Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte had no interest in moving Ohio State vs. Texas from Saturday to Sunday.
Last week, Horns247 insider Chip Brown reported that Texas declined Ohio State’s request to move their 2025 season opener from Aug. 30, to Aug. 31. Fox Sports executive Michael Mulvihill confirmed that information Tuesday to Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel, adding that Fox approved Ross Bjork’s idea to move the matchup before Texas denied it.
With the Longhorns to blame for what feels destined to be a noon game at Ohio Stadium, Del Conte had no problem playing the villain in an interview with ESPN's Pete Thamel.
"Why would I want to move the game to Sunday night and have a short week for our boys who were just told we're kicking off at high noon?" Del Conte said. "It was never about moving the time of day. It was just, 'Hey do you want to move the day?' And I go, 'We're not moving. We're contractually obligated to this day.' That was it, but you know, the craziness is oh my God, they said no. I just said no to Sunday. I've got to go to church. I mean, hot dang."
Had Ohio State vs. Texas has been moved to Sunday, it would have gone against Notre Dame vs. Miami on ABC, the only other game in the broadcast window. This year's battle between the Buckeyes and Longhorns is part one of a home-and-home series between the Buckeyes and Longhorns. The programs will also meet on Sept. 12, 2026, in Austin. Considering the SEC's media deal with ESPN, the game will likely be in prime time on Saturday.
