Staff Predictions: No. 1 Texas @ No. 3 Ohio State

Top-ranked Texas travels north to Columbus, Ohio this week seeking revenge from last season’s 28-14 College Football Playoff Semifinal loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. While both teams possess immense talent, each lost a considerable amount of starters to the NFL Draft back in April, leaving a host of unknowns at key positions. For the Longhorns, quarterback Arch Manning will debut as the season starter for the first time since the heralded prospect stepped foot on the 40 Acres. Julian Sayin, the Alabama transfer and five-star recruit, will start behind center for the Buckeyes after throwing just 12 passes last season. Both teams are replacing key components of their offensive lines.

The ‘Horns and Buckeyes both look like contenders for a national championship, and Saturday will help tell the story on how far along each is at potentially accomplishing that. A loss likely has little impact on each team’s CFP chances with the expansion to 12 teams this season, while a win goes a long way to set the right tone early on.

Texas last traveled to Columbus in 2005, leaving the Horseshoe with a 25-22 victory. Will the Longhorns knock off the defending national champions again at the Horseshoe and start the season 1-0? Or will Ryan Day and the defending national champion Buckeyes get the best of Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns for the second consecutive game?

Our staff weighs in with their thoughts on how Saturday’s road game plays out, including final score predictions.

Jameson McCausland (0-0)

This is a tough one to predict with so many unknowns on both sides. For Texas, the turnover along the offensive line and at receiver/tight end means some new faces are going to be forced to grow up quickly.

Steve Sarkisian has never been afraid to come out swinging in these big matchups, so don’t expect Arch Manning to just dip his toe in the water. I think we are about to see a different Texas offense than what we saw the last 3 seasons.

Give me Texas in a classic back-and-forth contest.

Score Prediction: Texas 28, Ohio State 24

Aaron Carrara (0-0)

Despite losing their starting quarterback and a slew of starters to the NFL, the Longhorns are the top-ranked team in the county for a reason. Steve Sarkisian has improved the program each year as head coach, and now in his 5th season, he has the tools in place to win a national championship.

These two teams have a lot in common in starting new quarterbacks and filling in lost pieces on the offensive line. Defensively, they are both extremely talented, but the Longhorns have game-changers in Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill. The Horseshoe is a tough place to leave with a victory, but Texas gets it done with incessant pressure on Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin’.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Ohio State 24

Devon Messinger (0-0)

It’s been a long couple of months for the Texas Longhorns. After losing to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff in January, they then had to experience something perhaps even more painful – watching the Buckeyes win the national championship.

Coming so close to a title game appearance may hurt, but a new year brings new opportunities.

In 2025, the Longhorns appear to truly be in control of their own destiny. On paper, this year’s team has the talent to win it all, however, paper doesn’t win football games. As a result, Saturday’s game against Ohio State is a big one. With a win, the Longhorns can signal both to the college football world, as well as themselves, that they are the team to beat.

With Ohio State breaking in a new quarterback with sophomore Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes find themselves in a similar situation to Texas. Consequently, if the Longhorns want to escape from Columbus with a victory, their goal should be to create as much havoc as they can in the pocket for the young gunslinger. If Anthony Hill Jr & Colin Simmons can live in the backfield, Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns will be in a great position to start their season 1-0.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Ohio State 24

Marc Henry (0-0)

The college football season kicks off with a heavyweight clash as No. 1 Texas travels north to face No. 3 Ohio State in the Horseshoe.

All eyes will be on Arch Manning, who makes his first start as the Longhorns’ full-time quarterback. Manning’s poise and decision-making will be tested against one of the nation’s most talented defenses. His ability to extend plays with his legs could be the X-factor in a hostile environment.

Defensively, Texas faces a tall order containing Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State’s electric wideout and one of the most dangerous playmakers in the country. The Longhorns’ defensive front will look to pressure sophomore QB Julian Sayin, forcing him into mistakes before he can get the ball downfield.

With two powerhouse programs, future NFL talent across the field, and a playoff atmosphere in Week 1, this matchup sets the tone for the entire season.

Score Prediction: Texas 24, Ohio State 14

Mitch Lovell (0-0)

I expect a slow start with two offenses led by young quarterbacks facing elite defenses, with the scoring picking up in the second half. After a late touchdown drive led by Arch Manning, Colin Simmons forces a fumble to lead the Longhorns to victory.

Score Prediction: Texas 24, Ohio State 20

Jacob Campos (0-0)

For Texas vs. Ohio State, most are seeing this as a storyline game: 1 vs. 3, the start of the Arch era, Lee Corso’s final game, and Texas’ first Columbus trip since ’05. 

The real story? Texas’ DL dominates, makes Sayin uncomfortable and wins the turnover battle. A gritty late game drive seals it in the 4th as Texas leaves the Shoe shining.

Score Prediction: Texas 27, Ohio State 17