Texas Longhorns Prepare Arch Manning, Face Ohio State in 2025 Opener

The 2025 college football season has Texas Longhorns, led by quarterback Arch Manning, ranked number one in the nation and poised for a deep playoff run. Manning, highly touted and compared to Joe Burrow by former LSU coach Ed Orgeron, has garnered hype as a prospective Heisman Trophy candidate and potential top NFL draft pick, though he maintains a humble stance about the expectations. Texas faces a significant early test against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, who have named former Alabama transfer Julian Sayin as their starting quarterback, setting up a high-stakes Week 1 matchup. Despite Manning's limited starting experience, rival coaches acknowledge his level-headedness and maturity in handling the intense scrutiny and hype. The previous season's Cotton Bowl saw Ohio State defeat Texas 28-14, a game that sparked speculation about the impact Manning might have had if healthy, highlighting the crucial role he is expected to play moving forward. Texas must navigate a challenging schedule including key road games against Ohio State, Georgia, and Florida to fulfill their championship aspirations.