If you’re still stewing over the news that Ohio State and Texas will face off in a highly anticipated matchup on Aug. 30 at 12 p.m. ET, you’re certainly not alone. For many fans of both teams, the fact that this marquee game—arguably the best matchup of college football’s opening weekend—won’t get the primetime treatment is a major letdown. It’s baffling that FOX has opted to schedule this game at noon when it clearly deserves more prime-time attention.
Enter Joel Klatt, FOX’s lead college football analyst, who has been doing his best to get fans excited about the early start. Klatt has attempted to pump up the “Big Noon Kickoff” concept, encouraging viewers to embrace the early game. We get it—Klatt is a company man, doing his job and trying to put a positive spin on it. But let’s be real: no one asked for this, and the decision to kick off such a high-profile game at noon is, frankly, a joke.
Joel Klatt’s Attempt to Hype a Noon Start Falls Flat
A quick glance at the social media reactions to Klatt’s hype efforts shows just how upset Ohio State and Texas fans are. While it’s understandable that Klatt has to make the best of a less-than-ideal situation, his enthusiasm isn’t winning over many supporters. Fans from both schools have made it clear that a noon kickoff for this game is a massive missed opportunity.
We don’t want to entirely blame Klatt, as he’s just doing his part as a FOX personality, but the timing of the game is where the frustration lies. The energy that could come from a prime-time atmosphere is completely lost with this early kickoff. Just think back to the electric environment at Ohio State’s home game against Tennessee in the College Football Playoff. The night game was packed with excitement, with the crowd roaring from start to finish. That kind of atmosphere is perfect for a game of this magnitude, and to see it relegated to a noon start is disappointing to say the least.
Why a 12 p.m. Kickoff Hurts Ohio State vs. Texas
The problem with this noon start is that it takes away from everything that makes college football great: the atmosphere, the energy, and the spectacle. Ohio State and Texas are both storied programs, and this game should be a celebration of that rivalry and tradition. But, at 12 p.m., fans won’t have the same pre-game buildup or the chance to fully enjoy the game in the same way they would for a primetime kickoff.
Just imagine the scene in Ohio Stadium, better known as “The Shoe,” packed with thousands of fans, all screaming, chanting, and creating an atmosphere that you can feel through the television screen. That was the vibe for the Tennessee game at night—electric, intense, and full of anticipation. Unfortunately, that won’t be the case for the Texas game. It’s likely that fans from across the country, including a large number of Ohio State and Texas alumni living on the West Coast, will have to set their alarms extra early to catch the game. This is particularly frustrating for those who want to experience the full thrill of a major game like this in the late afternoon or evening.
Additionally, a noon kickoff means that the crowd’s energy will peak early, and the game itself could lose some of its luster before it’s even over. The excitement that builds throughout the day, culminating in a primetime showdown, is what makes these high-profile games so special. By opting for a noon kickoff, FOX has essentially robbed fans of that experience, and it’s a decision that’s hard to swallow.
FOX Drops the Ball
For all of Klatt’s efforts to put a positive spin on the situation, it’s clear that the real issue lies with FOX’s scheduling. The network has a tendency to lock in its “Big Noon Kickoff” games without considering the unique nature of certain matchups. Ohio State vs. Texas is not just any game—it’s a battle between two blue-chip programs with massive fan bases, both of whom are expected to contend for spots in the College Football Playoff in 2025. A noon start simply doesn’t do justice to the magnitude of this matchup.
It’s important to remember that the time slot isn’t Klatt’s decision. As a commentator, he’s simply fulfilling his role to hype up the game and encourage fans to tune in. But that doesn’t mean he’s immune from the backlash, as many fans have pointed out that FOX should have seen the potential for this game and scheduled it at a more appropriate time.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for College Football Fans
At the end of the day, the 12 p.m. kickoff for Ohio State vs. Texas is a disappointment for both programs and their fans. This game deserves the kind of primetime treatment that would allow fans to fully appreciate the atmosphere, the talent on the field, and the historic significance of the matchup. Instead, FOX has opted to fit it into the already crowded noon time slot, seemingly overlooking the potential for a truly electric primetime experience.
As the season opener approaches, the frustration from Ohio State and Texas supporters is palpable. Fans from both teams have every right to feel upset—after all, this is a game that should be watched by as many people as possible, not one that’s hidden away in the middle of the day. No matter how much Klatt or FOX try to sell the idea, the noon kickoff for this epic showdown just feels wrong.