HORNS DOWN
Ohio State defends the Shoe, beats Texas 14-7 in the 2025 season opener.
James Laurinaitis had a clear message for Ohio State fans at Saturday’s Skull Session: Be as loud as you possibly can.
“I promise you the team behind us is gonna do their part, but I need you guys to do your part,” Ohio State’s linebackers coach said. “You have to make life absolutely hell for Arch Manning and the Texas offense. If you leave Ohio Stadium today with any voice, then you are dead wrong.
“This is our culture vs. their culture. This is SEC football vs. Big Ten football. This is their flash vs. our toughness, our grit, our fight.”
Ryan Day and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles also addressed the crowd during Saturday’s Skull Session at St. John Arena. Day told the crowd that while this year’s team is different than the team that won the national championship last season, the team’s goal has not changed.
“Different season. Different team. Different players. Different coaches. Same mission. Same toughness. Same intensity. Same grit. And same fight,” Day said in his simple-but-effective message to the crowd.
Styles said the Buckeyes are ready to get back on the field and play a game again after seven months of preparation and anticipation.
“There's been a lot of talk leading up to this game, but it's time to put the ball down and play,” Styles said. “We're gonna play fast and violent, and like Coach Day's been talking about, we're gonna throw the first punch. We're gonna keep hitting 'em for four quarters and play violent football.”
