College football officially returned last weekend with Week Zero, but the first full Saturday slate kicks off on August 30. The biggest and most anticipated matchup is No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State, with expectations sky-high for the Longhorns and redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian recently shared the advice he gave Manning ahead of the showdown with the Buckeyes, while Manning revealed how he’s feeling going into the game.
Texas’s Arch Manning, Steve Sarkisian Share Thoughts on Ohio State Game
There isn’t a college football team with more hype or a bigger spotlight heading into 2025 than the Texas Longhorns. Not only did they earn the preseason No. 1 ranking in both the AP and Coaches Poll, but they also have arguably the most talked-about player in the country.
Arch Manning has just two career starts, but as the former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 class and the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, fans can’t wait to see him take over as Texas’ full-time starter.
With that hype comes pressure. According to Inside Texas reporter Evan Vieth, head coach Steve Sarkisian recently shared the message he’s giving his young quarterback to help deal with that pressure ahead of the top-three showdown against the Buckeyes.
“Go be him,” Sarkisian’s message to Arch Manning ahead of the week. “Go be you. What you’ve done is good enough to get us to this point.”
— Evan Vieth (@EvanVieth) August 25, 2025
“Go be him,” Sarksian said.
While Manning’s last name certainly fuels the hype, the young quarterback has proven he is more than just a famous lineage. In 12 games across two seasons at Texas, he has completed 63 passes for 969 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also adding 115 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
ARCH MANNING TAKES IT 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE WITH HIS LEGS 😱
It’s the longest rush by a Texas QB since Vince Young in 2005. pic.twitter.com/AjU9uSli2c
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2024
Sarkisian’s message makes sense. Manning does not need to play the hero. He just needs to be himself to give Texas its best shot at taking down the Buckeyes.
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According to Vieth, Manning echoed Sarkisian’s message. Despite the pressure, he is simply excited to finally take the field after spending two seasons behind Quinn Ewers.
“I spent two years not playing, might as well go out and have fun.” – Arch Manning
— Evan Vieth (@EvanVieth) August 25, 2025
“I spent two years not playing, might as well go out and have fun,” Manning said.
Taking on the defending champions in Week One is no easy task for Manning as he begins his college career, but the former five-star seems unconcerned and simply pumped up for the opportunity to play football.
That mindset should allow him to play freely against the Buckeyes. Despite the hype and noise surrounding both Manning and this Texas team, he and Sarkisian appear calm, cool, and collected heading into their marquee matchup.
Texas and Ohio State kick off on Saturday, August 30, at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX. While ESPN won’t be broadcasting the game, College GameDay will be live from Columbus, celebrating the legendary Lee Corso’s last show.
