The matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes is a clash of two of the most storied programs in the history of college football. When these “Blue Bloods” meet, it isn’t just a game; it is a showcase of elite recruiting, tactical prowess, and future NFL talent. Historically, these teams have met in high-stakes environments, including the iconic 2005 regular-season clash and the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.
However, the most recent chapters of this rivalry—the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) Semifinal and the August 2025 regular-season opener—have redefined the statistical landscape for both programs. In this article, we will break down the player stats, key performances, and tactical shifts that defined these epic encounters.
The 2025 CFP Semifinal: Ohio State’s Defensive Masterclass
On January 10, 2025, the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes faced the No. 3 Texas Longhorns in a CFP Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl. The game was a back-and-forth duel that showcased elite defensive play before Ohio State pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure a 28–14 victory.
Quarterback Battle: Howard vs. Ewers
The statistical comparison between the two signal-callers reveals how efficiently both offenses moved the ball, despite the heavy pressure from the opposing defensive lines.
- Will Howard (Ohio State): Howard was the model of efficiency. He completed 24 of 33 passes (72.7%) for 289 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. His ability to manage the game and find open windows against a stout Texas secondary was the difference-maker.
- Quinn Ewers (Texas): Ewers fought hard under constant duress. He finished with 23 completions on 39 attempts for 283 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. While his yardage was comparable to Howard’s, the Texas run game’s inability to provide balance placed a heavy burden on his shoulders.
Playmakers in the Spotlight
- Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State): Tate emerged as a primary target, hauling in 7 receptions for 87 yards.
- TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State): Henderson provided the play of the game—a 75-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass right before halftime that swung the momentum back to the Buckeyes.
- Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas): Blue was a dual-threat weapon for the Longhorns, recording two receiving touchdowns (18 and 26 yards) that kept Texas in the game through the third quarter.
Defensive Giants
The stats that truly told the story of the Cotton Bowl were on the defensive side of the ball.
- Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State): Styles was everywhere, leading the team with 9 total tackles and 3 tackles-for-loss.
- Jack Sawyer (DE, Ohio State): Sawyer recorded a sack and a forced fumble, which he recovered and returned 83 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
The 2025 Regular Season Opener: A New Era Begins
Texas Longhorns Football vs Ohio State Buckeyes Fast forward to August 30, 2025, where the two teams met again in a highly anticipated season opener. This game was marked by the debut of legendary recruits at the quarterback position: Arch Manning for Texas and Julian Sayin for Ohio State. The Buckeyes once again emerged victorious in a gritty 14–7 defensive struggle.
Key Player Stats (August 30, 2025)
| Player | Team | Stat Line | Key Contribution |
| Arch Manning | Texas | 17/30, 170 Yards, 1 TD | Led a 170-yard passing attack in his first major start. |
| Julian Sayin | Ohio State | 13/20, 126 Yards, 1 TD | Managed a clean game with zero turnovers. |
| CJ Donaldson | Ohio State | 19 carries, 67 Yards, 1 TD | Provided the “bruiser” mentality on the ground. |
| Quintrevion Wisner | Texas | 17 carries, 80 Yards | The workhorse for the Longhorns’ rushing attack. |
| Parker Livingstone | Texas | 2 catches, 47 Yards, 1 TD | Caught the lone touchdown for Texas. |
Analysis of the Manning vs. Sayin Debut
The “Texas Longhorns football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats” from this game highlight a shift toward conservative, defensive-minded football.
- Arch Manning showed flashes of his pedigree, connecting with Parker Livingstone for a 32-yard touchdown, but the Buckeyes’ secondary, led by Caleb Downs (who made a game-sealing tackle), limited explosive plays.
- Julian Sayin became the first quarterback to beat an AP No. 1 team in his first career start since 1984. While his 126 yards seem modest, his 65% completion rate and poise in the pocket were veteran-like.
Team Statistical Comparison: Where the Game Was Won
To understand the player stats, we must look at the team totals from their most recent clash (August 2025).
- Total Yards: Ohio State (336) vs. Texas (203).
- Rushing Yards: Ohio State (166) vs. Texas (77).
- Third Down Efficiency: Ohio State (5-14) vs. Texas (3-12).
The Buckeyes’ dominance in the trenches allowed them to control the clock and keep the ball out of Manning’s hands. Ohio State’s defense held Texas to a season-low point total, a testament to the “Silver Bullets” defensive philosophy.
Historical Context: Legends of the Past
While the 2025 stats are the current focus, the “Texas Longhorns football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats” are built on a foundation of legendary performances:
- Vince Young (2005): In perhaps the greatest regular-season game in college history, Young threw for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading a comeback in Columbus.
- Colt McCoy (2009): In the Fiesta Bowl, McCoy threw for 414 yards, leading the Longhorns to a 24–21 win over the Buckeyes.
- Troy Smith (2006): Smith solidified his Heisman run by leading the Buckeyes to a 24–7 victory in Austin, completing 17 of 26 passes.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Texas and Ohio State continues to be a gold mine for statistical junkies and football purists alike. Whether it was Will Howard’s efficiency in the Cotton Bowl or the defensive resilience shown by Caleb Downs, the Buckeyes have currently seized the momentum in this series with a three-game winning streak (including the 2024-25 season results). For Texas, the emergence of Arch Manning provides hope that the “Longhorn Pride” will soon tip the scales back in favor of the Burnt Orange.
As these two programs continue to meet in the expanded 12-team playoff era, fans can expect the “Texas Longhorns football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats” to remain some of the most analyzed numbers in the sport.
