Texas announced Arch Manning as its starting quarterback for Saturday’s season opener against No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus.
The No. 1 Longhorns travel to face the Buckeyes in what marks Manning’s first road start and first game against a ranked opponent.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has worked to keep expectations manageable for his young quarterback. His approach focuses on consistency rather than dramatic changes.
“We’re not asking any superhuman efforts of you to do anything extraordinary. What you’ve done is good enough to get us to this point. Now go play the way you’re capable of playing.”
Manning says he’s not feeling additional pressure heading into the marquee matchup.
“This is what I’ve been waiting for,” Manning said Monday. “I spent two years not playing, so I might as well go have some fun.”
The sophomore showed promise in limited action last season. Manning threw for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions across multiple appearances.
His breakout performance came against UTSA. Manning threw four touchdown passes and scored on a 67-yard rushing touchdown in that game.
Arch Manning had the quote of the year pic.twitter.com/rxbcm8IiTJ
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) August 26, 2025
Manning expressed confidence about Texas’s approach this season.
“We’re going for everyone else,” Manning added. “Target’s not on our back, but we got the red dot on everyone else.”
Saturday’s game carries significant weight for both programs. It marks just the second time since 1950 that two top-three teams have opened a season against each other.
The matchup serves as a rematch of last year’s playoff semifinal. Ohio State defeated Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl during that January meeting.
Both rosters look drastically different now. A total of 32 players from that playoff game moved on to the NFL.
Texas and Ohio State kick off Saturday during the Big Noon slot on FOX.
