Arch Manning eyes 2nd shot at Ohio State after 'rough' debut - ESPN

AUSTIN, Texas — A year after his much-hyped debut as Texas' starting quarterback ended in a 14-7 loss to Ohio State, Arch Manning said Monday that he's not fond of reminiscing about the game.

«Not a lot of good memories a year ago,» said Manning, who will get a shot at redemption against the No. 1 Buckeyes on Saturday. «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 with the spotlight on the debut of Manning. He struggled against a loaded Buckeyes defense, going 9-of-15 for 38 yards and an interception in the first three quarters. The Longhorns trailed 14-0 as Manning rallied, completing eight of his next 15 for 132 yards and a touchdown.

«It's a rough film to watch,» Manning said Monday. «I don't like watching it that much.»

It was the second straight loss for the Longhorns to the Buckeyes in high-profile games, following a 28-14 defeat in in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl in January 2025.

«It's not all the time you get a second chance to play another team after a rough loss,» Manning said. «So we're all excited for the opportunity. I think we've all grown mentally and physically.»

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said that after reviewing last year's game, he believes the Longhorn were physical and prepared. He cited their running game, 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,» he 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 said he