Arch Manning Seeks Redemption Against Ohio State

A year after his highly anticipated debut as Texas’ starting quarterback ended in a 14‑7 loss to Ohio State, Arch Manning said Monday that he is not fond of revisiting the game. “Not a lot of good memories a year ago,” Manning said. “Hoping to have a good game this year.” The then‑No. 3 Buckeyes beat the then‑No. 1 Longhorns in Columbus last season in a celebrated matchup that put the spotlight on Manning’s first start. He struggled against a loaded Buckeyes defense, going 9‑of‑15 for 38 yards and an interception in the first three quarters. Texas trailed 14‑0 before Manning sparked a rally, completing eight of his next 15 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown.

A Year After the Debut Loss

“It’s a rough film to watch,” Manning admitted. “I don’t like watching it that much.” The loss was the second consecutive defeat for Texas against Ohio State in high‑profile games, following a 28‑14 setback in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl in January 2025. Manning emphasized that the opportunity for a rematch is rare. “It’s not all the time you get a second chance to play another team after a rough loss,” he said. “So we’re all excited for the opportunity. I think we’ve all grown mentally and physically.”

Manning’s Growth and Confidence

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, after reviewing last year’s film, believes the Longhorns were physically prepared and that their running game performed well, with 37 carries for 166 yards (4.5 average). “People think we just went out there and laid an egg and had minus‑10 yards rushing or something,” Sarkisian said. “We ran the ball pretty well. I felt like the passing game was not where it needed to be the first 2½, three quarters or so in that game. Then when you get behind, you’ve got to start throwing the ball.” Manning, now with a full offseason and a year of experience, feels the benefit of that preparation as he prepares for the rematch at Darrell K Royal‑Texas Memorial Stadium.

Ohio State’s Star‑Stubbed Roster

The Buckeyes enter the game ranked No. 1 and feature three of the oddsmakers’ top seven Heisman Trophy contenders: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, quarterback Julian Sayin, and Manning himself. The matchup is billed as the highest‑rated contest of the season by ESPN Analytics, earning a perfect 100.0 in pregame matchup quality. “College GameDay” will be on‑site, and the game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Heisman Trophy Contenders in the Spotlight

The clash of Manning, Smith, and Sayin places the Heisman race front and center. Manning’s performance in the rematch could significantly influence the trophy conversation, while Smith’s explosive receiving ability and Sayin’s poise as a first‑year starter add layers of intrigue. The game also carries historical weight; according to ESPN Research, it will be only the 14th time since the FBS/FCS split in 1978 that the AP No. 1 team is an underdog in a regular‑season game.

Game Atmosphere and Prediction

As of Monday afternoon on DraftKings, the No. 5‑ranked Longhorns were a slight favorite to beat Ohio State. If the line holds, the Buckeyes’ underdog status would mark a rare occurrence. Sarkisian estimated that up to 20 million viewers could tune in, calling it “arguably the most‑watched regular‑season game of all time.” He stressed that his team must focus on preparation rather than the surrounding hype. “That’s great for everybody else. For us, what are we doing today?” Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman declared, “They can expect that we’re coming. We’re coming.”

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