Ohio State lost 14 NFL draft picks from last year’s national championship team, but the Buckeyes opened 2025 by knocking off preseason No. 1 Texas. Joel Klatt responded by moving Ryan Day’s program back to the top of his rankings.
On the The Joel Klatt Show, the Fox Sports analyst praised new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia for a scheme that kept Arch Manning guessing all night. “Matt Patricia kept Texas on their back foot most of the game. They didn’t know what they were getting whether they were trying to protect Arch or throw the ball down the field and into coverage and then the coverage was elite.”
Week 1 reaction is up now @JoelKlattShow
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) September 1, 2025
Panic meter check for Texas, Clemson, Notre Dame, and Alabama?? https://t.co/p69T6VZTaP
Even with so many new starters, Klatt insisted Ohio State’s defense remains one of the nation’s best. “Their linebacker core as a duo between Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, probably the best duo in the country. And their secondary was outstanding. Absolutely great in the secondary. Jermaine Matthews, a new face at corner, he was fantastic. Jaylen McClain, a new face at safety, was terrific. You still have Denzel Burke, the All-American…so, like that defense is not going anywhere.”
Freshman quarterback Julian Sayin made his first career start and delivered an efficient performance. “Only 13 of 20 for 126 and a touchdown. It’s not going to blow your mind with his numbers, but he did make some plays when it was necessary…he was accurate. He was decisive. Took care of the football, didn’t make any mistakes, and in large measure played much better than Arch Manning.”
Klatt closed by putting the Buckeyes at No. 1. “Ohio State is the defending national champion. They beat the number one team in the country. And now they’ve won five consecutive games against top 10 opponents.”
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