
The Arch Manning hype has reached a fever pitch, making the Texas Longhorns the preseason national title favorites for the first time in program history, as the team is aiming for their first title since their 2005 championship. Manning himself is leading the Heisman odds despite having started only twice last season.Yet, amid the excitement, it’s easy to overlook that the Ohio State Buckeyes are the reigning national champions, boasting a 37-year streak in the preseason AP Poll-the longest active run.
Today’s showdown between No. 1 Texas and No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus marks one of the most anticipated season openers in recent memory, kicking off the 2025 college football campaign in style, even after last week’s games. These programs last met on January 10, in the Cotton Bowl semifinal, where of course Ohio State emerged victorious.
Much has changed since: new quarterbacks in Julian Sayin for the Buckeyes and Manning for Texas, 26 combined NFL Draft picks from that game (14 from Ohio State, 12 from Texas), and only 17 of 44 starters returning. Both squads rely on elite defenses, but Manning and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, both Heisman contenders, must deliver to live up to the hype.
Ryan Day’s Motivational Words on Handling Pressure
In a compelling segment on ESPN’s College GameDay, Ohio State coach Ryan Day joined Pat McAfee, Nick Saban, and Lee Corso for the season’s first show, where he discussed managing expectations in today’s college football landscape. Responding to McAfee’s question about dealing with intense scrutiny, Day emphasized focusing on controllable factors like building relationships and on-field execution amid growing distractions.
“There are so many things out of your control… What matters is what we do in the stadium,” Day said with the crew of College GameDay. His message underscores the mental toughness that propelled Ohio State to last year’s title, motivating his players in an era of NIL deals and transfers.
The show also honored Corso’s final appearance with a tribute from the Buckeyes band and a special helmet presented by Day, adding emotional weight to the pre-game atmosphere.
Ryan Day’s Legacy and Ohio State’s Path to Repeat Glory
Since taking over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2018, Ryan Day has compiled an impressive 70-10 record, including a 6-4 record in bowl games. He has reach the final game twice, a loss in 2020 against Alabama and last year’s national championship.
His leadership has kept the Buckeyes perennial contenders, and this season, they aim for back-to-back titles-a feat last achieved by Georgia in 2021-22. Ohio State’s schedule favors an early surge, with the first three games at home and four of the first five in Columbus, building momentum before a grueling November slate.
The season finale in Ann Arbor against archrival Michigan Wolverines will test their resolve, but with a reloaded roster featuring Sayin at quarterback and a formidable defense, the Buckeyes are well-equipped for another playoff run. Day’s steady guidance, as highlighted in his GameDay appearance, positions Ohio State to defend their crown and silence doubters in today’s clash with Texas.
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