The stage is set. Texas and Ohio State will face off in a highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinal rematch to open the 2025 season on Aug. 30 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The game will air on FOX as part of the network’s “Big Noon Kickoff” program, marking a noon ET start time.
The matchup features the defending national champions Ohio State Buckeyes against the Texas Longhorns, who are aiming to reclaim the title. It is a rematch of the CFP semifinal from January 2025, when Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14. Both teams are expected to be top-five preseason squads and will showcase new starting quarterbacks, including Texas’s Arch Manning and likely Ohio State’s Julian Sayin.
Fans have expressed strong frustration over the noon kickoff for the Texas-Ohio State game, arguing that such a high-profile matchup deserves a primetime slot. Many feel the early start diminishes the game-day atmosphere and excitement, especially for Ohio State fans accustomed to late afternoon or evening games. FOX, however, continues to prioritize its “Big Noon Kickoff” window for marquee college football games, including this elite season opener, aiming to lead into its pregame show and maximize viewership during the midday slot.
We’ve got a CFP rematch coming your way in Week 1@TexasFootball will take on the defending champs @OhioStateFB Week 1 on FOX pic.twitter.com/vcMdK502gT
This game also kicks off a home-and-home series, with the second meeting scheduled for Austin in 2026. The kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. Eastern (11 a.m. Central).
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas Longhorns season opener at Ohio State set for FOX Big Noon Kickoff
Reporting by Hayden Victoria, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
