Texas quarterback Arch Manning led his team into Columbus in a game touted as a playoff preview. How did he fare against the defending champions?
Texas QB Arch Manning Struggles in Season Opener
With his last name, many expect Manning to perform like either of his uncles. His first test of the sophomore season came immediately, as the Ohio State Buckeyes downed the Texas Longhorns 14-7.
Manning completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also carried the ball 10 times for 38 yards. While the numbers do not look poor on the surface, individual plays reveal the depth of his struggles, especially late in the game.
It didn’t go Arch Manning’s way in Week 1:
17/30
170 Pass Yds
1 INT
1 TD pic.twitter.com/EIGTh7QEHg— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025
One throw stood out more than the box score. With receiver Ryan Wingo gaining separation on an out-breaking route, Manning threw behind him. With no defenders in the area, the late, off-target throw wiped away a potential big gain. With green space ahead, that completion could have changed the complexion of the game.
Arch and Wingo can’t connect on 3rd down 😬 pic.twitter.com/VKaQz7QNTQ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025
Another angle showed Wingo with daylight and only a late-arriving defensive back to beat. A strike in stride converts the third down and possibly adds chunk yardage.
THE BUCKEYE DEFENSE SHUTS DOWN TEXAS ON 4TH DOWN… AGAIN 😱@ohioStatefb pic.twitter.com/W9ziVhZYc5
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025
On Texas’s final chance, facing a manageable fourth-and-5, a combination of errors proved costly. The right tackle slid inside, leaving an edge rusher unblocked. Manning then compounded the mistake. He failed to scan through progressions, overlooking an arrow route out of the backfield and a drag route from the motion man that looked open past the sticks.
ARCH MANNING TO PARKING LIVINGSTONE FOR THE TOUCHDOWN@Texasfootball takes one back 🤘 pic.twitter.com/AqihAtErFO
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025
Not all of Manning’s night was disappointing. He connected with receiver Parking Livingstone for the Longhorns’ lone touchdown, placing the ball where only his target could make a play. Livingstone fought through tight coverage to secure the catch.
What a throw 🎯 What a catch 🙌@TexasFootball is on the board!#FOXFieldPass pic.twitter.com/nrxouGtaXy
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025
On replay, Livingstone’s height and reach advantage helped him win the contested ball. Manning showed flashes of brilliance amid an otherwise uneven performance.
Arch Manning walks off the field in Columbus. pic.twitter.com/2fcbGPlwaU
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) August 30, 2025
Manning can take several lessons from the opener: anticipate pressure in short-yardage situations, find the vacated spot quickly, avoid locking in on a single receiver, and trust in his weapons. Texas has receiving talent, but being too precise or hesitant can be as costly as a bad read.
