The buzz surrounding the upcoming Cotton Bowl rematch between Ohio State and Texas continues to intensify, with recent reports suggesting a potential shift in the game’s kickoff time—and possibly even the date. When Fox Sports announced earlier this month that it had secured the television rights to broadcast the highly anticipated game, speculation naturally turned to when fans could expect to watch the two powerhouse programs face off once again.
At the time of Fox’s announcement, many assumed that the game would be scheduled in the network’s coveted “Big Noon Kickoff” window, which typically begins at 12 p.m. Eastern. That slot has become synonymous with high-profile matchups in recent years, often drawing national attention and massive ratings. Given the stature of both Ohio State and Texas, the Cotton Bowl rematch appeared to be a natural fit for that early time slot.
However, fans and analysts quickly noticed an interesting detail in Fox’s announcement: no official kickoff time was listed. While that might not seem unusual on the surface—especially months out from the game—it raised questions about whether the network and the schools involved might be considering alternative arrangements.
According to a report from 247Sports, Ohio State has been actively working behind the scenes to push for a later start time. The Buckeyes, one of college football’s biggest brands, have expressed interest in moving the game out of the noon window and into a prime-time or evening slot, likely in hopes of maximizing national viewership and fan engagement.
In a surprising twist, discussions have reportedly expanded to include the possibility of shifting the game entirely to Sunday, August 31. While Saturday remains the traditional day for college football, Sunday games are not unprecedented—especially during the opening weekend of the season, when television networks look to capitalize on extended holiday weekends and a lack of NFL competition.
Moving the game to Sunday could offer several benefits. For one, it would grant the game a standalone spotlight, free from the congestion of other marquee matchups that often dominate the Saturday schedule. Additionally, it could serve as a showcase event for the sport as a whole, helping to kick off the season with a bang and giving fans an extra day of football during Labor Day weekend.
From a logistical standpoint, however, such a move would require the cooperation of multiple parties, including stadium officials, broadcasters, and both universities. It would also need to align with broader scheduling considerations across the college football landscape.
As of now, no final decision has been announced, and the official start time for the game remains unconfirmed. What is clear, however, is that there is significant interest—particularly from Ohio State—in exploring alternatives to the early kickoff window. With the stakes high and fan anticipation mounting, all eyes will be on Fox and the two programs in the coming weeks as they finalize plans for one of the season’s most anticipated rematches.
Stay tuned—whether it kicks off on Saturday afternoon or under the Sunday night lights, the Ohio State-Texas rematch is sure to deliver drama, excitement, and plenty of headlines.