Eric Boggs
From an Ohio State fan’s perspective, it’s clear that the Buckeyes are once again going above and beyond to create a first-class experience at the Horseshoe. Since the much-anticipated Week 1 showdown with Texas was confirmed as a FOX broadcast, Ohio State’s athletic department has worked tirelessly to ensure the stage is set for an electric opening weekend. But while Ohio State showed ambition and innovation by pushing for a Sunday prime time slot, it was Texas who declined the opportunity, seemingly more concerned with minimizing the challenge than maximizing the moment.
The absence of a kickoff time in early promotional graphics wasn’t an oversight — it was a calculated move by Ohio State. The university had requested the game be played in prime time on Sunday, a strategic shift aimed at turning the spotlight fully on the Buckeyes and Longhorns in a standalone national showcase. But 247Sports reports that Texas turned down that proposal, keeping the game locked into its original Saturday scheduling. A noon kickoff now appears most likely, although the official announcement is expected later this month.
From Texas’s side, the refusal to move the game to Sunday likely stems from a competitive standpoint. Facing the Buckeyes in front of a raucous home crowd in Columbus is already a tall order. Giving Ohio State an even more energized environment under the lights — and an extra day of prep — may have felt like too much of a disadvantage for the visiting team.
Had the game shifted to Sunday, it would’ve only faced competition from Notre Dame vs. Miami on ABC. Instead, Texas opted to preserve the Saturday kickoff, avoiding a high-profile clash with another powerhouse program in a prime time window. In 2026, Ohio State will return the trip to Austin in mid-September, though that game will fall later in the calendar when NFL programming dominates Sundays, removing the option for a solo prime time slot.
Regardless of the kickoff time this season, the matchup promises compelling storylines. Jack Sawyer’s game-changing scoop-and-score in last year’s Cotton Bowl will undoubtedly be replayed countless times in the buildup. Fans will also get their first real look at Arch Manning as Texas’s starter, while Colin Simmons may present the toughest challenge Ohio State’s offensive line will see all year. On the Buckeye side, talents like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs offer firepower that Texas must be prepared to counter.
Both rosters will feature a number of new faces, with each team replacing key starters on both offense and defense. Ohio State’s quarterback battle remains the focal point of fall camp, as Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz vie for the opportunity to lead the offense into one of the season’s biggest non-conference games. Adding to the intrigue is the return of former Buckeye Hero Kanu, who transferred to Texas this offseason. While it’s unclear how large his role will be, his presence adds another layer to an already emotionally charged matchup.
Even if the Buckeyes won’t get the Sunday spotlight they hoped for, one thing is certain — the Scarlet and Gray faithful will pack the Shoe with unmatched intensity, regardless of the time on the clock. Ohio State doesn’t need the prime time slot to make a statement. They just need the ball.
