On the latest College Gameday Podcast, ESPN’s Rece Davis framed Ohio State’s quarterback battle between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz as wide open heading into the 2025 season.
Davis didn’t sound optimistic about the Buckeyes’ chances when they open against the Texas Longhorns on August 30.
“It’ll be fascinating with Ohio State, whoever the quarterback is,” Davis said. “I wonder with the new coordinator — well, technically Brian Hartline, who’s been a brilliant receivers coach and heavily involved in the offense — how Jeremiah Smith and the new quarterback will mesh. You don’t want Smith having to hit a go-ball or an 18-yard dig every time just to get a touch. I know that’s in their scheme, but will they spread him out, move him around, and let the young quarterback, whichever one it is, find some rhythm?”
Davis also predicted that Arch Manning could deliver a statement performance in Columbus — the type of game that could cement his place in the Heisman conversation.
“We’ll find out if Texas can answer the big questions — offensive line and defensive line play — and I think they’ll be just fine,” Davis said. “Arch has admitted he hasn’t done anything yet to deserve the attention he’s getting, and one game won’t fully justify it. But this one could be a huge step in that direction. I think you’ll see why the hype is so high.”
Over on FOX’s The Triple Option podcast, Urban Meyer took a different stance. The former Buckeyes head coach warned Manning about the weight of expectations that come with his last name.
“A player with that name and that background, the expectations are enormous. He’s going to have to play great — and he’s picking a tough team and a tough environment to do it,” Meyer said. “If he struggles, remember this: there’s going to be a lot of unfair pressure on him. He’s a hell of a player, but is he going to win the Heisman? Those are big, big questions.”
For Texas, Manning, head coach Steve Sarkisian, and offensive coordinator Kyle Flood are already facing championship-level expectations.
For Ohio State, Sayin, Kienholz, Hartline, and Ryan Day are stepping into the unknown.
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