Texas could have early momentum and an edge over Ohio State in key areas.
Mack Brown Highlights What’s Giving Texas a “Huge Advantage” Against Ohio State originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Texas and Ohio State are set for a marquee clash in the season opener—a rematch laced with payback and playoff implications.
Last year’s Cotton Bowl, which served as a College Football Playoff semifinal, ended in a 28-14 Buckeyes victory, but this time, the energy is shifting. The Longhorns have retooled their roster, leaned into a nationally aggressive and successful recruiting campaign and caught a scheduling break that could tilt the odds.
There’s also the insight of Mack Brown, who shared on his "The Stampede" podcast, the former Longhorns coach, who believes this early kickoff may quietly tip the balance in Texas' favor.
With plenty of lead-up time to arrive early in Ohio, the Longhorns won't be as pressured during the typical in-season road game.
Ohio State’s Roster Losses Could Widen the Gap
The Buckeyes lost several key players to the NFL draft—names that mattered deeply in last year’s win over Texas. Gone are cornerstone defenders like DT Tyleik Williams and DE JT Tuimoloau, and so too are some high-impact offensive threats like WR Emeka Egbuka and RBs Quinshon Judkins and Treveyon Henderson, leaving plenty of gaps that the Longhorns could exploit.
Combine that with the Longhorns’ heavy investment in recruiting top-tier talent, as Texas had the No. 1 recruiting class in 2025, according to 247Sports, and the contrast is feels more strategic.
Texas has been aggressive in restocking with players who fit both its identity and needs. That’s a rare overlap in college football.
The result? Depth, continuity, and momentum—three ingredients that become crucial when facing a perennial playoff contender. For Ohio State, this game now stands as an early referendum on how fast their new core can jell under real pressure.
Related: A.J. McCarron Highlights Key Hurdles in Arch Manning’s Rise Amid Massive Hype
Related: Steve Sarkisian Makes Feelings Clear About Arch Manning’s Future at Texas
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
