Arch Manning and the No.1-ranked Texas Longhorns opened the season with a matchup against the 3rd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes last weekend. My colleague Matthew Wilson wrote an article describing what went wrong in this game, and it was an excellent read.
Here is my breakdown of Manning’s overall performance in the loss against OSU. I will discuss the good, the bad, and my thoughts on how Manning can improve his performance moving forward. Texas will go as far as he takes them this year.
Manning's stat line from the game:
17/30, 170 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 10 carries, 38 yards, 108.6 QB rating.
The numbers weren't disastrous, but they also didn't stand out, and the film showed the same thing: Moments of brilliance mixed with stretches of missed opportunities. The following article by my colleague, Sam Fariss, discusses the unease that this game has brought to the Longhorn faithful.
However, there is no reason to sound the alarm yet.
Strengths from the Ohio State Game
Leadership: Manning held his head high even in defeat and took responsibility for his performance in his post-game interview.
Mobility: Ohio State played as well as any defense could against the Longhorns, and I liked how Manning wasn’t afraid to use his legs. While the production was minimal, the yards he gained were key late in the game.
Resilience: Plain and simple, this wasn’t the game Manning intended to have. There were numerous moving pieces and defensive looks that caused Texas problems. Manning didn’t quit or pout—he stayed locked in and eventually threw a touchdown down the stretch.
Areas for Improvement
Missed/ Late reads: Manning often hesitated before throwing, which allowed defenders to react and close down passing windows. His third-quarter interception happened because he waited too long to deliver the ball. He needs to focus on releasing his passes earlier and recognizing defensive coverage faster, making anticipation his strength.
Footwork: Manning’s discomfort while dropping back led to inconsistent foot placement. He frequently threw without setting his feet, especially when forced out of the pocket, resulting in reduced accuracy and power. To improve, he needs to consistently set his base and align his feet with his target before throwing the ball.
Mechanics: His throwing motion looked off on Saturday. Almost every pass came out of the sidearm, and his velocity dipped. From my perspective, the problem starts with his lower body. Manning is throwing off his back foot, leaving all of his power behind him. To fix it, he needs to transfer that force forward by flipping his hips. As I always say, "drag the big toe". Doing so will give him a big jump in velocity.
The big picture for Texas
This wasn’t just another game—it was a national measuring stick. Texas went toe-to-toe with a perennial contender and learned exactly where they need to sharpen their execution. For the Longhorn faithful, the encouraging sign is clear: Even though the first game ended in a loss, there’s no reason to panic. This is part of Manning’s and the Longhorns’ development. This sheds some light on the early draft boards, where some say that Manning will declare early.
I think he stays to develop the right way, just like his uncles did, it only makes sense.
Final Grade
Grade: C-
Manning’s performance wasn’t flawless. He struggled, turned the ball over, and couldn’t execute early. But he kept battling, and I respect the way he tunes out the hype. It’s the public that builds that noise, not him.
Is he talented? Absolutely. Is he fully developed yet? No, and that’s perfectly fine. A "C-" in Columbus means he’s facing the same growing pains that every quarterback has gone through, including his uncles Eli Manning and Peyton Manning, when they went through the collegiate ranks.