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The first official Saturday of the 2025 college football season is set to see a number of high-profile programs face off in big-time games. LSU plays Clemson and FSU hosts Alabama, but the headliner of the busy weekend was the first to have its start time teased.
Ohio State and Texas will likely start early as part of FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff. The decision has many irritated.
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That social media post does not include a start time. Nothing appears to be set in stone. FOX, however, did post a headline with the insinuation that it will be part of the Big Noon Kickoff.
FOX Sports
When clicking on that article now, there is no reference to Big Noon Kickoff. The reaction from the fanbase might’ve played a role.
“This game being on Big Noon is disgusting,” one fan wrote on social media. “This should absolutely be in primetime.” Another follower agreed saying, “Big Noon Kickoff is the worst thing to happen to American sports.”
Ohio State will play on FOX against both Texas and Michigan.
The Buckeyes are coming off a national title run in which they won four straight postseason games after falling to the Wolverines. That season ending rivalry is typically played at noon. Another early kick was expected.
Fans were hoping to see otherwise in Week 1, though.
Ohio State had to take down the Longhorns on their way to a title last year. That game was an instant classic, with Texas coming one yard away from forcing an overtime session.
The highly anticipated rematch will feature Arch Manning under center for what should be a loaded Texas offense. The Longhorns will be one of the sport’s biggest spenders with a roster estimated to cost upwards of $40 million.
Ohio State will have its hands full pulling out another win but they, too, will have no shortage of talent.
With both programs expected to be Top 5 teams entering the year, most hoped for a primetime start. It doesn’t appear that will be the case, which is an issue the Buckeyes have grown accustomed to experiencing.
Last year, they played just one home game in the late slot. They finished the season with six straight noon contests. Big Noon Kickoff had a large hand in irking the fanbase.
FOX is dead set on putting the best game of the Big Ten/Big 12 slate on the air as early as possible. It allows the network’s pregame show to transition right into a heavyweight matchup. That thought process works for viewers at home, but it takes away from the in-game atmosphere.
“I think that it’s proven over time in NFL and college [that playing at night is beneficial]. Playing at night in an electric atmosphere is a homefield advantage.”
-Lane Kiffin
Noon kickoffs can be sleepy. Fans are forced to go straight into the venue upon arriving to the stadium. Night games, on the other hand, allow for some anticipation to be built.
The Buckeyes are working on improving the overall homefield environment. Athletic director Ross Bjork spoke on upgrades that need to come to Ohio Stadium.
He also noted, however, that time slots play a major part. It’s not just the lightshows and sound systems that make a difference. That was experienced firsthand in last year’s playoff game vs. Tennessee.
“The noon games last year, obviously that put kind of a strain on the environment. And then people saw the night game against Tennessee, and it was like, ‘Oh, that’s what it can be.'”
-Ross Bjork
Last year, the Ohio State football team was negatively impacted by a continuous string of early matchups. Big Noon Kickoff was even said to have impacted recruiting.
The FOX football show heard the criticism (and benefitted from the viewership) but appears ready to again put the Buckeyes on as early as possible. It’s certainly not the start Ohio State wanted to see!