyer, the former head coach of Ohio State, expressed skepticism about Manning's performance, urging a more conservative approach for both quarterbacks in the game. His concern stems from the fact that Manning is still relatively inexperienced in college football, with only 12 appearances to his name, while Ohio State's own quarterback situation is uncertain due to inexperience in starting roles. Moreover, both teams faced challenges with personnel changes, as Ohio State attempted to replace four starters on their offensive line from the previous national championship-winning team. Texas, meanwhile, aimed to solidify its status as a legitimate contender by showcasing its strength against a top-tier opponent early in the season.