The Arch Manning era is about to officially begin for Texas football, and it’s kicking off in a monumental way. The Longhorns will open their season on the road against the defending national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Texas enters the game ranked No. 1 in the preseason Coaches Poll, with Ohio State right behind at No. 2 — marking the first time ever that the top two teams in the country will face off in Week 1.
Both programs are expected to contend for a national title, but former Texas head coach Mack Brown believes the Longhorns have a key edge — quarterback experience. While Ohio State has yet to name a starter, Arch Manning brings a growing résumé of meaningful snaps, something Brown says will prove invaluable on such a big stage.
“Arch has played,” Brown said during an episode of The Stampede. “He played in this year’s Ohio State game, he’s been in a playoff game, he’s prepared mentally. Going to Ohio State will be easier for him than it will be for whoever they start — and they haven’t even named one yet. That poor guy’s going to be nervous stepping onto that field at noon on national TV for the first time.”
Although Manning hasn’t held the full-time starting job yet, he’s far more seasoned than Ohio State’s expected starter, Julian Sayin, who has just 12 career pass attempts. That contrast in experience could make all the difference.
“He’s got more experience,” Brown continued. “More meetings, more pregames, more halftimes. He’s been in pressure situations — goal-line, short-yardage plays. He’s made big-time plays and started a few games. That’s where I think Texas holds the advantage.”
While Ohio State may have the upper hand at other positions, Brown emphasizes that nothing is more important than quarterback play — especially in a game of this magnitude.
“Ohio State’s loaded — great players, great team, and they’re playing at home,” Brown said. “But the quarterback touches the ball every play. More often than not, the team with the better quarterback wins. And I believe in Arch.”
Mack Brown is all in on Arch Manning, and he’s confident the young quarterback can lead Texas to a statement victory in Columbus to open the 2025 season with a bang.
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