In what could have been one of the most anticipated season openers in recent college football memory, reports have emerged that the University of Texas has declined a proposal from Ohio State University to face off in a Week 1 game. The potential matchup, which would have pitted two of the sport’s most iconic programs against one another, was apparently discussed but ultimately turned down by Texas, leaving fans of both schools and college football as a whole wondering what could have been.
The news is surprising, not just because of the high profile of the two programs involved, but because of the timing. Both Texas and Ohio State are in compelling transitional periods, making a marquee non-conference clash an enticing draw for broadcasters, ticket sales, and playoff implications. Ohio State, fresh off a strong showing in the College Football Playoff, is aiming to open the new season with a bang under the continued leadership of Ryan Day. Texas, meanwhile, is navigating a pivotal offseason with Arch Manning expected to take the reins of the offense following Quinn Ewers’ departure to the NFL. A Week 1 showdown between these two bluebloods would have instantly become must-see TV.
Instead, Texas’s decision to back away from the opportunity suggests a more conservative approach to the season’s opening weeks. Whether it was about building momentum, protecting a young quarterback, or controlling the narrative early in the year, the Longhorns appear to be prioritizing stability over spectacle. That doesn’t mean they’re afraid to compete—Texas has never shied away from big moments—but rather that they’re choosing to be strategic about how they introduce a new leader under center and ensure the team is firing on all cylinders before entering heavyweight matchups.
For Ohio State, the reported rebuff is disappointing. The Buckeyes have consistently sought out strong non-conference opponents, often to boost their College Football Playoff resume and to challenge themselves early in the year. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, Ohio State has faced the likes of Oregon, Notre Dame, and others in early-season matchups that helped gauge the team’s strengths and weaknesses long before conference play began. The logic is simple: test yourself early, fix what needs fixing, and be ready when it counts most.
What makes this situation even more tantalizing is the recent history between the two programs. Texas and Ohio State met in a memorable College Football Playoff semifinal just last season. In that game, Ohio State emerged victorious thanks in part to a stunning defensive play in the final minutes, when Buckeyes edge rusher Jack Sawyer stripped Quinn Ewers—his former high school teammate and one-time roommate—and returned the ball for a game-sealing touchdown. The play wasn’t just a highlight; it was a moment that encapsulated the rivalry, the stakes, and the emotion that these two programs bring when they meet. A rematch in Week 1, especially with so many carryover storylines, would have captivated the sport.
The decline of the matchup also raises broader questions about college football scheduling. While fans and media often clamor for powerhouse showdowns, coaches and athletic departments must consider a broader range of factors: readiness, player development, travel logistics, television contracts, and long-term goals. For Texas, jumping into the fire against a playoff-caliber team while onboarding a new quarterback and adjusting to changes on the offensive line might have been too risky. A more manageable opening game could allow them to evaluate personnel, build confidence, and minimize early-season injuries.
Additionally, this isn’t just about one game. For Texas, 2025 is a year that comes with massive expectations. The Longhorns are poised to enter the season ranked inside the top 10, with legitimate hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff for a second straight year. Steve Sarkisian’s program has undergone a transformation over the past three seasons, and the talent on both sides of the ball suggests that Texas could be in the mix for a national title. But with lofty expectations comes the need for careful planning. A misstep early in the season could alter momentum, seed doubt, and complicate the path forward.
Ohio State, on the other hand, may feel slighted—but they’ve also got plenty to look forward to. Their 2025 roster is among the deepest in the nation, and they return several key players from last year’s playoff run. The Buckeyes aren’t just hungry for a rematch—they’re out to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke. They’ve embraced the idea of taking on difficult early-season challenges, believing that true title contenders should be battle-tested by mid-September. That mindset has been a defining feature of the program’s identity under Day, and while Texas may have declined this particular challenge, it’s unlikely Ohio State will back off from similar opportunities in the future.
The disappointment from fans is understandable. College football has evolved rapidly in recent years, with the expanded playoff format, conference realignment, and increasing NIL influence reshaping the landscape. Amid all the changes, fans still crave the tradition, excitement, and unpredictability of a big-time, early-season clash. Texas vs. Ohio State would have delivered on all fronts—two national brands, Heisman-caliber talent, passionate fanbases, and enough drama to fuel an entire offseason’s worth of narratives.
But even without this showdown, both teams will still have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves. Texas is set to face multiple SEC heavyweights in the coming months, as the program transitions fully into its new conference. Games against Alabama, Georgia, and others will provide the measuring sticks fans crave. For Ohio State, the Big Ten’s expanded schedule—featuring matchups against Oregon, USC, and Washington—ensures no shortage of top-tier competition. The playoff selection committee will have ample data to evaluate both programs, even without a head-to-head contest to kick things off.
Still, one has to wonder whether this was a missed opportunity. In a sport that increasingly operates on a national stage, early-season statement games are more important than ever. They provide clarity to voters, revenue for programs, and unforgettable moments for fans. They also remind us why we love college football in the first place—not just for the results, but for the spectacle, the pageantry, and the passion. When programs like Texas and Ohio State step on the same field, the stakes are bigger than a win or a loss. It’s about identity, legacy, and the enduring power of the sport.
The rejection of this proposed matchup may sting in the short term, but it doesn’t mean the door is closed forever. These programs will likely meet again—perhaps in a future regular season, a bowl game, or even another playoff rematch. When they do, the anticipation will only be higher because of what didn’t happen this fall. Fans will remember the missed opportunity and crave resolution. That’s the nature of college football. The stories don’t end—they evolve.
For now, the 2025 season will begin without the thunderclap of a Texas-Ohio State collision. Both programs will go their separate ways, preparing for what each hopes will be a title-contending run. The Longhorns will break in a new quarterback under the bright lights of an SEC debut. The Buckeyes will aim to build on last year’s success with a roster primed for another deep playoff push. The roads may be different, but the destination remains the same: football glory, etched in history.
And if the stars align, perhaps those roads will converge once again, when it matters most.
