COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The defending national champions knew that last year was firmly in the past and that 2025 a whole new ballgame. The only nod Saturday to Ohio State's ninth national title came before its game against Texas, when the 2024 championship banner was unveiled before kickoff.

But with a season opening 14-7 victory over the top-ranked Longhorns, this year's team took a big step in establishing its own identity.

Julian Sayin showed that he can hold his own in running the Buckeyes offense, and the defense, under new leadership, can still be one of the best in the country.

Here are three things we learned Saturday.

Defense shines in top three showdown

Ohio State kept Texas scoreless from most of the game thanks to multiple playmakers. From Arvell Reese and Davison Igbino

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