Texas AD Explains Decision to Deny Ohio State’s Request to Shift Season Opener
The highly anticipated season opener between Texas and Ohio State is set to kick off at noon Eastern Time on August 30 in Columbus. While this game is shaping up to be one of the marquee non-conference matchups of the college football season, it won’t take place under the lights—despite Ohio State’s efforts to make it happen.
These two powerhouse programs last faced off in a thrilling College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State emerged victorious in a game that went down to the wire. That loss ended Texas’ 2024 season, and now, the Longhorns have a shot at redemption as the 2025 season begins. With national title aspirations on both sides, the stakes are high for this early-season clash.
Fans and analysts alike had hoped the game would be played in primetime, given the prominence of both teams and the dramatic flair of nighttime football. However, the noon kickoff is primarily the result of Fox’s “Big Noon Kickoff” television package. The Big Ten’s media rights deal with Fox gives the network priority scheduling, and their flagship game each week is typically slotted into the noon window. As a result, many high-profile games involving Big Ten teams are played earlier in the day, rather than in the traditional primetime spot.
That said, Ohio State made an effort to change that. The Buckeyes reportedly approached Texas and proposed moving the game to Sunday night, which would have allowed for a primetime kickoff. However, that request was promptly declined by Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte.
“Why would I want to move the game to Sunday night and have a short week? I’ve got to go to church,” Del Conte said, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel. His comment, though somewhat humorous, reflects the practical concerns that played into the decision.
For Texas, the idea of playing on Sunday posed several challenges. Chief among them was the scheduling impact it would have on the following week’s preparation. A Sunday night game would have shortened their time to recover, regroup, and prepare for their next opponent. In a sport where every day matters—especially early in the season—Del Conte and the Texas staff clearly felt that staying on the regular Saturday schedule offered a competitive advantage.
Moreover, while fans might lament the missed opportunity for a dramatic night-game atmosphere, the noon kickoff could actually work in Texas’ favor. Playing in a hostile environment like Ohio Stadium is already a tall task, and primetime games tend to bring out even more energy from the home crowd. By kicking off earlier in the day, the Longhorns may avoid some of that heightened intensity that builds throughout a day-long tailgate.
From a competitive standpoint, this is one of the most important matchups of the year. Both Texas and Ohio State are expected to contend for spots in the 2025 College Football Playoff. A loss in Week 1 won’t necessarily derail either team’s season, but it will ramp up the pressure moving forward. With both programs likely to be ranked inside the top five to start the year, this game will have serious implications for playoff seeding and momentum.
While the Buckeyes are looking to build on their semifinal win from last season, the Longhorns are eyeing payback. And though it won’t be played under the bright lights of primetime, the early kickoff ensures all eyes will still be on Columbus when these two college football giants collide.
Whether it’s at noon or at night, this Texas-Ohio State showdown is sure to be a defining moment in the 2025 college football season.
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