The energy was basically electric. If you were looking for the ohio state texas game score, you probably saw a defensive slugfest that felt more like a chess match than a typical college football shootout. In their most recent meeting on August 30, 2025, Ohio State beat Texas 14-7.
It was a weird one, honestly.
Usually, when the Buckeyes and Longhorns meet, people expect fireworks. But this season opener in Columbus was all about the "Silver Bullets" defense and a young quarterback making his name. Ohio State came in ranked No. 3, while Texas sat at the very top at No. 1.
Why the Score Stayed Low
Most fans expected Arch Manning to carve up the secondary. That didn't happen.
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Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, dialed up a scheme that kept Manning uncomfortable for nearly three and a half quarters. The Longhorns were shut out until there were less than four minutes left in the game. That’s almost unheard of for a Steve Sarkisian offense.
The Buckeyes didn't exactly light up the scoreboard either. Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin got the start—his first ever—and he played it safe. He did just enough. The play of the game was a 40-yard touchdown strike to Carnell Tate early in the fourth quarter. That put Ohio State up 14-0, and it felt like the dagger even then.
The 2025 Cotton Bowl Rematch
Wait, didn't they just play? Yeah, they did.
To really understand the ohio state texas game, you have to look back at the CFP Semifinal in the Cotton Bowl on January 10, 2025. That one had a slightly higher score: Ohio State 28, Texas 14.
That game was tied 14-14 going into the fourth quarter. It was tense.
Then Jack Sawyer happened.
Sawyer stripped Quinn Ewers—who was his former roommate, interestingly enough—and took the fumble 83 yards back for a touchdown. It was one of those "instant classic" moments that ruins a Longhorn fan's night. TreVeyon Henderson also had a massive 75-yard touchdown catch in that game that shifted the momentum right before halftime.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
People think these teams play all the time because they are such huge brands. They don't.
Before this recent home-and-home stretch, they hadn't played since the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. That 2009 game was a heartbreaker for the Buckeyes, losing 24-21 after a late Colt McCoy drive. If you go back even further to 2005 and 2006, the road team won both times. Vince Young's legendary performance in the 'Shoe is still talked about in hushed, angry tones around Columbus.
The all-time series is actually incredibly tight. Ohio State currently leads it 3-2 after these two recent wins in 2025.
- 2025 (Regular Season): Ohio State 14, Texas 7
- 2025 (Cotton Bowl/CFP): Ohio State 28, Texas 14
- 2009 (Fiesta Bowl): Texas 24, Ohio State 21
- 2006 (Austin): Ohio State 24, Texas 7
- 2005 (Columbus): Texas 25, Ohio State 22
The Manning vs. Sayin Era
Looking at the most recent ohio state texas game, the narrative was all about the quarterbacks.
Arch Manning entered the game with more hype than perhaps any player in history. But he finished 17-of-30 for 170 yards. He did find Parker Livingstone for a 32-yard TD late, but it was too little, too late.
Sayin, on the other hand, became the first Ohio State QB to beat a No. 1 team in his first career start. He wasn't flashy—only 126 yards passing—but he didn't turn the ball over. In a game where the defense is playing like that, "don't mess it up" is a winning strategy.
What’s Next for These Two?
If you're already looking for the next score, mark your calendars.
They play again on September 12, 2026. This time, the Buckeyes have to head down to Austin to play at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas will be looking for blood, especially after losing two straight to Ryan Day's squad in the same calendar year.
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For fans following the 2026 season, keep an eye on the injury reports for the Longhorns’ offensive line. That was the weak link in the 14-7 loss. If they can’t protect Manning (or whoever is under center by then), the score might look very similar in the rematch.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Re-watch the 2025 Cotton Bowl highlights if you want to see how Jack Sawyer changed the trajectory of the Ohio State program.
- Track the 2026 recruiting classes for both teams; the "trenches" decided the last two games, not the skill players.
- Check local ticket offices early for the September 2026 game in Austin, as it's expected to be the highest-priced non-conference ticket in the country.