Buckeyes vs. Longhorns: The Second Battle

On August 30, 1862, the North and South clashed in the Second Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War.

One hundred sixty-three years later to the day — August 30, 2025 — the North (Ohio State) will battle the South (Texas) in what’s considered their Second Battle. Ohio State knocked Texas out of last year’s College Football Playoffs with a Jack Sawyer scoop and score late in the fourth quarter. Just like the Second Battle in 1862 was a top-2 match up, the Second Battle in 2025 will be a top-two tussle. The Longhorns (+450) and defending national champion Buckeyes (+500) rank as No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in odds to win the 2026 CFP National Championship.

As of now, kickoff of the rematch between the Buckeyes and Longhorns is set at high noon. Ohio State requested to move the game to Sunday and play under the lights. Texas declined. Allegedly, they’re wary of being exposed in primetime.

Texas athletic director, Chris Del Conte gave the official reason: “Why would I want to move the game to Sunday night and have a short week?” Del Conte added, “I’ve got to go to church.” Fair enough. But last time I checked, there are churches in Columbus.

At first glance, Del Conte’s reasoning sounds reasonable. It’s not smart to put your team at a disadvantage with one less day to prep for the next opponent. But let’s zoom in a bit: that next opponent is San Jose State—a home game against the No. 68 team in the country. They’ll be favored by at least forty.

A “short week” is an excuse that exposes Texas’ real fear to play in the Horseshoe at night. The better, more defensible reason Del Conte should’ve used was the chaos a schedule change would cause for traveling Longhorn fans.

Regardless of the timeslot, the college football community will bear witness to what some are calling the most anticipated game of the season. Expectations couldn’t be higher for Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, and Buckeye Nation is eager to see what true sophomore Julian Sayin can do under center. That is, if Sayin can beat out Lincoln Kienholz for the QB1 spot. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day isn’t yet convinced, calling it a “two-horse race.” Whoever wins that competition inherits the keys to the most dangerous weapon in college football: Jeremiah Smith.

The South won the battle back in 1862, but Vegas odds-makers think the North will win (-3.5) The Second Battle in 2025.