Ohio State Edges No. 1 Texas 14–7 in Defensive Showdown

Buckeyes Hand Longhorns Early Setback

In one of the most hyped openers of the 2025 college football season, No. 3 Ohio State defeated No. 1 Texas 14–7 in a gritty, defensive battle at Ohio Stadium.

The Buckeyes leaned on a relentless defense and a poised debut from freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, who threw the game’s defining touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. For Texas, Arch Manning and the Longhorns’ offense struggled to finish drives despite outgaining Ohio State 336–203.

Game Recap

Texas controlled much of the stat sheet but failed to capitalize in the red zone. Twice, Ohio State’s defense stood tall inside the 10-yard line, forcing turnovers on downs and an interception.

The Buckeyes’ breakthrough came late in the fourth quarter when Sayin connected with Carnell Tate on a 40-yard touchdown strike, pushing the lead to 14–0. Texas answered quickly as Manning hit Parker Livingstone for a 32-yard score, but the rally ended there.

Ohio State’s run game, led by CJ Donaldson Jr. (19 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD), provided balance, while the defense shut down Texas when it mattered most.

Texas

• Arch Manning (QB) – Passing: 170 yards (17-of-30, 1 TD, 1 INT)

• Team Rushing: 166 yards on 37 carries

Ohio State

• Julian Sayin (QB) – Passing: 126 yards (13-of-20, 1 TD, 0 INT)

• Team Rushing: 77 yards on 34 carriesDefensive Leaders:

• Ohio State LB Arvell Reese – 9 tackles, 1 sack

• Ohio State DB Jermaine Mathews Jr. – 1 interception

• Texas P Jack Bouwmeester – 46.3-yard average, 2 punts inside the 20

What Went Wrong for Texas

• Red Zone Struggles: Two drives inside the OSU 10 ended without points.

• Manning Under Pressure: Arch Manning couldn’t find rhythm, finishing with 170 yards and a costly interception.

• Missed Opportunities: Outgaining the Buckeyes by 133 yards didn’t translate to the scoreboard.

Why Ohio State Won

• Clutch Defense: Timely stops in the red zone flipped momentum.

• Sayin’s Poise: The freshman QB stayed mistake-free and delivered a game-breaking touchdown.

• Balanced Attack: Donaldson provided tough yards on the ground, keeping the Buckeyes steady.