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Report: Texas Denied Ohio State's Request For Week 1 Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated May 22, 2025 1:59 PM ET

A rematch of last season's thrilling Cotton Bowl Classic between Ohio State and Texas is slated for Week 1. The Buckeyes had an idea to make the big game even better, but the Longhorns have apparently refused it.

Many people noticed that FOX did not have a kickoff time for the Week 1 game between the two at first. That was likely due to Ohio State trying to convince Texas to move the game from Saturday, August 30 to Sunday, August 31.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes - and for football-starved fans - they won't be getting a Sunday night college football showdown.

According to 247Sports via Eleven Warriors, the University of Texas denied Ohio State's request. The game is expected to be a noon kickoff though it has not yet been finalized.

According to a report from 247Sports, Texas denied Ohio State's request to play the pair's marquee Week 1 matchup in prime time a day later on Sunday, Aug. 31. https://t.co/cwmyr8BOHA
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) May 22, 2025

Last season's Cotton Bowl Classic was arguably the most thrilling game of the entire postseason. The two teams were within a score of each other for the first 57 minutes of the game as they vied for a spot in the national title game.

However, with less than three minutes to go, Ohio State defensive lineman Jack Sawyer secured a fumble and ran it back 83 yards for a game-sealing touchdown in one of the greatest postseason plays in Ohio State history.

The Buckeyes would go on to defeat Notre Dame in the national title game.

It's rare enough that you get a postseason rematch between two teams from opposing conferences, let alone a rematch like that fresh off of a national title game.

But it's also easy to understand why Texas would balk at accepting a primetime slot for their meeting. With the game being contested at Ohio State rather than on neutral ground, the Longhorns will have no homefield advantage whatsoever and might actually be hindered by the game being in primetime (plus a day later).

That said, Texas will be hosting Ohio State in 2026. If the Longhorns make a similar offer to the Buckeyes it would be interesting to see if they accept it.

Should this game have been moved to primetime, or is it good the way it is?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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