
Texas vs. Ohio State Live Updates: Start Time, TV Channel, and Week 1 Game Preview
College football fans have circled August 30, 2025, on their calendars for one reason: the monumental Week 1 clash between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Less than eight months after their epic College Football Playoff meeting, the nation’s top two teams renew their rivalry in Columbus, Ohio. With star quarterbacks Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith leading their squads, this noon ET kickoff promises high drama, record attendance, and a breathtaking atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard Longhorn loyalist or a Buckeyes fanatic, here’s everything you need to know to catch the game live, follow real-time updates, and gain expert perspectives on what could be the defining contest of the 2025 season.
Game Details and Viewing Information
What Time Does Texas vs. Ohio State Start?
- Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
- Kickoff: Noon ET (11 a.m. CT, 9 a.m. PT)
- Venue: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as “The Horseshoe,” will be packed to capacity when the Longhorns and Buckeyes kick off right at high noon. Arrive early for pregame pageantry, the Ohio State Marching Band’s famed “Scarlet and Gray” performance, and the Longhorns’ “Hook ’em” salute.
What TV Channel Is Texas vs. Ohio State On?
- Network: Fox
- Play-by-Play: Gus Johnson
- Analyst: Joel Klatt
- Sideline Reporter: Jenny Taft
Fox holds national broadcast rights for this marquee matchup. Gus Johnson’s signature enthusiasm, paired with Joel Klatt’s analytical depth and Jenny Taft’s sideline insights, ensures comprehensive coverage from kickoff to the final whistle.
Streaming Options
- Fubo: Carries Fox with a free trial for new subscribers
- Fox Sports App: Requires cable or satellite login
- Sling TV & Hulu + Live TV: Both include Fox in select markets
Note that YouTube TV subscribers may be unable to stream on Fox due to an ongoing carriage dispute. Fubo remains the most reliable streaming alternative for cord-cutters.
Live Updates and Scoring Tracker
Stay tuned here for real-time updates, drive summaries, key injuries, and halftime analysis. Whether you’re following on your phone or gathering friends around the TV, this section will be your go-to scoreboard and story hub.
Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Texas | – | – | – | – | – |
Ohio State | – | – | – | – | – |
Key Storylines and Player Matchups
New Faces Under Center
Arch Manning (Texas)
- 2024 Stats as Backup: 2 games, 368 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
- Pro Style QB: Combines pocket poise with dual-threat ability
- Season Goals: Solidify leadership, command the Longhorn offense, and outduel a top rival
Arch Manning, heir to the Manning football legacy, steps into his first full-time starting role. After sparingly relieving Quinn Ewers last season, Manning has impressed coaches with his decision-making, ball placement, and late-game poise.
Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)
- Previous Experience: Limited mop-up duty in 2023; excellent practice reps
- Skill Set: Arm strength, quick release, and elite pocket mobility
- Expectations: Maintain Buckeyes’ high-octane offense, protect home turf, and fend off Longhorn blitzes
Jeremiah Smith earns the nod over Will Howard after a high-profile battle in fall camp. Smith’s athleticism and chemistry with playmakers like Emeka Egbuka will be critical against a relentless Texas defense.
Defensive Battles to Watch
- Texas D-Line vs. Ohio State O-Line: Can Texas generate a pass rush on a veteran Buckeye front?
- Ohio State Secondary vs. Texas Receivers: Will Julian Sayin’s understudies exploit Ohio State’s young cornerbacks?
Expect heavy blitz packages from both sides, disguised coverages, and key line matchups that determine who controls the line of scrimmage.
Expert Predictions and Betting Insights
Score Predictions
Analyst | Prediction | Key Reasoning |
---|---|---|
Bill Rabinowitz (Columbus Dispatch) | Ohio State 31, Texas 28 | Home-field advantage and defensive depth give Buckeyes a slight edge. |
John Leuzzi (USA TODAY Sports) | Texas 27, Ohio State 24 | Arch Manning’s composure and Texas’ balanced offense will prevail. |
Vegas Odds | Ohio State –3.5 | Oddsmakers favor Ohio State by a field goal, reflecting razor-thin margins. |
Both teams showcase high-powered offenses and improved defenses. Bettors can find value on the underdog, especially considering Texas’ familiarity with Ohio Stadium from last season’s CFP semifinal.
Over/Under and Prop Bets
- Over/Under: 60.5 points—projecting a shootout.
- First Team to Score: Texas (+100), Ohio State (–120).
