Texas fans got a jolt of pure Saturday electricity before kickoff, and it came from a College GameDay field goal that turned into a $1.2 million payday.
Ahead of Texas’ Week 2 showdown with No. 1 Ohio State, ESPN’s pregame show rolled into the spotlight with Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit and Matthew McConaughey all on hand. The Longhorns, ranked No. 4 in the latest AP Top 25 poll, are headed into their biggest regular-season test, and the buildup centered on a Buckeyes team drawing national championship buzz.
Then came the kicking challenge, where fans have the chance to cash in with a successful boot. Connor was the contestant this time, and before he took his shot, he explained exactly what the money could mean beyond himself.
“In Indianapolis, there’s this nonprofit called Building Tomorrow, and if I make this kick, hopefully, I want to give half of those proceeds to Building Tomorrow,” Connor said.
His first try, worth $1 million, sailed wide right. It still showed plenty of leg, but it wasn’t the one. Herbstreit and McConaughey then added $100,000 each for a second attempt, and Connor made the most of it, drilling the kick straight through the uprights.
That put the total at $1.2 million, with Connor set to take home $600,000 and send the other $600,000 to charity.
Texas now turns fully to the game itself. The Longhorns opened their 2025 season against Ohio State, and Arch Manning had a rough outing in Texas’ 14-7 loss. This rematch gives him a chance to answer back after last year’s meeting didn’t go Texas’ way.
The No. 4 Longhorns and No.
1 Buckeyes are set to kick off on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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The bigger test, of course, is still ahead, and this weeks slate offers plenty of chances for the playoff race to get scrambled again. Games like Missouri vs. Kansas, Oregon vs. Oklahoma State, Oklahoma vs. Michigan, Alabama vs. Kentucky and Arizona vs. BYU all carry some level of ripple effect for Ohio State, whether it is about opponent strength, conference standing or the broader pecking order the Buckeyes are trying to navigate. [Read more 🡒]
Lee Corso Update Will Hit Florida State Fans Right In The Heart
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Herbstreits update carried the familiar mix of admiration and concern that has followed Corsos post-retirement moments. The former analyst may be dealing with the wear and tear that comes with age, but he has remained engaged with the game and still commands the affection of fans and colleagues who grew up with his personality on Saturdays. For Florida State fans, the sight of Corso back in the conversation is the kind of touchpoint that hits home, especially with his place in college football history already secure. [Read more 🡒]
Buckeyes Bring A Personal Edge To The Texas Showdown
Ohio States trip to Texas carries a little extra meaning for several Buckeyes who grew up there, and that personal thread gives Saturdays matchup a different edge. The roster includes players with Texas roots who have already shown they can contribute in meaningful moments, adding another layer to a game that already figures to draw plenty of attention on both sides.
Among the names worth watching is Legend Bey, whose early-season usage suggests the Buckeyes may be sorting out how best to deploy him. Devin Sanchez also looms as part of the secondary picture, with a chance to be involved in one of the more interesting individual battles on the outside as Ohio State tries to match up with a Texas passing game that will test its depth and discipline. [Read more 🡒]