Arch Manning struggles in debut; 'out of control' expectations - ESPN

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning failed to live up to lofty expectations in his starting debut Saturday at Ohio State, but coach Steve Sarkisian called the 14-7 loss just «one chapter» in Manning's season.

With scouts from more than a dozen NFL teams watching, including the nearby Cleveland Browns, Manning was inconsistent, displaying flashes of promise tempered by mistakes. He completed 17-of-30 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and an interception — an underwhelming day for a player some have already pegged as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

He also entered game as the Heisman Trophy favorite (+650) at ESPN BET Sportsbook.

«For Arch, the expectations were out of control on the outside,» Sarkisian said. «I'd say let's finish the book before we judge him. That's one chapter.»

Texas got off to a slow start offensively, struggling to create any big plays. Manning was 0-for-5 with an interception on throws greater than five yards in the first three quarters. Sarkisian and Manning sat together in the locker room at the half, though, and went over some film and made some adjustments. In the fourth quarter, Manning completed 4-of-7 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown on passes greater than five yards.

«They've got a good scheme,» Sarkisian said, «they've got a very smart secondary, and they made Arch work. I thought at halftime, Arch having a chance to really sit and look at the tape and understand some of the coverages they were playing, I think that helped him into the second half.»

Still, it was too little, too late. Texas had four drives that ended in turnovers on downs, its most since its 2017 season-opening loss to Maryland. The Longhorns failed to score on their two red zone drives, and