NFL Games Today on TV: Watch Texas vs Ohio State Live and Full Week 1 College Football Schedule

The 2025 college football season kicks off with an unprecedented showdown as No. 1 Texas faces No. 2 Ohio State in the first-ever Week 1 matchup of top-ranked teams in CFB history. This historic clash airs today on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff, featuring Arch Manning’s debut against Ohio State’s elite defense.

Fans can watch this potential “Game of the Century” rematch live on TV or stream via Fox Sports, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. Beyond this marquee game, Week 1 offers a full slate of top-25 matchups, including Penn State vs Clemson and Georgia vs Clemson, setting the stage for an explosive start to the expanded 12-team playoff era.

NFL Games Today on TV: Historic Texas vs Ohio State Showdown Headlines Week 1

The 2025 college football season begins with an unprecedented matchup as the No. 1 Texas Longhorns take on the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 1. This marks the first time in college football history that the top two ranked teams collide in a season opener. The game will air on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff at 12 PM ET, featuring Texas QB Arch Manning’s debut against Ohio State’s championship-caliber defense.

This rematch of last season’s playoff classic carries massive implications for both programs. Texas seeks revenge after their Cotton Bowl loss, while Ohio State aims to prove their national championship wasn’t a fluke. The expanded 12-team playoff format adds even more significance to this early-season clash.

Who would’ve thought we’d see a Week 1 game with higher stakes than most playoff matchups? The noon kickoff time might upset traditionalists, but FOX knows what they’re doing – this guarantees maximum exposure across all time zones.

Quarterback Storylines Dominate Pre-Game Buzz

All eyes will be on Texas’ Arch Manning, making his first career start against elite competition. The redshirt sophomore completed 68% of passes in limited action last season. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s QB situation remains unsettled, with transfer Will Howard competing against freshman Julian Sayin for the starting job.

How to Watch NFL Games Today: Texas-Ohio State TV and Streaming Info

The historic Texas-Ohio State matchup will be broadcast nationally on FOX at noon ET. Cord-cutters can stream the action through:

• Fox Sports app
• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• FuboTV

The broadcast team features Kirk Herbstreit calling his first Texas-Ohio State game since the Buckeyes’ 24-7 victory in 2006. Despite fan requests for a primetime slot, the Longhorns reportedly blocked a move to Sunday night to avoid NFL preseason competition.

Smart move by Texas – their offensive line will perform better in cooler morning conditions. Remember what happened to Alabama when they played Ohio State in that freezing night game last December?

Complete Week 1 College Football Schedule: Other Must-Watch Games

While Texas-Ohio State dominates headlines, several other intriguing matchups fill out the Week 1 slate:

Don’t sleep on that Georgia-Clemson game – it might produce the defensive player of the year. Both teams return seven starters on defense!

Texas vs Ohio State Betting Preview: Odds and Predictions

Sportsbooks have installed Ohio State as 3.5-point home favorites, with the total set at 58.5 points. The Buckeyes have covered the spread in their last six season openers, while Texas is 1-4 ATS in its last five non-conference road games.

Key betting trends to consider:

• Ohio State is 4-1 SU against top-5 opponents in the last two seasons
• Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is 5-0 SU in Week 1 games
• The over has hit in 7 of Ohio State’s last 8 home games

That spread feels like Vegas is begging for Texas money. The public loves Arch Manning, but Ohio State’s defensive line will be the difference – take the Buckeyes to cover.

Arch Manning’s NFL Draft Stock: How This Game Could Impact His Future

Scouts from all 32 NFL teams will be in Columbus evaluating Manning’s performance against elite competition. A strong showing could cement his status as a top 2026 draft prospect, while struggles might lead him to consider returning for his junior season.

The Manning family has historically valued college experience over early NFL entry – Peyton stayed four years at Tennessee while Eli played three at Ole Miss. However, the current NFL rookie wage scale makes early entry more financially appealing than ever.

If Arch throws for 300+ yards and 3 TDs against this Ohio State defense, his draft stock will be untouchable. But one bad game won’t scare teams away – remember how Josh Allen overcame his Wyoming tape?

Ohio State’s Quarterback Controversy: Who Starts Against Texas?

While Texas has its QB1 settled, Ohio State enters Week 1 with an ongoing quarterback competition:

Will Howard – The Experienced Transfer

The Kansas State transfer has 32 career starts under his belt, including a Big 12 championship game appearance. His familiarity with big-game situations makes him the safe choice.

Julian Sayin – The Freshman Phenom

The true freshman enrolled early and wowed coaches during spring practices with his arm talent and mobility. Some within the program believe his ceiling is higher than Howard’s.

Ryan Day is playing this perfectly – keeping Texas guessing until kickoff. My sources say both QBs will play, but Howard gets the first series. The element of surprise matters against elite opponents.

Historical Context: Why This Game Matters Beyond Week 1

This matchup represents more than just an exciting season opener – it could shape the entire college football landscape:

• The winner gains immediate inside track for a playoff berth
• Recruiting implications for both programs in key battleground states
• Potential Heisman momentum for the winning quarterback
• Conference prestige (Big Ten vs SEC) in the new realignment era

The outcome could influence future scheduling decisions for top programs nationwide. Will we see more elite non-conference matchups in Week 1, or will coaches continue favoring tune-up games?

This game is exactly what college football needed – a true “Game of the Century” feel to kick off the season. More programs should follow this blueprint instead of scheduling FCS opponents in Week 1.