The college football season is set for a massive Week 1 matchup as Ohio State hosts the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns ranked No. 1 and the Buckeyes No. 3 to start the season, and demand for tickets has skyrocketed in recent days.
According to industry reports, this game has quickly become one of the most expensive college football tickets of the season, with average prices well into four figures. For fans, it is shaping up to be not just a top-five showdown on the field but also one of the hardest tickets to secure in the entire sports calendar. And it is just Week One!
Typically, high ticket prices often show a signal of how much attention and excitement a matchup is drawing nationally. When two powerhouse programs collide, the ripple effects are felt in television ratings, recruiting impact, and the business side of college athletics. The Ohio State vs Texas clash is a rare season-opening event with the same type of demand typically reserved for playoff or bowl games.
Wanna go to Ohio State-Texas this Saturday? Get-in price is around $350. Lower bowl, midfield tickets are going for $1,400. pic.twitter.com/3fOnpzMsuH
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) August 25, 2025
Early numbers show getting in the door prices at around $350 on the secondary market, with some middle-level seats listed for around $1,400.
The combination of Texas coming off its first College Football Playoff appearance and Ohio State once again being projected as a national title contender has only fueled demand. It is also the first time the two programs will meet in Columbus since 2005, adding to the sense of history surrounding the game. Fans across the country appear willing to pay a premium to witness it live.
Both teams enter the season with high expectations and playoff aspirations. Ohio State has a new look on offense, but returns one of the most talented rosters in the nation. Texas, meanwhile, is fresh off an SEC title and looking to cement itself as a permanent fixture among the nation’s elite. Of course, this game also features Julian Sayin against Arch Manning at the quarterback position.
That type of storyline guarantees national television coverage and makes the matchup more than just another early-season game. The atmosphere in Columbus is expected to be electric, with a sellout crowd anticipated weeks in advance.
On the sidelines, Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian bring varying approaches that will form how this game is played. Day has already mentioned they are ready to turn the page from the title run a season ago. Sarkisian knows the pressure is on his Longhorns as the No. 1 team in the country.
At quarterback, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin takes over the offense after impressing as a freshman. Texas counters with Arch Manning, whose development is being closely watched nationwide. Both will have the chance to make a national statement on the biggest stage of their young careers.
Beyond the quarterbacks, two players could be difference makers. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith enters his second year with massive expectations and could provide the big-play spark the Buckeyes need. For Texas, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. will have the task of trying to slow down Ohio State’s offense, and his presence on defense could swing momentum.
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