Arch Manning is on the cusp of a more prominent role for the Texas Longhorns as they prepare to host the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. This anticipated step up follows a season where Manning saw limited action, throwing only five passes in his freshman year before making two starts in his second season.
The quarterback's path at Texas has been characterized by patience, a strategy echoed by his family's football legacy. His grandfather, Archie, and uncles Peyton and Eli Manning all experienced varying paths to stardom, often after periods of development on the bench. Arch Manning, arriving as one of the most highly publicized recruits in history, was initially slated to play behind incumbent top recruit Quinn Ewers.
Last season, Ewers led No. 1 Texas into Ohio State for the season opener, resulting in a 14-7 loss. The Longhorns struggled offensively, failing to score for the majority of the game and converting only one of five fourth-down attempts, including a failed sneak by Manning from the Ohio State 1-yard line. During his first five games of the season, Manning threw five interceptions. In four games against power conference opponents, he averaged one touchdown pass and 183 passing yards per game, with a 58.4% completion rate. In the final six games, these numbers improved to an average of 2.3 touchdown passes and 286 passing yards, with a 62.3% completion percentage.
Manning's opportunity to step into a more significant role comes as Texas boasts an improved roster. The team has added the top-ranked receiver in the transfer portal, Cam Coleman, and bolstered its running back unit with transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, who collectively averaged over 6 yards per carry last season. Defensively, the unit is now led by elite coordinator Will Muschamp.
This matchup against No. 1 Ohio State is a significant fixture on the Week 2 college football schedule. Other notable games include Kansas facing Missouri, Oregon against Oklahoma State, and Penn State taking on Temple. The article also offers predictions for other matchups, including Arizona State over Texas A&M, and Georgia over Western Kentucky.