Arch Manning was blunt with the assessment of his Week 1 performance.
Manning had a rough game for Texas against Ohio State on Saturday, completing just 17-of-30 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and an interception.
The Longhorns ultimately lost, 14-7, to the Buckeyes in the low-scoring affair.
“Ultimately, not good enough,” Manning, 21, told reporters following the loss. “Obviously, you don’t want to start off the season going 0-1. They’re a good team, but I thought we beat ourselves a lot. That starts with me. I’ve got to play better for us to win.”
Manning, who is taking over for Dolphins rookie Quinn Ewers, has entered this season with tons of hype, being one of the primary reasons behind Texas’ No. 1 preseason ranking for the first time in the program’s history.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Despite the ugly showing from Manning, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian defended him, saying that there is still a lot of season left.
“The expectations were out of control on the outside, but I’d say let’s finish the book before we judge it,” Sarkisian told reporters following the road loss. “This is one chapter, and we have a long season to play.”
Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) on the field for warm ups before the Ohio State and Texas at Ohio Stadium. Kyle Robertson/USA TODAY Network via Imagn ImagesSarkisian also noted that Manning was confused by Ohio State’s defense and how he “shifted his focus” on recognizing coverages following a halftime discussion.
“He was struggling to see some things early,” Sarkisian said. “They’ve got a smart secondary and a good scheme. They made Arch work.”
“He started really playing [in the second half] and we saw some flashes and glimpses of the guy he is,” Sarkisian added. “There’s a lot to hold onto on what the future is going to look like here for Arch Manning.”
