In 2025, the Longhorns will take against the reigning champion Buckeyes.
As the 2025 college football season looms on the horizon, the Texas Longhorns are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated matchups in recent history. The Ohio State Buckeyes, the reigning College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champions, will square off against the Longhorns in a showdown that will be etched into the minds of fans and analysts alike. For both programs, the stakes couldn’t be higher, as this game holds the potential to alter the trajectory of their seasons and impact their legacies for years to come.
The Build-Up: A Clash of Powerhouses
At the heart of this historic matchup is the narrative of two programs that have, at various points in history, defined college football. The Texas Longhorns, a team with a rich tradition of success, is on the cusp of returning to national prominence. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have worked tirelessly to rebuild their program into a perennial contender in the Big 12 and eventually in the SEC. The Longhorns have an impressive recruiting pipeline, a roster brimming with talent, and a coaching staff that is committed to competing with the best in the country.
On the other side, the Ohio State Buckeyes are the reigning champions of college football, a title they earned in a dominant performance at the CFP National Championship Game. Ohio State’s blend of elite recruiting, a potent offensive system, and a stifling defense under head coach Ryan Day has made them a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten and on the national stage. The Buckeyes have a roster full of NFL-caliber talent, and their championship pedigree will make them a formidable opponent for Texas.
As the game nears, both programs will be riding high on expectations. For the Longhorns, this is an opportunity to prove they belong among the elite of college football once again. For the Buckeyes, this is a chance to defend their title and assert their dominance over another powerhouse program in Texas.
The Key Players: Stars Who Will Define the Game
The matchup between Texas and Ohio State will feature a host of star players, each capable of influencing the outcome of the game. Whether it’s the Longhorns’ explosive offense or the Buckeyes’ suffocating defense, the playmakers on both sides will be critical.
Texas Longhorns: Quinn Ewers and Bijan Robinson’s Successor
At the helm of the Longhorns’ offense is quarterback Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his time at Texas. Heading into the 2025 season, Ewers will be one of the most scrutinized players in college football, and his performance against Ohio State will be a litmus test for his growth and development under Sarkisian’s offense.
Ewers possesses all the tools to succeed—an elite arm, mobility, and the ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move. But against a defense as formidable as Ohio State’s, Ewers will need to elevate his game and display the poise and accuracy that will be required to lead the Longhorns to victory. The Buckeyes defense, led by a strong pass rush and a secondary full of ball hawks, will challenge Ewers in ways he hasn’t faced before.
In the backfield, the Longhorns will be leaning on the next chapter of their running game. With Bijan Robinson declaring for the NFL Draft, the mantle will pass to his successor. Whether it’s a running back like Jonathan Brooks or another breakout star, the Longhorns will need to establish the run game to open up play-action opportunities for Ewers. Ohio State’s defense is aggressive, and slowing down their pass rush by controlling the clock with a strong running game could be key to Texas’ success.
Ohio State Buckeyes: C.J. Stroud and a Star-Studded Defense
On the other side, the Ohio State Buckeyes will be led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is coming off a national championship season and will be considered a Heisman Trophy contender in 2025. Stroud’s combination of arm strength, accuracy, and field vision makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country. The Texas secondary, which has been solid but inconsistent at times, will have its hands full trying to contain Stroud’s weapons on the outside, including Marvin Harrison Jr., who is one of the best wide receivers in college football.
Stroud’s ability to stretch the field vertically and hit his receivers in stride will test the Longhorns’ defense. With a potential first-round pick in Harrison Jr. and a slew of other talented pass-catchers, Ohio State’s aerial attack will force Texas to play disciplined and aggressive football. Stroud will be looking to build on his national championship performance, and he’ll likely come out with something to prove in this primetime matchup.
Ohio State’s defense is equally potent, particularly up front. The Buckeyes’ defensive line is one of the most talented in the country, featuring a host of future NFL stars. Their ability to disrupt Ewers’ timing and pressure him into mistakes will be a critical factor in the outcome of this game. Ohio State’s defense thrives on creating turnovers, so the Longhorns will need to be cautious with the football and avoid giving the Buckeyes extra opportunities.
Tactics and Strategy: How Texas Can Upset the Buckeyes
The key to an upset victory for the Texas Longhorns will be controlling the tempo of the game and executing in the trenches. Against an elite team like Ohio State, Texas must minimize mistakes and capitalize on any opportunities presented by the Buckeyes. Here are some tactical considerations for the Longhorns as they prepare for the showdown:
1. Protecting Quinn Ewers
Ewers will need time to operate in the pocket, and that starts with the Texas offensive line. The Longhorns must keep their quarterback clean and allow him to read the defense and make accurate throws. Ohio State’s pass rush, which is among the best in college football, will be relentless. If Ewers is pressured consistently, it will be difficult for the Longhorns to sustain drives. Texas needs to prioritize giving Ewers time to throw while mixing in quick passing plays and screens to neutralize the Buckeyes’ rush.
2. Establishing the Run Game
Texas must establish a strong run game early, even without Bijan Robinson. Jonathan Brooks or whichever running back steps up will be asked to take on a pivotal role in this game. A successful ground game will force Ohio State to commit extra defenders to the box, opening up opportunities for Ewers to hit play-action passes downfield. Texas cannot afford to become one-dimensional, as Ohio State’s defense will feast on predictable passing situations.
3. Containing C.J. Stroud and the Buckeyes’ Passing Attack
Defending C.J. Stroud and the Ohio State passing game will be one of the most challenging tasks for the Texas defense. Stroud has the ability to pick apart defenses with his accuracy, and he has a deep group of weapons at his disposal. Texas will need to rely on a strong pass rush from its defensive line to pressure Stroud and disrupt his timing. Sacking Stroud or forcing him to move out of the pocket will be key to slowing down Ohio State’s offense.
The Longhorns’ secondary, while talented, will be tested by Stroud’s deep throws and Harrison Jr.‘s ability to stretch the field. Defensive backs must be disciplined, stay within their coverage assignments, and avoid giving up big plays. Safety play will also be crucial, as Texas will need to help over the top to ensure that Stroud doesn’t exploit mismatches with his talented receivers.
4. Special Teams and Field Position
In a game of this magnitude, special teams can make or break a game. Texas will need to execute flawlessly on kickoff coverage, punting, and field goals to keep Ohio State from gaining favorable field position. A big return or a blocked punt could swing momentum in favor of either team, and Sarkisian’s squad cannot afford to make mistakes in this area. Field position will be key to both offenses, so a strong effort from special teams will be crucial.
Ohio State’s Road to a Repeat
While Texas is hungry to prove itself, the Ohio State Buckeyes will have their sights set on defending their title. After a dominant 2024 season, the Buckeyes will be looking to build on their momentum and continue their championship run. Ryan Day has built a program that is the epitome of consistency at the top level, and his team’s depth, experience, and leadership will make them tough to beat.
Ohio State has been able to reload rather than rebuild, consistently bringing in elite recruits and fostering a winning culture. A victory over Texas would solidify their place as one of the premier programs in the country and provide them with an early-season boost as they aim to defend their national title.
