× College football’s opening weekend in 2025 will feature one of the most anticipated matchups in years as the Texas Longhorns travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The game is set for Saturday, August 30th, with kickoff at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT) at Ohio Stadium, and will be broadcast on FOX’s “Big Noon Kickoff.” It marks the first meeting between the programs since their Cotton Bowl clash, and both teams come in with sky-high expectations, ranked inside the top five of nearly every preseason poll. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with 100,000 fans in the Horseshoe ready to welcome the Longhorns into Big Ten country.

Beyond the rankings, this matchup is loaded with storylines. For Texas, Arch Manning is stepping into the spotlight as the new face of the program, looking to prove himself against one of the most formidable defenses in the nation. Meanwhile, Ohio State enters with revenge still fresh, eager to showcase its depth and young talent, including a new quarterback taking the reins. Star pass rusher Colin Simmons has already fueled the fire with confident pre-game chatter, adding spice to an already heated rivalry. With national championship aspirations on the line from the very start, this early-season showdown has the feel of a playoff game in August.

× Brutus the Buckeye, the beloved mascot of The Ohio State University, made his debut in 1965 during the homecoming football game. The idea for Brutus came from OSU students who wanted a spirited symbol to represent the university. Since Ohio is known as the “Buckeye State” and the university’s nickname is the Buckeyes, a buckeye nut was chosen as the design inspiration. The first version of Brutus was a large papier-mâché nut, later replaced by fiberglass for durability, giving him a more polished and recognizable look. His cheerful expression and signature scarlet-and-gray attire quickly made him a favorite among fans.

Over the years, Brutus has undergone several design updates, each time reflecting a more modern and energetic appearance while keeping his playful personality intact. In 1979, he was officially recognized as the school’s mascot, cementing his role as a central figure in Ohio State’s traditions. Today, Brutus is more than just a sideline entertainer—he’s a symbol of pride and community, making appearances not only at sporting events but also at charity functions, student activities, and national competitions. His legacy continues to embody the passion, resilience, and spirit of Buckeye Nation.