Man, that first game was not what the Texas Longhorns wanted to get out of their trip to Ohio State, but it did show them exactly what they need to work on moving forward.
After the game, the Longhorns took it on the chin and marched off the field in Columbus with their heads held high. One former Texas star took to social media to defend his alma mater, clinging to anything and everything he could to do so.
Emmanuel Acho, who played linebacker for the Horns in the 2000s, has repeatedly voiced his support for Texas, even when they lose or make mistakes. After the Week 1 loss to the Buckeyes, Acho did exactly that.
"Here's what we're not gonna do: We're not gonna act like [Manning] can't play all of a sudden. Third career start, on the road, versus a top-three team, reining National Championship team," Acho said. "Against the defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, of Ohio State, who's won three Super Bowls! I'm not gonna act like Arch Manning can't play."
Acho went on to say that Manning undeniably had to improve, his first start on the road being a far cry from the expectations that were set before him.
Arch Manning versus Ohio State
- 17/30 for 170 passing yards
- 1 touchdown
- 1 interception
- 10 carries
- 38 rushing yards
"Missed passes on the first drive, missed passes on the last drive. Showed some promise in the middle of the game, and by the middle of the game, and by the middle of the game, I really mean the middle of the fourth quarter. It wasn't enough," Acho said.
I’m sick. Texas loses to Ohio State, again. But let’s talk about Arch Manning, immediately…. pic.twitter.com/04IRLSWN4U
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) August 30, 2025
Acho was right. The setting was insanely difficult, and the expectations were nearly insurmountable. However, Manning has to be better moving forward.
Yet, it isn't entirely on Manning, and Acho made sure to point that out, turning toward Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian for answers that weren't given during the four quarters against Ohio State.
"Sarkisian, I wish we would've seen more, knowing how much your quarterback was struggling, I wish you would have given him a couple easier completions," Acho pleaded.
Now, don't get it wrong, Acho gave the Buckeyes roses where they were due, praising the Ohio State defensive unit that is filled with players who could easily hear their names called in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The game was far from perfect. It was pretty ugly, as a matter of fact. However, it could have been a lot worse, and there are very clear areas of improvement that the Longhorns can focus on before their next game.
Ohio State beat Texas 14-7 and held the Horns to just 336 total yards. The Longhorns are going to have to be better, especially against teams like the Georgia Bulldogs.