- Anytime TD Scorer Props:
- Arch Manning (+160)
- Emeka Egbuka (+140)
- Quinshon Judkins (+180)
Sharp bettors recommend fading the public on the over, anticipating a more controlled half-time defensive stand from both coordinators.
Season Schedules and Key Matchups
Ohio State 2025 Schedule
- Aug 30: vs. No. 1 Texas | Noon ET | Fox
- Sept 6: vs. Grambling | 3:30 p.m. ET | Big Ten Network
- Sept 13: vs. Ohio | 7 p.m. ET | Peacock
- Sept 27: at Washington* | TBD | ESPN
- Oct 4: vs. Minnesota* | TBD | Fox
- Oct 11: at No. 12 Illinois* | TBD | ABC
- Oct 18: at Wisconsin* | TBD | Big Ten Network
- Nov 1: vs. No. 3 Penn State* | TBD | CBS
- Nov 8: at Purdue* | TBD | Big Ten Network
- Nov 15: vs. UCLA* | TBD | ABC
- Nov 22: vs. Rutgers* | TBD | Fox
- Nov 29: at No. 14 Michigan* | TBD | ABC
*Denotes Big Ten conference games. The Buckeyes hope to defend their conference crown behind new leaders on both sides of the ball.
Texas 2025 Schedule
- Aug 30: at No. 2 Ohio State | Noon ET | Fox
- Sept 6: vs. San Jose State | Noon ET | ESPN
- Sept 13: vs. UTEP | 4:15 p.m. ET | SEC Network
- Sept 20: vs. Sam Houston | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN+
- Oct 4: at No. 17 Florida* | TBD | ESPN
- Oct 11: vs. Oklahoma* | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Oct 18: at Kentucky* | TBD | SEC Network
- Oct 25: at Mississippi State* | TBD | ESPN
- Nov 1: vs. Vanderbilt* | Noon ET | CBS
- Nov 15: at No. 4 Georgia* | TBD | ESPN
- Nov 22: vs. Arkansas* | TBD | CFP Network
- Nov 28: vs. No. 21 Texas A&M* | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
*Denotes SEC conference games. Texas aims for a seamless title defense in the SEC and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Statement Game for Ohio State
For the Buckeyes, beating the No. 1 team in Week 1 cements a return to national prominence. Under Coach Ryan Day’s leadership, Ohio State will leverage home advantage, a deep defensive rotation, and the swagger of playing in front of the Buckeye faithful.
Revenge Tour for Texas
The Longhorns view this contest as sweet redemption. After falling short in last season’s playoff rematch, Texas combines a new quarterback, bolstered offensive line, and aggressive defense eager to silence the Horseshoe. Arch Manning’s quest for his signature win fits a narrative of destiny.
Fan Experience and Pregame Festivities
Tailgating and Traditions
Ohio Stadium offers one of college football’s best tailgates. Fans can enjoy:
- Buckeye BBQ Cook-Offs: Local pitmasters compete for bragging rights.
- Marching Band Preview: Early afternoon performances by “The Best Damn Band in the Land.”
- Longhorn Tribute Tent: A special Texas alumni gathering featuring traditional Tex-Mex fare.
Pregame Ceremonies
- National Anthem: Sung by a surprise celebrity guest.
- Coin Toss: Televised pregame show segment with Coach Day and Coach Sarkisian.
- Flyover: Military jets thunder over the Horseshoe eight minutes before kickoff.
How to Follow Live Coverage and Highlights
Social Media Channels
- Twitter/X: @CFBONFOX for live highlights, score updates, and viral moments.
- Instagram: @TexasFootball and @OhioStateFB for behind-the-scenes clips.
- YouTube: Fox College Football Channel for condensed game recaps.
Mobile Apps
- FOX Sports App: Live stats, play-by-play, and interactive coach’s challenges tracker.
- ESPN App: Includes live text analysis and notification alerts for big plays.
- Team Apps: “Scarlet & Gray” and “Hook ’em” provide exclusive content and fan polls.
Conclusion
The Week 1 showdown between Texas and Ohio State ranks among the most eagerly anticipated college football games in recent memory. From the noon ET kickoff on Fox to the pulsating live updates and expert predictions, this matchup has all the ingredients for an instant classic. Whether you believe in the Buckeyes’ home-field advantage or subscribe to the Longhorns’ revenge narrative, one thing is certain: the 2025 season starts with a seismic collision at The Horseshoe. Tune in, grab your favorite beverage, and prepare for a football spectacle that may define the championship race to come.