Week 1 of college football is always full of surprises, but opening-week results don’t always define the rest of the season. Still, early setbacks for two Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouses—Texas and Alabama—have raised questions about the road ahead.
What Happened
The Texas Longhorns, ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time, fell 14-7 to No. 3 Ohio State in a defensive slugfest. Quarterback Arch Manning, viewed as a Heisman Trophy contender, struggled under pressure despite flashes of talent. The Longhorns’ offensive line also faltered, failing to convert a pivotal short-yardage play that could have swung momentum.
Meanwhile, Alabama—favored by 14 points—suffered a shocking 31-17 defeat to Florida State. The Crimson Tide’s offense sputtered, producing only 74 rushing yards on 29 carries. Florida State’s defense, paired with big plays through the air, left Alabama reeling in its first Week 1 loss since 2001.
Who Are the Key Teams
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Texas Longhorns: With Arch Manning leading the offense and lofty preseason expectations, Texas entered the season under immense pressure. Their offensive struggles in Columbus highlight areas needing quick improvement.
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Alabama Crimson Tide: Long known for dominance in season openers, the Crimson Tide’s setback raises concerns after an underwhelming 2024 campaign. Head coach Nick Saban’s squad now faces early doubts about playoff potential.
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Florida State Seminoles: Led by new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, the Seminoles capitalized on Alabama’s weaknesses, delivering one of the weekend’s biggest upsets.
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Ohio State Buckeyes: With questions around their defense heading into the game, the Buckeyes’ unit proved formidable, limiting Texas’s offensive firepower.
Background or Timeline
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2001–2023: Alabama maintained a perfect record in Week 1 matchups until this season’s loss to Florida State.
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2022: Texas made major investments in recruiting and transfers to climb the national ranks.
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2024 Preseason: SEC entered the season with three teams ranked as College Football Playoff favorites.
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Week 1, 2025: Texas and Alabama falter, shaking early confidence in the SEC’s depth.
Public or Social Media Reaction
Fans and analysts took to social media with mixed reactions. Alabama’s defeat trended as one of the biggest shocks of the week, with critics pointing to offensive disorganization. Texas fans expressed frustration at missed opportunities while cautioning that Manning is still developing. Conversely, Florida State and Ohio State fans celebrated statement wins that could shape playoff conversations.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
While Week 1 losses sting, both Texas and Alabama remain in contention for playoff spots if they can recover against tough schedules ahead. The College Football Playoff committee often considers strength of conference play, leaving room for redemption.
Elsewhere, other programs made strong impressions. South Florida defeated Boise State 34-7, Auburn notched a key win over Baylor, and Iowa State’s kicker set a school record with a 63-yard field goal. But for teams like Boise State and Army, early losses may derail playoff hopes.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
