Before the Week 1 game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes, everyone was hyping up quarterback Arch Manning to be a Heisman Trophy guy and a number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Well, Manning did not perform well at all for Texas in a 14-7 loss over Ohio State.
USATSI 26965812 168400517 lowres
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) attempt to sack Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
He only completed 56.7% of his passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. There are a lot of fans who believe now that there was a reason why that Quinn Ewers was starting over Manning for the last two seasons. Will Manning be fine or will it be a long season for him?
FOX Sports Analyst Makes Harsh Take About Texas Longhorns Quarterback Arch Manning
USATSI 26965805 168400517 lowres 1
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7.
Jason McIntyre of FS1 was on talking on the Herd on Monday about how bad Manning’s performance was against Ohio State. McIntyre said about the Longhorns starting quarterback,
“I saw a stock tanking like Cracker Barrel on Saturday in the state of Ohio. It was not good for Arch Manning.”
With his bad performance against Ohio State, this is not good for Manning in the short-term. There is a chance that he can turn it around really quickly and play better when SEC Conference play begins. With that being said, Manning appears to be an afterthought for the 2026 NFL Draft after one bad performance for now.
Fans React
USATSI 26965824 168400517 lowres
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) pressures Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7.
He lost at the defending national champion with an nfl defensive coordinator!!!
— Mark A.Kern II (@Markkern111) September 1, 2025
Zero impact. Now if by January he hasn’t had multiple great games then obviously he’s not a top 10 pick. But if he does play well here on out then this game will mean nothing for his draft status.
— Coach Mantia (@KenMantia) September 2, 2025
Arch will be fine, he played maybe the best defense in the country on the road
— Cam (@Cam235711) September 1, 2025
Typical media overhype. Everyone thought he was going to come pu and play like josh allen. Give the kid some time to develop
— Nickryan13 (@NickmontiBOLTS) September 1, 2025
Ohio State might have had something to do with it.
— OSUownsscUM (@OsUownssc) September 2, 2025
There are a lot of fans who are blaming the media for hyping up Arch. It will be interesting to see how Manning responds against the San Jose State Spartans this weekend in Texas’s home opener.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @glennkaplan13 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!