Texas Expected to Beat Ohio State in 2025 Season Opener, Paul Finebaum Predicts

The 2025 college football season will open with a highly anticipated matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes, a rematch of last year's College Football Playoff semifinal. ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum is confident Texas, led by Heisman Trophy favorite Arch Manning, will defeat Ohio State despite the Buckeyes being favored by oddsmakers. Finebaum praises Manning's growth and experience as an understudy to Quinn Ewers and credits Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian's recruitment and transfer portal success for building a strong roster. Both teams are considered national championship favorites with equal odds, but Finebaum insists Manning's talent and system familiarity will give Texas the edge. Ohio State, the defending national champions, will start Julian Sayin at quarterback, while Texas looks to make a statement early in the season at Ohio Stadium. The game is viewed as one of the top matchups of the season and a critical test for both programs' title aspirations.