Ryan Day’s Ohio State aims to upset top-ranked Texas, exploiting Arch Manning’s inexperience and new defensive schemes to repeat last year’s win and shake up 2025.

As the countdown to the 2025 college football season ticks closer, all eyes are locked on one of the most anticipated opening weekend matchups in recent memory: the reigning national champions, the Texas Longhorns, traveling into hostile territory to face Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes in the horseshoe on August 30. It’s not just a game—it’s a statement. And Ryan Day, fresh off a statement season of his own, has no plans to roll over for Texas’ rising dynasty.

After securing the 2024 national title, Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns enter the season ranked No. 1 in the nation, with expectations soaring higher than ever. Arch Manning, the latest quarterback in football’s most famous family tree, has taken over as the new face of the program. And yet, despite the hype, there’s a buzz out of Columbus suggesting that Ryan Day and Ohio State might have something brewing—something big enough to shock Texas and set the tone for the entire 2025 campaign.

A Hostile Welcome in the Horseshoe

One of the major storylines surrounding this clash is the venue: Ohio Stadium, better known as “The Horseshoe,” one of the most intimidating environments in college football. With over 100,000 fans expected to pack the stands, the atmosphere will be deafening—especially for a quarterback like Manning, who will be making just his second career start and first in a high-stakes road game.

Per posts on X (formerly Twitter) by Buckeyes insiders, Day’s coaching staff is preparing to weaponize the noise to throw off Manning’s cadence. The Buckeye defense has reportedly been practicing specifically for the silent count, something young quarterbacks often struggle with when forced into noisy, high-pressure situations.

The strategy is simple but effective: if the Longhorns can’t communicate effectively on offense, they can’t execute their game plan. And Ryan Day is betting that a confused Arch Manning will be the opening Ohio State needs to flip the script.

Arch Manning: Talented, But Unproven

There’s no denying Arch Manning’s talent. With NFL pedigree and elite high school accolades, he’s the kind of quarterback that programs build around. But he’s also unproven on the biggest stage. After redshirting and sitting behind Quinn Ewers and Malik Murphy, 2025 is his first full season as the Longhorns’ starter. While his talent ceiling is sky-high, there’s an equal risk of growing pains.

Ohio State knows this, and Day is ready to attack. Reports indicate that the Buckeye defense has been working tirelessly on disguising blitz packages, collapsing the pocket early, and forcing Manning into quick decisions—ideally bad ones. It’s the perfect storm: a young QB, a roaring crowd, and a defense with something to prove.

A New-Look Buckeye Defense

Ohio State may have lost 14 starters from last year’s squad, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a rebuilding team. If anything, it’s reloading. Day has brought in a fresh wave of talent—both on the field and in the coaching booth.

The addition of two new coordinators on defense has added unpredictability to the Buckeyes’ schemes. Multiple formations, aggressive coverage, and constant pressure are the trademarks of this new defensive identity. And while the names on the jerseys may be different from last year’s unit, the speed, strength, and intensity are still very much Ohio State.

One of the breakout stars expected to carry this team on both sides of the ball is wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. A two-way threat and one of the most electrifying athletes in college football, Smith has emerged as a key leader this offseason. At Big Ten Media Day, Ryan Day went so far as to call him “more explosive than ever,” a bold claim that has only added to the buzz around Smith’s evolving role.

If Smith lives up to the hype, expect him to make life difficult for Texas on both ends—stretching their secondary deep while also serving as a decoy to open up Ohio State’s run game.

Revenge, Momentum, and Confidence

One of the biggest psychological advantages for Ohio State heading into this game isn’t just the crowd or the schemes—it’s the confidence of knowing they’ve done it before. Last season, the Buckeyes stunned Texas with a dominant 28–14 win in the Cotton Bowl, exposing holes in Sarkisian’s scheme and neutralizing their offensive weapons.

That win wasn’t a fluke. It was a preview. A year later, Day’s team has grown sharper, more adaptable, and more motivated. That prior win is being used in the locker room as a reminder: Texas can be beaten, and Ohio State knows how to do it.

Even oddsmakers are leaning in the Buckeyes’ favor. As of mid-August, ESPN BET has Ohio State favored by six points—despite Texas being the top-ranked team in the country. It’s a rare situation where the underdog in rankings is the favorite in Vegas. That speaks volumes about how seriously the betting world takes Ryan Day’s ability to game-plan big wins.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

Make no mistake: this isn’t just an exciting Week 1 matchup. It’s a potential playoff decider. With only four playoff spots up for grabs, an early-season loss could derail either team’s championship hopes before the season truly begins.

For Texas, a loss could call into question Arch Manning’s readiness and put added pressure on Sarkisian’s offensive system. For Ohio State, a win would catapult them into early playoff conversations and cement Ryan Day’s legacy as one of college football’s elite strategists.

More than anything, it’s a tone-setter. How a team performs in a game like this doesn’t just impact rankings—it establishes identity, character, and expectations for the entire season.

A Clash of Titans

This showdown has all the ingredients for an instant classic: two powerhouse programs, elite talent on both sides, a national title contender on the ropes, and a coach looking to make a statement. For Steve Sarkisian and Arch Manning, it’s a test of preparation and poise. For Ryan Day, it’s an opportunity to remind the country that Ohio State still belongs among the giants.

So, while the national conversation swirls around Texas’ coronation as college football’s next dynasty, Ryan Day is quietly preparing a different script—one that doesn’t end with confetti in Austin, but with heartbreak.

And if his plan works, the Longhorns’ title dreams could be over before they even begin.