The buildup to one of the most anticipated season openers in college football history has taken on an even greater level of intensity as Ohio State prepares to face the Texas Longhorns. It’s a game that has been circled on calendars for months, and now that the season is here, the players entrusted with leading the Buckeyes into battle are speaking about what it means to them. Ohio State announced its team captains for the 2025 season earlier this month, a collection of experienced leaders who will be tasked not only with holding their teammates accountable but also with representing the program’s storied tradition on one of the biggest stages in the sport. Ahead of the showdown with Texas, those captains have made it clear just how much pride and responsibility comes with the title, as well as their excitement to test themselves against one of college football’s most powerful brands.
For players at Ohio State, being named a captain is one of the most prestigious honors that can be bestowed upon them. It means the coaching staff trusts them, but more importantly, it means their peers—the very teammates they sweat and grind with—believe in them. Captains are not chosen lightly in Columbus, and that tradition of leadership dates back through decades of championship teams. When the players addressed the media this week, there was a consistent theme of gratitude and determination. They know what it means to wear the “C” on their chest, especially in a year when Ohio State enters the season with high expectations and a chip on its shoulder after recent disappointments. The matchup against Texas isn’t just about starting strong; it’s about setting the tone for the season, and the captains understand they must embody that mindset.
One of the captains described the honor as something he’s dreamed of since childhood, emphasizing how surreal it feels to go from watching Buckeye legends lead teams onto the field to being that leader himself. He spoke about the legacy of those who came before him, the captains who inspired him when he first stepped on campus, and how he wants to live up to that standard. The role requires more than just leading in practice or delivering speeches in the locker room—it’s about consistent actions. He made it clear that leadership is proven daily in how he approaches film study, how he carries himself in workouts, and how he motivates teammates when fatigue or doubt creeps in. Being chosen as a captain isn’t the end goal; it’s a responsibility to uphold.
Another captain focused on the collective excitement to open the season against Texas. He pointed out that these are the kinds of games you dream about as a player, the ones that separate average programs from elite ones. Facing Texas on national television, with millions of fans watching, isn’t daunting—it’s motivating. He emphasized that this is exactly why players come to Ohio State: to compete in marquee matchups, to measure themselves against the best, and to prove on the biggest stage that the Buckeyes belong at the top. He admitted there’s a nervous energy around the game, but he framed it as a good kind of nervousness, the adrenaline that pushes athletes to their peak. For the captains, their job is to channel that energy into focus, ensuring the team is not overwhelmed by the moment but instead fueled by it.
The captains also spoke about how being leaders has changed their approach to preparation. It’s no longer just about their personal readiness but about making sure every single player is locked in. They’ve taken on the responsibility of keeping the younger guys focused, making sure no detail is overlooked. They mentioned the importance of being approachable—knowing when to push a teammate hard and when to offer encouragement. The balance between accountability and support is what defines true leadership, and the captains believe they’ve found that rhythm during fall camp. That work will now be put to the test against a Texas team that has just as much talent and expectation heading into the season.
Another point that came up repeatedly was the idea of representing not only themselves but also the entire university and its fans. One captain mentioned how being a leader at Ohio State means more than just Saturdays—it means being an example for younger players, students on campus, and even kids across the state of Ohio who dream of wearing the scarlet and gray. He reflected on the countless messages of support he’s received from fans since being named captain, saying it reminded him of the impact football has in this region. The captains are well aware that Ohio State football is not just a team but a community, a family, and that brings with it an added layer of accountability. When they take the field against Texas, they will be carrying more than just their own ambitions; they will be carrying the hopes of a fanbase that demands excellence.
There was also discussion about how the leadership dynamic changes in the heat of a game. One captain spoke about the need to be calm under pressure, especially in a game where emotions will be running high. Texas is a formidable opponent with playmakers all over the field, and momentum swings are inevitable. The captains emphasized that their role will be to steady the ship in those moments, to remind the team that one play doesn’t define a game and that composure often makes the difference between victory and defeat. They pointed to previous experiences where games were won or lost not just on talent but on poise, and they intend to make sure Ohio State maintains that edge.
Of course, the matchup with Texas has added significance because of the broader implications. Both teams are projected College Football Playoff contenders, and an early-season win could carry tremendous weight in the rankings and playoff selection process. The captains acknowledged that, but they were careful not to get lost in the bigger picture. Their message has been consistent: focus on the next snap, the next series, the next quarter. One captain noted that if they take care of business in the little moments, the big picture will take care of itself. That mentality reflects the maturity expected of leaders in a program as storied as Ohio State’s.
The captains also reflected on the journey that led them here. Many spoke about the struggles they faced early in their careers—the injuries, the battles for playing time, the doubts that creep in during long offseasons. Being named captain validates that perseverance. It’s a recognition not just of talent but of character. One captain put it bluntly: “This isn’t about me being the best player. This is about me being someone my teammates can count on.” That sentiment captures the essence of what Ohio State values in leadership. It’s not necessarily the most vocal guy or the one with the most stats—it’s the person who embodies reliability and consistency, the one who leads by example every single day.
They also made it clear that the responsibility doesn’t end when the clock hits zero. Being captain is a year-round job. It means ensuring the locker room culture stays strong through adversity, that players are accountable in the classroom and in their personal lives, and that the standard of Ohio State football is upheld. As one captain explained, the title will follow them long after they leave Columbus. It will be part of their legacy, part of what future players remember when they hear their names. That’s why they’re determined to do it right, to live up to what it means.
As the Texas game approaches, the captains find themselves not just as players preparing for a matchup but as symbols of Ohio State’s culture. They are the ones setting the tone in practice, reminding everyone of the standard, and ensuring that no one takes shortcuts. They are the ones delivering the final words in the locker room before the team storms onto the field. They are the ones who will be looked to when adversity strikes, when the crowd noise is deafening, and when the season feels like it’s on the line. That is the weight of being a captain, and yet, when you listen to them speak, it’s clear they embrace it with pride.
The excitement to face Texas is palpable. The captains talked about studying film late into the night, visualizing themselves making key plays, and dreaming of the atmosphere that will greet them when they run out of the tunnel. They know this game is bigger than just week one—it’s a measuring stick, a chance to declare that Ohio State is ready to reclaim its place among the elite. And they know that as captains, they must lead the charge. They’ve spent the offseason preparing for this, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Now the moment is here, and they are ready to seize it.
The weight of expectation, the pride of tradition, the responsibility of leadership, and the thrill of competition all converge in this moment. The Ohio State captains understand what it means to represent the scarlet and gray, and they are determined to leave everything on the field against Texas. They’ve made it clear that being a captain is not about personal glory but about elevating the team, about embodying the values that make Ohio State football what it is. As the countdown to kickoff nears its end, their words echo with a mix of humility and determination. They are leaders now, chosen by their teammates, entrusted by their coaches, and backed by a fanbase that expects nothing less than greatness. And when they step onto the field against Texas, they intend to show exactly why that trust was placed in them.
