3 Stars of the Game vs. Ohio State (2025 W1)

[CJ Vogel]

Want to make this a Monday trend following games this season – a conversation about the biggest performances of the weekend.

Please feel free to add your picks for players with big performances.

***

2025 Week 1 vs. Ohio State

 

Star #1: Graceson Littleton

Perhaps the defensive highlight of the day in Columbus were the back to back pass breakups forced by the freshman STAR. First, the deep crosser on Jeremiah Smith where the closing speed was truly on display, and immediately after on a slot-fade by Brandon Inniss where Littleton was attached to Inniss' hip. Littleton also had a huge tackle on third down on Ohio State's final possession to force a punt.

 

Star #2: Jack Bouwmeester

It doesn't really sit well with me that a punter is one of the team's stars of the game, but considering how far the punting game has gone from 2024, I suppose this is a positive. Bouwmeester was spectacular with his four punts. All four were down inside the 20, with three landing inside the 10-yard line. Above all, none of the punts were returnable, the height, directional accuracy and coverage team were all big positives for week one.

 

Star #3: Liona Lefau

The unfortunate hands to the face penalty negated a safety forced by Lefau, which ultimately could have landed him at #1 on this list. But Lefau was great, especially in run support. Lefau led the Longhorns in tackles with 9 and recorded the only tackle for loss on the stat sheet for the Horns. 

 

HM1: Alex January – Credited with three run stops up the middle, including one of the biggest hits of the day. Good showing from the sophomore defensive lineman.

HM2: Parker Livingstone – Two receptions for 47 yards and the only touchdown of the day. Livingstone was on the field for 65 of 67 snaps for Texas was a very willing downfield blocker as well.

[AceHorn23]

@CJ Vogel Good list but I think Lefau should be 1. Littleton was impressive though.

[CJ Vogel]

1 minute ago, AceHorn23 said:

@CJ Vogel Good list but I think Lefau should be 1. Littleton was impressive though.

The argument for Lefau at No. 1 is definitely there. He was great.

[TexasMDcoach]

Why no love for Michael Taaffe?

 

[El_Maestro]

I am with you 💯!

[CJ Vogel]

5 minutes ago, TexasMDcoach said:

Why no love for Michael Taaffe?

 

Taaffe played well.  Just felt like there was more impact elsewhere.

[TexasMDcoach]

1 minute ago, CJ Vogel said:

Taaffe played well.  Just felt like there was more impact elsewhere.

That is what happens when a great player is not rewarded because you just expect that from him.  The stats don't lie on this one. 

[CJ Vogel]

Also loved seeing this from the freshman tight end in his first career snap. Well done by Nick Townsend.

[horns96]

1 hour ago, CJ Vogel said:

Also loved seeing this from the freshman tight end in his first career snap. Well done by Nick Townsend.

Good find, didn't realize he was in the game, much less the first drive.

 

Edited 21 minutes ago by horns96

[CJ Vogel]

1 minute ago, horns96 said:

Good find, didn't realize he was in the game.  

 

I believe it was his only snap as well. When given the opportunity, it's nice to see young players deliver.