COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ryan Day envisioned the first Saturday of the 2025 season for three months, considering various potential scenarios as he prepared for this highly anticipated opener. And as the No. 3 Buckeyes faced off against the top-ranked Longhorns, tensions were palpable.

Ultimately, Ohio State won 14-7, led by their solid defense and a mean offensive showing that kept Manning under pressure throughout the match—highlighting the gap between expectations and reality. Fans of both teams maintained hope while witnessing a rather uneven performance from the Texas quarterback.

Manning, often touted as a frontrunner in college football, struggled early, with key misthrows affecting his rhythm. Day noted the significance of competitive excellence, emphasizing how much effort goes unseen until game day. In the end, this thrilling clash showed that both squads, despite their flaws, could potentially be contenders in this season’s College Football Playoff.