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Buckeye Nation won’t be fond of what Texas AD Chris Del Conte has to say about changing the game time between the Longhorns and Ohio State

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 29, 2025 12:15 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be tested right out of the gate following their impressive National Championship season.

There’s a lot of newness in store for Ohio State in 2025, especially after 14 players were drafted into the NFL last month. As usual, the Buckeyes are set to reload. The challenge? There’s no time to ease into the season—Week 1 is a tough one.

Ohio State will host Texas to open the season in a rematch of the Cotton Bowl, a game the Buckeyes won 28–14. That game was played in the evening, with high stakes and high energy as both teams chased a spot in the College Football Playoff. This time, however, the regular-season matchup is trending toward a noon kickoff on Fox.

Ohio State had hoped to move the game to Sunday evening, but Texas was unwilling. Longhorns athletic director Chris Del Conte recently explained the decision—and Buckeye Nation won’t be happy.

“Why would I want to move the game to Sunday night and have a short week?” Del Conte told ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “I’ve got to go to church [on Sunday].”

Chris Del Conte said they were reached out to about moving the game at Ohio State. “Why would I want to move the game to Sunday night and have a short week?” He said he said no to Sunday game. “I’ve got to go to church.”
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) May 28, 2025

Texas plays San Jose State the following week. If they’re concerned about a short week before facing that opponent, well, that’s a problem in itself. A matchup of this magnitude between two powerhouse programs deserves a primetime slot—even if it’s the season opener. Ultimately, though, this comes down to the Big Ten’s television deal with Fox.

Regardless of the kickoff time, Ohio State and Texas still have to show up and win the game. But let’s be honest—the gametime decision feels like a missed opportunity.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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