In a tough start to their 2025 season, the Texas Longhorns fell to the Ohio State Buckeyes 14-7 in Columbus. This match felt a lot like the end of last season for Texas, as they struggled on offense once again.
Quarterback Arch Manning, the much-talked-about star, faced a fierce defense and a passionate crowd of over 107,000. He managed 170 yards but couldn’t find his rhythm. Despite being a favorite for the Heisman Trophy and a potential top pick for the NFL draft, his performance left many wondering if he could bounce back.
The Longhorns had two chances in the red zone but failed to capitalize. This echoed their past struggles; last season, they had improved their red-zone scoring, yet this game showed they still have a lot of work to do.
On the defensive side, Texas held Ohio State to just 203 yards of offense, but lacked any game-changing plays. They didn’t register a turnover or a sack, which is disappointing from a seasoned defensive unit facing a rookie quarterback.
There was a silver lining: punter Jack Bouwmeester shone with an average of 46.2 yards per punt, making crucial plays that pinned Ohio State deep in their territory.
As Texas prepares for their next match against San Jose State, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how they will respond. The reaction on social media has been mixed, with many supporters expressing hope for a turnaround and others demanding more from the team’s leadership.
Historically, Texas has faced ups and downs in their season openers. In 2020, they lost to the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, only to rebound and finish strong that year. Whether this loss will serve as a wake-up call or a trend remains to be seen.
In summary, Texas has potential but needs to address its shortcomings quickly. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the rest of their season.
For further insights, check out the NCAA College Football statistics for detailed trends and team performance data.