The Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes already had one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025 college football season, but a recent move by Texas star Colin Simmons has cranked up the heat even more.
Julian Sayin’s Rise at Ohio State
On Monday, Ohio State named Julian Sayin its starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Simmons took to his Instagram story to share the news about Ohio State’s new QB1, adding another layer of intrigue to the Aug. 30 clash in Columbus.
Sayin, a former five-star recruit and ESPN’s No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2024 class, originally signed with Alabama before transferring to Ohio State in January 2024. Despite being just a sophomore, he has already impressed in Columbus.
NEW: Texas star EDGE Colin Simmons posted the Ohio State QB1 news on his Instagram story💀
The Longhorns and Buckeyes face off on August 30th in Columbus… https://t.co/yj4Og75haH pic.twitter.com/tdJfA2R95L
— On3 (@On3sports) August 18, 2025
Sayin played in four games during the 2024 season, completing five of 12 passes for 84 yards and one touchdown, a 55-yard strike to tight end Bennett Christian against Western Michigan. He earned OSU Scholar-Athlete honors while majoring in Sport Industry and entered 2025 as one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the nation.
With Sayin now named the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback, expectations in Columbus are sky-high as he prepares to lead Ohio State into a season opener with national title implications.
If Sayin is Ohio State’s new hope, Simmons is Texas’ defensive nightmare. The second-year EDGE is fresh off a dominant freshman campaign where he became the first Longhorn to ever win the Shawn Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
The Freshman All-American appeared in all 16 games, posted a team-high 9.0 sacks, the third most ever by a Texas freshman defender, and tallied 14.0 tackles for loss, the second-most on the team.
Simmons’ decision to highlight Sayin’s rise to QB1 wasn’t just playful social media banter; it was a subtle reminder that he’ll be one of the first defenders to test Sayin’s poise on the big stage.
Fans React to Colin Simmons’ Instagram Story
The back-and-forth hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans, who immediately took to X to sound off.
“Julian and the Buckeyes will have the last laugh,” one fan said.
Ohio State supporters see Sayin as the perfect quarterback to prove Texas wrong and deliver a statement win at home.
“Damn that game is going to be 🔥,” another fan said.
Damn that game is going to be 🔥
— Hawkeyes 🔛🔝 (@Kellan466320) August 18, 2025
Many fans believe the Buckeyes’ offensive line and depth will neutralize Texas’ pass rush, showing Simmons that the Big Ten is a different test.
“They still can’t get over that beatdown in January,” another fan said.
They still can’t get over that beatdown in January
— Lock O’Clock (@thelockagenda) August 18, 2025
This comment reflects the lingering tension from past matchups, including Ohio State’s 28-14 win over Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal last season, reminding everyone that the rivalry has grown beyond just one game.
Many fans believe the Buckeyes’ offensive line and depth will neutralize Texas’ pass rush, showing Simmons that the Big Ten is a different test.
“Simmons will be in for a rude awakening,” one fan said.
Simmons will be in for a rude awakening
— embiidforprez (@embiidforprez) August 18, 2025
Trash talk is part of what makes rivalries thrive, and fans are already using social media to set the tone weeks before kickoff.
Texas vs. Ohio State: A Season-Defining Clash
The Aug. 30 showdown between Texas and Ohio State at Ohio Stadium is more than just a non-conference battle. Both programs are entering the season with playoff aspirations, elite rosters, and national recognition.
KEEP READING: Top 25 Returning College Football Edge Rushers: Colin Simmons, T.J. Parker Lead a Dominant Group
Sayin will have the chance to prove himself against one of the country’s most fearsome young pass-rushers in Simmons, while Texas will look to make an early statement against a perennial Big Ten powerhouse.
If Simmons’ Instagram post is any indication, the trash talk has already begun. And with kickoff just weeks away, fans can expect plenty more fireworks before the Longhorns and Buckeyes settle it on the field.
