© Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The start to the Arch Manning Era for Texas did not go according to plan for Longhorns fans.
The blueblood quarterback, making his third career start but first as the undisputed QB1 for Texas, struggled mightily in the first half against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
Manning began the game by bouncing a ball intended for wide-open wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr.
Arch Manning gets us started with the first pass of the season 🔥pic.twitter.com/FYlglYkKZS
— Underdog (@Underdog) August 30, 2025
Things didn’t get much better from there, either. At halftime, Manning is just 5-of-10 for 26 yards. He also has five carries for 13 yards, one of which led to him getting lit up by Ohio State defensive back Lorenzo Styles.
Lorenzo Styles takes out Arch Manning 😳. pic.twitter.com/1X2GbINkYp
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) August 30, 2025
College Football Fans Aren’t Taking It Easy On Arch Manning
Manning comes into the 2025 season with a ton of hype, not just because of his last name, but also because he’s the Heisman Trophy favorite according to the oddsmakers.
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So as you can imagine, college football fans were quick to pile on Manning after his awful first half.
For how hyped Arch Manning is, his throwing motion looks awful, unnatural and so far, inaccurate
— Daniel (@BornToDiePoor) August 30, 2025
Arch Manning in the Manning family pic.twitter.com/Wm4KLMICR5
— Wilson F. Ball, CFB Analyst (@WillyFoosball) August 30, 2025
Arch? pic.twitter.com/w4HMQzQbCj
— The Shotgun Start (@TheShotgunStart) August 30, 2025
Listen, Manning isn’t exactly walking into an easy environment. Ohio State’s defense is loaded, and The Horseshoe is a brutal place to start the season. But also, you have to do a lot better than 5-of-10 for 26 yards.
The Longhorns went into the half trailing 7-0, and Manning’s struggles are a huge reason why. Does it mean he’s a complete bust and everyone should just give up on him already? Of course not. But it’s not a great look for a player with higher expectations than anyone we’ve ever seen before.