There’s no such thing as a tune-up game anymore in the Big Ten. With the conference still riding the momentum of back-to-back national champions and a slate of powerhouse programs, every Saturday feels like playoff football. If you’re looking for a clean path through the B1G this season, don’t hold your breath—every contender is going to have to scratch and claw for every win.
That’s especially true for Ohio State as they look to defend their crown. And according to national analysts, the Buckeyes’ road to repeat could hit a massive speed bump right out of the gate. Looking ahead to the season opener, there’s growing chatter that the reigning champs could stumble early—specifically, when they host Texas in what’s shaping up to be an instant classic in Columbus.
It won’t be an easy task for the Buckeyes, who will be breaking in two new coordinators, a first-year starter under center, and an almost entirely rebuilt front seven on defense. That’s a lot of moving pieces coming together on the fly, and the learning curve is going to be steep. There’s no easing into the season when Arch Manning and the Longhorns walk into The Shoe on opening weekend.
And don’t overlook the revenge factor: the Longhorns will be carrying a massive chip on their shoulder after Ohio State kept them out of last year’s title game. Expect Texas to come in hungry, and they have every motivation to make a statement on national television.
Elsewhere in the league, Penn State is again looking to finally get over the Ohio State hurdle. James Franklin and company have had their hands full with the Buckeyes in recent years—Ohio State’s taken eight straight in that matchup. It’s become a bit of a mental block for the Nittany Lions, with Penn State struggling to find their rhythm whenever they line up against that familiar scarlet and gray. If the trend holds, November 1 could be business as usual for Ohio State, though there’s every chance the two teams could see each other again once the stakes get even higher later in the season.
One thing is for sure: with Ohio State and Texas set to open the season on August 30 under the lights in Columbus, all eyes will be on Ryan Day’s crew. The Buckeyes may be favored by 2.5 points heading into that showdown, but the margin for error in the new-look Big Ten is razor-thin. This opener isn’t just a season-defining clash—it’s the first true test to see if Ohio State is ready to live up to the massive expectations that come with wearing the crown.
