AUSTIN, TX – The highly anticipated 2025 season for the No. 1 Texas Longhorns kicked off with a jarring 14-7 defeat against the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes, placing sophomore quarterback Arch Manning directly under the intense glare of national scrutiny. While the highly-touted offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm, Manning’s debut as the full-time starter was marked by flashes of potential overshadowed by critical errors and an inability to convert in key moments.
Season Opener Stumbles on the Road
The marquee matchup, billed as arguably the biggest game of the college football regular season, saw the top-ranked Longhorns fall to the defending national champions in a defensive battle at Ohio Stadium. Texas managed only 170 passing yards and 38 rushing yards from Manning, completing 17 of 30 passes with one touchdown and one costly interception. The Longhorns’ offense was particularly anemic in the first half, managing just 26 passing yards, and failed to find the end zone until late in the fourth quarter.
Arch Manning Faces the Spotlight
Arch Manning, the latest in a storied football lineage, carried immense expectations into his first season as the undisputed starting quarterback for Texas. Despite limited collegiate starts prior, he was tabbed as a Heisman Trophy favorite and a projected top NFL draft pick before the season even began. However, his performance against Ohio State highlighted the challenges of stepping into such a prominent role.
Early in the game, Manning struggled with accuracy, particularly on crossing routes, with coach Steve Sarkisian later noting a need for better footwork and shoulder alignment to improve consistency. “There was a couple times where we had some crossing routes where I didn’t feel like he brought his feet to where he wanted to throw the ball, which in turn forced kind of a little bit more of a sidearm delivery, which isn’t his style of throwing,” Sarkisian explained. The quarterback was also unable to convert crucial fourth-down attempts, including being stopped short of the goal line on a run from the 1-yard line in the third quarter and failing to pick up a first down on the final possession of the game, which ultimately sealed the defeat.
Coaching Perspective and External Pressures
Head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the offensive struggles, citing the team’s overall inexperience, particularly on the offensive line which featured four new starters. He also addressed the overwhelming external expectations placed on Manning, stating, “For Arch, the expectations were out of control on the outside. But I’d say let’s finish the book before we judge it. This is one chapter, and we’ve got a long season to go play.” Despite the criticism, Sarkisian remained optimistic about Manning’s future, noting he saw “real flashes and glimpses of the type of player that he’s going to become.”
Ohio State’s Defensive Dominance
Credit was widely given to Ohio State’s defense for their disciplined performance, limiting the high-powered Texas offense and containing Manning effectively. The Buckeyes’ defense forced four crucial fourth-down stops, stifling Texas’ attempts to gain momentum and score. Offensively, Ohio State managed just enough, with quarterback Julian Sayin throwing for 126 yards and a touchdown to Carnell Tate, securing their hard-fought victory.
Looking Ahead: The Home Opener and Bounce-Back Opportunity
Following the disappointing road loss, the Texas Longhorns now turn their attention to their home opener against the San Jose State Spartans. After dropping their own season opener 16-14 to Central Michigan, the Spartans will visit Austin looking to capitalize on any lingering doubts surrounding the Texas program. For Manning and the Longhorns, the upcoming game presents a critical opportunity to regroup, refine their offensive execution, and begin the arduous task of proving they can live up to their preseason billing. The news surrounding this early-season upset has certainly made this trending topic in college football circles, with many eyes fixed on how the team responds.
This initial featured matchup has undoubtedly set a tone of urgency for the Longhorns, who must now demonstrate resilience and improvement as the season progresses. The narrative surrounding Arch Manning and the Texas offense will continue to be closely watched as they navigate the challenges ahead.
