Arch Manning entered the 2025 season as college football’s biggest headline. The latest heir to the Manning football dynasty carried enormous expectations on his shoulders, viewed by many as a preseason Heisman frontrunner and a future first-round NFL draft pick. Texas entered the year ranked No. 1 in the nation, and the narrative was clear: Manning’s debut would define not only his season but also the trajectory of the Longhorns’ playoff hopes.
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The stage could not have been larger. Texas opened the season on the road at Ohio State in a matchup hyped as a potential “game of the year.” Two powerhouse programs, two rabid fan bases, and a playoff-like atmosphere on the very first Saturday of the season made this one of the most anticipated openers in recent memory. And at the center of it all stood Arch Manning. The night, however, did not unfold as a coronation.
Manning’s first start wasn’t a disaster, but it also wasn’t the dazzling, star-making performance that many fans and analysts expected. His play highlighted both the promise of his potential and the reality of his inexperience. Manning flashed his immense arm talent. A late touchdown pass showed the kind of velocity and touch that NFL scouts rave about. His best throw was a perfectly placed NFL deep ball down the left sideline—reminded everyone why Texas entrusted him with the keys to the offense.
Those moments justified the hype. But outside of those highlights, the growing pains were evident. Accuracy proved to be Manning’s biggest hurdle. Several short and intermediate throws sailed high or trailed behind receivers, turning what should have been simple completions into stalled drives. His lone interception came on a late throw, the type of mistake that can’t happen in a hostile road environment. Another misfire nearly resulted in a second pick.
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The stat line reflected the uneven performance: 17-of-30 for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. History suggests patience is warranted. Peyton Manning threw 11 interceptions as a freshman at Tennessee. Eli Manning didn’t emerge as an NFL-caliber quarterback until late in his Ole Miss career. For Arch, too, there will be bumps before the breakthrough.
The Longhorns’ supporting cast struggled as well. Ohio State’s defensive front consistently pressured Manning, exposing vulnerabilities in the offensive line and forcing rushed decisions. Meanwhile, Texas’ running game, touted as a strength entering the season, failed to establish rhythm or control the tempo. While the Longhorn defense held its ground against one of the nation’s most potent attacks, the offense couldn’t quite capitalize.
Still, the loss should not trigger alarm bells in Austin. A road defeat to a top-three opponent in one of college football’s toughest environments is hardly season-ending. Head coach Steve Sarkisian still has a roster stacked with playmakers, and the upcoming schedule provides a chance to regroup. Home games against San Jose State, UTEP, and Sam Houston offer Manning the opportunity to build rhythm, regain confidence, and sharpen his timing before SEC play heats up.
The larger picture remains unchanged: Texas is still very much a playoff contender. The Arch Manning hype train didn’t derail in Columbus—it just slowed down. His debut wasn’t the flawless showcase many anticipated, but it wasn’t the disaster some critics have suggested either. If Manning can turn those flashes of brilliance into consistency, this Week 1 stumble will be remembered as just the first step in what could still become a special season for Texas football.
