Texas Blocks Ohio State Request to Move 2025 Season Opener

Ohio State and Texas will open the 2025 college football season with a highly anticipated rematch of their College Football Playoff semifinal game. Despite widespread fan dissatisfaction in Ohio over the likely Big Noon kickoff time, Texas rejected Ohio State's request to move the game to Sunday, August 31, preferring to keep the scheduled Saturday, August 30 date. This refusal has left FOX without an official start time announcement, though a noon kickoff remains the most probable. The debate over game timing centers on Ohio State fans' belief that a night game would enhance stadium atmosphere, homefield advantage, and recruiting, while Texas fans emphasize tradition and the benefits of a Saturday game. The game will be broadcast by FOX, who had initially planned to schedule it in their Big Noon Kickoff slot as part of their broader strategy. Arch Manning is set to start as Texas quarterback, facing the challenge of playing Ohio State in Columbus, with the Buckeyes looking to defend their title despite losing key players to the draft.